Compliance Investigator

Compliance Investigator
 
This is specialized work in the office of the Property Appraiser involving inspection and investigation of homestead exemption and related Florida exemptions fraud.  The work requires knowledge of the applicable Florida Statutes.  Work includes significant contact with the public, field inspections and computer skills.  Duties involve gathering and analyzing data, making decisions based on evidence, preparing case files, and testifying at Value Adjustment Board (VAB) hearings or in court.  Experience is usually gained through a combination of training and experience.  Contacts with others require skills in diplomacy, tact and influencing people and are important in providing services, discussing and resolving exemption questions and problems, and presenting and defending recommendations and decisions.  The work is performed with a high degree of independent judgment, discretion and initiative under general supervision. Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field.  Operates standard office equipment; such as personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. 
 
Responsibilities
 
  • Communicates effectively and professionally, verbally and in writing, the statutes and requirements of the homestead exemption and related Florida exemptions.
  • Assist in answering general taxpayer calls providing effective resolution to inquiries and issues.
  • Conduct research in the field through on-site interviews with taxpayers and related parties.  Conduct field inspections of properties, prepare comprehensive written reports, and take photographs.
  • Conduct research within the office through telephone interviews and computer-based research.
  • Make determination of eligibility of exemptions and corresponding back taxes within authority limits and processes all necessary paperwork, including Intent to Deny, Denial and Liens. 
  • Meets with taxpayers and representatives in response to investigation and/or removal of exemption(s).
  • Prepares and presents defense of removal of exemptions at Value Adjustment Board (VAB) hearings and in litigation.
  • Ability to determine ‘live in’ percentage based upon the commercial vs. residential use.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
 
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, rules and procedures applicable to exemptions and ability to apply this knowledge to individual cases. 
  • Knowledge of interviewing, data-gathering and investigative techniques.
  • Knowledge of modern legal research techniques, methods and procedures.
  • Knowledge of chain of title and legal instruments.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply Save Our Homes (SOH). 
  • Ability to interview and question people and gather and evaluate evidence.
  • Ability to obtain information from computer/web files.
  • Ability to interact with taxpayers in a courteous, friendly and effective manner, and to establish and maintain a good working relationship with internal staff and other government agencies
  • Ability to communicate effectively and concisely orally and in writing.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in applying and interpreting laws, regulations, rules and policies and procedures.
 
Qualifications
 
  • A four-year combination of education, training and experience in a government assessment office, accounting, investigation/research, or paralegal.  Exemption experience preferred.
  • Prior experience in a job(s) that requires skill in dealing with customers including the ability to explain laws, regulations, procedures, and policies.
  • Computer literacy and excellent public relations skills.
  • Valid Florida Driver’s License, along with maintaining a safe driving record.
 
Salary range is $33,000 - $44,000 - $52,800


HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants interested in the available position(s) should complete and submit the PAO Employment Application in one of the following ways:

- Print, scan and send the completed application along with a current resume via e-mail to PAOemploy@coj.net. Data on the form cannot be saved, therefore the completed application must be printed and scanned in order to send via e-mail. Applications are only accepted for available posted positions. Applications must be completed in full. Partial applications will not be considered.