Principal Clerk - Treasurer-Collector's Office

Dracut; Dracut (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Dracut, Massachusetts is seeking a Principal Clerk in the Treasurer-Collector’s Office to provide administrative, customer service, and financial support. You will handle payments, maintain records, assist the public and external stakeholders, and help ensure compliance with laws and policies.

The role requires careful attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to work under supervision with prescribed schedules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years related banking and/or customer service experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the collection of real estate, excise, and personal property taxes, as well as water and sewer payments, in person and by mail by receiving, preparing and electronically processing payments.
• Assist with the collection of receipts from town and school departments.
• Assist with the preparation of tax title documentation and reconciliation of tax titles.
• Responds to inquiries and provides assistance to the public, mortgage and title companies, and lawyers by researching and preparing documents, making necessary referrals, and processing Municipal Lien Certificates.
• Balances daily cash receipts and performs accounts payable functions.
• Process and reconcile payment reversals received online and through bank deposits, and notify applicable departments as required.

Skills

Cash handling

Customer service

Record keeping

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years banking/customer service experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ten-key/adding machine

Accounting/bookkeeping

Job description

Principal Clerk - Treasurer-Collector's Office

Department: Finance
Supervisor: Treasurer-Collector
Union Status: Union (position terms governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement)
Full Salary Range: $21.76-32.22 hourly; Anticipated hiring range: $22.41 – $25.19 hourly, depending on qualifications and experience
Position: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
FLSA Status: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime in accordance with FLSA and Town policy)

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Treasurer-Collector, or designee, the Principal Clerk provides administrative, customer service, and financial support to the Treasurer-Collector’s Office to ensure efficient and accurate operations. Work involves receiving and processing payments, maintaining records, assisting the public and external stakeholders, and supporting departmental compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Supervision:

Works under the direct supervision of the Treasurer-Collector or designee, following established rules, regulations, and policies to complete assigned tasks on prescribed schedules. Duties require attention to detail, confidentiality, and timely execution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work 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.

• Assists with the collection of real estate, excise, and personal property taxes, as well as water and sewer payments, in person and by mail by receiving, preparing and electronically processing payments.
• Assist with the collection of receipts from town and school departments.
• Assist with the preparation of tax title documentation and reconciliation of tax titles.
• Responds to inquiries and provides assistance to the public, mortgage and title companies, and lawyers by researching and preparing documents, making necessary referrals, and processing Municipal Lien Certificates.
• Balances daily cash receipts and performs accounts payable functions.
• Process and reconcile payment reversals received online and through bank deposits, and notify applicable departments as required.
• Research and prepare tax refunds including calculating interest owed for overvaluations of property.
• Orders office and equipment maintenance supplies and arrange for equipment maintenance.
• Performs administrative support functions, including printing, folding, copying and faxing.
• Performs other related duties as required by the Treasurer/Collector or designee.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related banking and/or customer service experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Ability & Skill:

• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, including cash-handling protocols; familiarity with municipal billing and collection methods and procedures preferred.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with the public and explain tax-related processes and requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with accounting/bookkeeping practices and ten-key/adding machine skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and the general public.
• Demonstrated dependability and reliability; positive work history.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in a typical office setting; the employee regularly sits, talks, listens, stands, walks, stoops, and reaches with hands and arms to access documents and files.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Position requires normal vision, including close vision to view computer screens and documents.
• Equipment operated includes office machines, telephones, and computers.
• The employee has regular contact with the public, other Town departments, other municipalities, and outside agencies and organizations.
• The employee has access to confidential taxpayer information and must maintain strict confidentiality.

Consequences of Error:

Errors could result in delays or loss of services, legal repercussions, and monetary loss. Accuracy and adherence to procedures are essential.

Conditions of Employment:

A CORI background check will be conducted in compliance with Massachusetts law. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate; decisions will be made consistent with applicable law and job-related requirements. A post-offer drug screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable state law and Town policy.

The Town of Dracut, Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations.

Employment Relationship:

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.