Excise Tax Specialist

Job Expires: Open until filled

Salary: $44,286.17 - $66,429.25

General Description 

The Excise Tax Specialist is responsible for administering, collecting, and enforcing municipal excise taxes, as well as multiple license types, in compliance with the City of Atlanta’s regulations. This role requires attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of tax laws and regulations.  This job requires a skilled business professional in carrying out the input, processing, and review of business accounts within an accounting operations environment. This role is a non-supervisory position.

Duties & Responsibilities 

The following duties are normal for this job.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigne.

• Be knowledgeable of all requirements to process and administer Alcohol, Professional, Insurance, Financial Institution, and Public Vending licenses during annual renewal season, including but not limited to processing in the City’s licensing software system.
• Process and administer Special Event Alcohol licenses as needed.
• Calculate excise tax and license amounts based on applicable rates and criteria.
• Review tax returns and documentation submitted by taxpayers to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws.
• Collect and process tax and license payments, issue receipts, and maintain accurate records of transactions.
• Respond to inquiries from taxpayers regarding excise tax and licensing requirements, procedures, and obligations.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies or disputes related to excise tax and/or license assessments or payments.
• Collaborate with other City departments, as well as OOR divisions, to ensure consistent enforcement of tax and licensing laws and regulations.
• Stay informed about changes in tax and licensing laws, regulations, and policies that may affect excise tax and licensing administration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid understanding of financial and transactional processing. 
• Skilled in use of Microsoft Office, accounting software.
• Good planning, organizational and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of municipal excise tax and licensing laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to handle escalated issues.
• Ability to compile simple reports.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion.
• Must have good interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to process numbers quickly and accurately. 
• Excellent technical, oral, and written communication skills to effectively communicate with both internal and external customers.
• Continuously provide outstanding customer service.
• Willingness and ability to multi-task in a high energy and fast paced work environment.
• Provide detail oriented and organized work products.
• Perform proactively and with flexibility.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving and results.
• Aptitude to deal with confidential matters tactfully and with good judgment.
• Analytical skills to research, report, and troubleshoot issues and process inefficiencies.
• Knowledge of when to escalate issues when applicable.
• Ability to follow direction and work independently.

Education Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or financial business-related field.
• 3 to 5 plus years of experience in accounts receivable, tax preparation and/or billing organization.
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office Suite and accounting software databases.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in occupational tax calculations and reporting.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Keeps abreast of changes in occupational tax laws and regulations.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues and implements solutions to enhance occupational tax operations.
• Customer Focus: Provides excellent service to businesses and stakeholders.