Tax and Collections Manager

About the Role

This position serves as a manager within the Department of Tax and Collections, specifically assigned to the Fiscal Services Division. The role is designed to oversee one or more significant programs, managing the activities and staff of a division responsible for complex accounting systems, fund reconciliation, collection distribution, budgeting, and auditing.

The ideal candidate will act as a subject matter expert and resource for the department, guiding the division through the intricacies of tax and collections work. This includes managing the preparation and distribution of customer bills, processing county revenues, and handling the accounting of property tax revenue accounts. The role requires a deep understanding of the legal landscape, ensuring that technical and administrative collection processes are defensible in Small Claims Court and that all legal notices and property tax materials are accurate and compliant.

Day-to-day, the manager will coordinate billing and collection activities across various divisions, conferring with officials to establish new schedules and procedures. A significant portion of the role involves resolving complex revenue collection problems, interpreting laws and ordinances for both County staff and the public, and managing the collection of delinquent revenue, including "hard to recover" accounts. The position also entails leading public auctions for the sale of tax-defaulted properties and directing internal and external audits to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Hiring Process

Candidates must possess the required knowledge and abilities attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must have four years of professional-level experience in collections, accounting, and/or customer service within a tax or collections environment, plus one year of experience supervising and/or managing employees. Experience in the public sector or customer service-oriented organizations is highly desirable.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

The County of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. All employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance. As a condition of employment, all staff are required to complete assigned DSW-related training and, in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered. The role may require travel to various locations within and outside the county, and a valid California driver's license is required for those who will be driving.