The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a vibrant waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City’s square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for the Business Tax Manager position.
AN OVERVIEW
The City of Alexandria’s Finance Department is looking for an experienced, customer service-oriented, and detail-driven Business Tax Manager to join our team. As a member of the Revenue Division, the Business Tax Manager is responsible for the review and assessment of eight tax types with the issuance of the business license for approximately 14,000 business, including business professional and occupational licenses (BPOL), business personal property tax (BPP), short term rental tax, admission tax, transient lodging tax, public right of way tax, and utility tax. This position is also responsible for all audits related to business taxes, including a review of business’ financial records and business activities. This position may include site visits to businesses based in the City of Alexandria. This position manages and oversees a team of eight revenue staff members. The Business Tax Manager is a subject matter expert in business taxes and associated business processes and serves as an operational subject matter expert in the administration of the Business Tax System.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
The ideal candidate is well-organized, detail-oriented
- Strong knowledge of the Code of Virginia and the Alexandria City Code regarding tax assessment, discovery, enforcement, and collection of all business-related taxes.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, codes, policies, and regulations to real work scenarios.
- Good knowledge of accounting principles, techniques, and procedures.
- Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial tax records and reports.
- Ability to research, analyze, and interpret statistical data.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of other employees.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, managers, elected officials, business owners and members of the public.
THE OPPORTUNITY – EXAMPLES OF WORK
- Under direction of senior leadership, acts as subject matter expert on City policy relating to assessment, discovery, enforcement, and collection of business tax.
- Overseas and administers the day-to-day operations of all business-related taxes.
- Responsible for creation and mailing of annual forms in a timely manner.
- Oversee the assessment, enforcement and collection of all business-related taxes and ensure all licenses are issued according to the Code.
- Coordinates and delegates work assignments to staff in a manner consistent with overall Division, Department, and City strategy.
- Resolves and respond to taxpayer complaints and appeals that cannot be resolved by front line staff.
- Participates in and provides guidance on the research and final resolution of business tax appeals and complex audit cases.
- Prepares annual performance evaluations for staff members under the immediate supervision of the Business Tax Manager.
- Reviews and prepares responses to complex taxpayer inquiries, complaints, and correspondence referred by City Council, the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and the Director of Finance.
- Select accounts or business license classifications for audit based on review of trends, ratios, and risk analysis.
- Collaborate with technical staff as a subject matter expert in the system administration of various tax and revenue software systems.
- Provides oral and/or written opinions to senior leadership on proposed legislation and tax policy.
- Supports the City Attorney’s Office and private collection agents in tax matters.
- Research and analyze code changes pertaining to the various business-related taxes along with ensuring staff is knowledgeable regarding all taxes and tax changes.
- Performs related work as required.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The City of Alexandria's Finance Department is a fast-paced, diverse, and customer service focused operation that is responsible for: the assessment, collection, and enforcement of all City taxes; the management of cash flow and investments; accounting for and reporting the City’s financial position; processing payroll; executing a fair and competitive procurement environment; assessing all real and personal property in the City; managing the City’s risk and safety programs; and managing the City’s pension plans. The Finance Department has seven divisions and in fiscal year 2026 is operating with a total budget of $16.2 million and 109 FTE positions. The goal of the Finance Department is to treat all employees, citizens, and business owners professionally, with fairness and compassion.
MINIMUM AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least five or more years managing or overseeing a diverse group that handles the assessment and collection of taxes. Ability to effectively communicate with businesses or taxpayers in person and in writing. Strong background of taxes: federal, state or local. Experience in accessing reports in an account receivables system with the ability to analyze data regarding multiple tax types. Strong experience with Microsoft Excel (pivot, VLOOKUP, or equivalent skills.)
NOTES
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to a criminal background check. The selection process for this position may include a phone or virtual interview, in-person interview, and/or written examination.
The starting salary range for this position is $73,323.38 to $102,791.00, based on qualifications and experience. The incumbent can eventually be awarded up to $129,033.32 with tenure and job performance.