Employee Spotlight: Tax Collections Earns State Certification

Buncombe County is excited to announce four of its employees earned the NC Tax Collection Association’s Assistant Tax Collectors certification, a rigorous course taught by the NC School of Government and NC Department of Revenue. The certification helps ensure County taxpayers are getting the best available service from our Tax Collectors. “Collection certification ensures collectors are knowledgeable of collection methods and requires continuing education to maintain certification that provides professional development and continuous learning to better serve our stakeholders,” explains Director of Tax Collections Jennifer Pike. “The Tax Collection team is caring and compassionate, with an unwavering focus on best-in-class service. They are always looking for ways to improve service delivery and personal growth; I could not be more proud of their determination.”

Tax Revenue Collector Janet Briggs says despite having experience in her field, professional development is crucial. “Change is constant, and in order to do your job to the best of your ability, you must attend meetings and classes to be made aware of any updates or changes in laws or statutes that affect the way you perform your duties,” she says. Tax Revenue Collector Michelle Warren says advancing her understanding of tax collections is key in fostering better customer service. “Familiarizing ourselves with guidelines, rules, and procedures makes us more experienced in our positions and also helps us have the knowledge of how to answer citizens’ questions,” explains Michelle. And for Tax Collections Supervisor Allison Jackson, the course helped her further understand the entire process of creating and collecting funds and how they get distributed. “By attending classes, learning the tax laws set forth by the state, and earning the certification, I am able to provide the most up-to-date information regarding NC tax laws which are strictly followed in order to ensure every citizen is treated fairly and equitable,” she says.

Congratulations to Janet Briggs, Allison Jackson, Naydean Walker, and Michelle Warren on earning your Assistant Tax Collectors certification. We know this required lots of coursework, studying, and hard work and will be an asset to the County and our community.