Business Outreach Specialist I/Data Collections
HdL Companies is a leader in helping local governments maximize revenues through financial and economic analysis and software solutions. The Business Outreach Specialist I is responsible for assisting in outreach efforts to California businesses, focusing on verifying business information to support audit case resolution and enhance client revenue.
Responsibilities
- Learn and apply tools and techniques to identify sales tax recovery opportunities
- Develop outreach strategies to gather non-sensitive business information
- Initiate basic telephone & email outreach, primarily focused on small California businesses, to obtain and verify information about operations. No sales or telemarketing, information is used to verify local sales tax allocation amongst various California jurisdictions
- Ensure the timely and thorough resolution of sales tax audit leads with a primary focus on registration errors and simple sales tax reporting issues
- Build relationships with small business owners and tax preparers
- Develop a strong working knowledge of California sales tax reporting regulations and guidelines
- Develop a strong understanding of the team’s standard operating procedures
- Acquire and assemble location and operations data on California businesses from a wide variety of sources (California Department of Tax and Fees Administration (CDTFA) sales, use, and transactions tax records, city/county business license data, internet, business journals, etc.)
- Document research and findings within the company’s propriety software application. Prepare written inquiries/petitions (along with supporting documentation) for submittal to the appropriate State agencies
- Meet productivity and accuracy goals while being guided by senior team members
Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Communication skills: Able to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with small business owners and personnel
- Research & analytical skills: Capable of conducting basic research to identify inconsistencies between small datasets
- Computer skills: Comfortable using standard office software, including Microsoft Office; capable of learning a variety of software programs including HdL sales and property tax applications
- Receptiveness to feedback: Open to constructive feedback and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow
- Teamwork: Works well within a team, taking direction from senior team members and contributing positively to the overall team dynamic
- An associate degree or coursework in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in customer service, data collection, research, or related outreach roles
- Experience working with small businesses or in a role involving public communication
- Familiarity with sales and use tax concepts or experience within a government agency or tax consulting environment
Benefits
- Competitive Base Pay
- Opportunity to participate in 401k
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, LTD and Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (learn more about the HdL ESOP at: https://www.hdlcompanies.com/about/careers)
Company Overview