Senior Business Tax Specialist

Senior Business Tax Specialist

The Community Services Department seeks a Senior Business Tax Specialist. The Senior Business Tax Specialist performs advanced technical, customer-facing, and compliance duties related to the administration of local business taxes, licensing, and revenue collection. This position requires considerable attention to detail and the ability to interpret and consistently apply state law, City ordinances, and departmental policies when reviewing business tax applications. In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

Business Tax Processing & Compliance

• Reviews, processes, and approves complex business tax applications, renewals, amendments, and payments.
• Conducts detailed verification of required documentation (insurance, corporate registrations, professional licenses, zoning approval, etc.).
• Identifies discrepancies, fraud indicators, or incomplete submissions and takes appropriate investigative or corrective action.
• Ensures compliance with municipal code, state statutes, and departmental policies.
• Interprets and applies Florida Statutes, City ordinances, and departmental policies when reviewing business tax applications and determining compliance requirements.
• Researches business activities and ownership information to determine applicable business tax classifications and required documentation.
• Exercises independent judgment in evaluating complex or non-routine applications and resolving compliance-related issues

Customer Service & Public Interaction

• Provides expert-level guidance to business owners, residents, and internal partners regarding business tax regulations, exemptions, and procedures.
• Responds to escalated or complex inquiries via phone, email, and in person.
• Explains regulatory requirements and business tax obligations to business owners, contractors, and members of the public in a clear and professional manner. Delivers professional, high-quality service while managing difficult or sensitive interactions.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Performs daily accounting-related tasks including billing, fee calculation, payment processing, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Balances cash drawers, prepares deposits, and ensures accuracy of revenue entries.
• Maintains electronic and physical records; ensures data integrity and adherence to retention policies.
• Compiles daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.

Technical & Operational Support

• Provides guidance and functional training to junior staff or clerical personnel.
• Assists in workflow coordination, assigning daily tasks, and offering subject-matter expertise.
• Performs research using internal systems and external government resources.
• Participates in audits, quality checks, and process improvement initiatives.
• Serves as a technical resource to staff regarding business tax procedures, ordinance interpretation, and application requirements.

Special Assignments

• Supports emergency operations or adjusted schedules as required by the agency.
• Assists in special events permitting, sidewalk caf licensing, and related regulatory activities.
• Represents the division in interdepartmental meetings or community outreach efforts.

Job Requirements, Preferences & Work Environment

Minimum Requirements:

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
2. Must possess at least three (3) years of experience in business tax processing, revenue collection, licensing, or closely related regulatory/compliance work.
3. Notary Public is required within six (6) months of employment.
4. Experience in a government or public-sector environment strongly preferred.
5. Strong knowledge of municipal business tax requirements, state regulations, and compliance procedures.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel).
7. Ability to interpret ordinances, policies, and technical procedures.
8. Ability to analyze documentation, identify discrepancies, and make sound compliance determinations.
9. Strong mathematical and accounting accuracy.
10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
11. Ability to manage high-volume workloads, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
12. Skilled in conflict resolution and maintaining professionalism under pressure.
13. If claiming Veterans' Preference, you must attach a copy of the DD214 Member 4 form (or other supporting claim documents) to your on-line application.

1. Experience interpreting and applying statutes, ordinances, administrative rules, or regulatory requirements in a governmental or regulated environment.
2. Prior experience in a local government business tax or licensing division.
3. Experience training, leading, or mentoring staff.
4. Familiarity with revenue management or licensing software systems.
5. Demonstrated ability to identify fraud or irregularities in applications or financial documents.
6. Experience preparing or analyzing financial or operational reports

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

Physical Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions: The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for brief periods of time. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How To Apply & Supplemental Information

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.