CITY OF WESTFIELD
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNT CLERK – COLLECTORS
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Applies accounting principles in the maintenance and processing functions involving financial accounts and records. Very detailed work with emphasis on accuracy and speed and a moderate degree of decision making and responsibilities. Must have basic understanding of overall department duties. Regular interaction with Public and other city departments. Communication and detail-oriented skills are essential for this position.
SUPERVISION:
Under general supervision. The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently with specific instruction. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments. The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Provides customer service for a variety of activities via telephone, email and face to face.
- Collects, processes and posts payments of real estate, excise and other city fees.
- Balances daily cash drawer.
- May process RMV release of “flag” upon receipt of payment.
- Processes Municipal Lien Certificates.
- Prepares correspondence for tax takings, tracking the letters sent, obtaining necessary documentation of mailings and providing follow up and file documents with Registry.
- Researches and processes real estate and personal property refunds and utility bills.
- Processes RMV suspensions.
- Opens office and vault daily.
- Maintains posting of payments on tax title accounts.
- Maintains filing of tax title accounts.
- Preparation of redemption certificates.
- Processes attorney payments.
- May train other employees and participates in cross training.
- Such other related duties as required.
OTHER ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The nature of the work means that errors in administrative work are not easily detected. Consequences of errors, including inaccurate information, could impact other departments and result in monetary loss, interruption of service and poor internal or external customer service.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or GED and 2 years related work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent organizational, typing and data processing skills, proficient in the use of personal computers and office software including word processing, database, internet and spreadsheet applications.
- Working knowledge of office software and machines. Must have a firm understanding of math and technology as well as knowledge of accounting techniques.
- The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and in some cases may require additional interpretation.
- Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; strong communication skills in relaying important information and ability to deal appropriately with other employees, department heads and City officials.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Ability to understand and follow directions and take the initiative in completing assignments.
- Ability to complete work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in accordance with work deadlines.
- Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, policies & practices in all aspects of job.
- The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field.
- Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts.
- Ability to proofread work. Ability to learn and efficiently utilize specific software for department use.
- Performs preparation of forms, correspondence and other documents.
- Assists with answering telephones as well as responding to questions and providing information within authority.
- Performs filing, scanning and copying as directed.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work cooperatively with coworkers, City officials, other City employees and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the public in a courteous and professional manner.
- Such other related duties as required.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills: Work is generally conducted within Municipal Building, where Employee is required to report for their shift. Ability to travel throughout the office and within the Municipal Building is necessary. Work is largely sedentary in nature, with occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above, generally of desk and file drawers. Frequent use of hands to operate keyboards and telephones, and other office equipment.
Motor Skills: The work requires motor skills for activities such as keyboarding, filing, moving objects and using a variety of office equipment.
Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
The City of Westfield is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
