Principal Tax Specialist

Job Summary

Performs complex professional work in coordinating in directing and participating in complex, and highly technical tasks in support of accurate property tax calculation, collection, and distribution of property tax revenues, maintaining accurate assessment and taxation records, preparing reports, and assisting with state audits. Work requires the application of extensive specialized knowledge and experience and the exercise of independent decision making in the solution of highly complex tax calculations. Assists in maintaining standard property taxation practices and procedures that ensure compliance with state and county policies. Performs work lead functions by providing direction and training to Senior and Tax Specialists.

Job Description

Calculates property taxes for Scott County including the preparation and mailing of tax notices.
 
Acts as the primary application technician for various tax application software programs, including administration of technical change orders, patches, and upgrades; troubleshoots technical issues; provides training; creates procedure documents.
 
Responsible for reviewing and auditing the county's daily ACH, EFT, and web fees to the bank from multiple applications.
 
Audits, processes, and proofs certified levies for proposed and final taxes. Advises local taxing authorities regarding statutory requirements.
 
Manages the Administration of Tax Increment Process. Responsible for processing of Tax Increment Financing requests: including Tax Increment Financing preliminary review, certification, reporting, and system management.
 
Performs lead worker functions, which includes providing training and direction to Senior Tax Specialist, Tax Specialists, and administrative staff. 
Prepares educational information for the public related to activities of the program area; makes presentations as required.
Analyzes financial transactions and records for inconsistencies.
 
One must possess a deep and thorough knowledge of Tax Increment Financing laws and the ability to clearly communicate to county and city leadership, city financial advisor companies and all other impacted parties about the plans and all county concerns.
 
Interprets and applies state statutes, local ordinances, and county policies that relate to property assessment and taxation to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
 
Manages, oversees, and audits the special assessment process, collections, distribution, and receivables on behalf of local governments.
 
Leads and participates in the planning, development, training, implementation, and maintenance of new systems and procedures related to taxation; assesses the impact of new or proposed legislation and plans for system implementation; analyzes and reports on anticipated impact to operations.
 
Advises manager in selection of vendors. Coordinates the approval of form design, layout and data elements, and the printing and mailing process.
 
Composes, reviews, and finalizes correspondence and various reports, including those used to determe state statutory compliance; compiles supporting statistical data and informational material.
 
Represents Scott County on internal and external committees and serves as statewide committee chair at the direction of the Deputy Auditor/Treasurer.
 
Coordinates and conducts assigned research and special projects as directed by manager.
 
Compiles, calculates, and certifies detailed financial reports for state and local agencies.
 
Examines, distributes, and audits payments in lieu of taxes from state and local governments.
 
Calculates, proofs, and certifies tax rates and capacities for proposed and final tax statements.
 
Coordinates, oversees, and reconciles the distribution of taxes, fees, and various other collections, reconciling figures with the General Ledger for multi-year distribution.
 
Validates acceptance of requested tax adjustments determining overpayments and interest liability; notifies board of needed adjustments on a quarterly basis.
 
Compiles and maintains the Fiscal Disparities Tables; proofs, calculates, and distributes Fiscal Disparities Funds.
 
Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. Include occasional nights and weekends
 
Coordinates and facilities communication and cooperative working relationships between planning, zoning, building, land records, taxation, surveyors office, and GIS to provide seamless services to the customer.
 
Coordinates, directs, and oversees various meetings and projects, including continuous improvement efforts.
 
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field AND three years' experience with property tax administration including settlement and calculation government accounting. County auditor, treasurer, or assessor office experience preferred. Structured Query Language (SQL) or data model training preferred. One must obtain and remain current with the MN DOR Property Tax Calculation Certification, complete Assessment Laws and Procedures course through MAAO, complete Auditor-Treasurer Course through Minnesota Department of Revenue and attend Legal Description workshop within one year of hire or as soon as courses are offered. A valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. 

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under general supervision from the Deputy Auditor/Treasurer and the Property & Taxation Services Manager with considerable latitude for independent judgment. Work is performed according to established procedures, verbal/written instructions, and according to state regulations.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles and techniques of property assessment.

Knowledge of property tax accounting.

Knowledge of Minnesota state statutes and rules relating to property tax laws.

Knowledge of all Minnesota Department of Revenue tax calculation, collection, distribution, and settlement specifications and regulations.

Knowledge of fiscal policies and budgetary procedures.

Knowledge of taxation software and hardware and other related applications.

Knowledge of property taxation concepts and MN DOR rules.

Knowledge of office management techniques.

Knowledge of techniques for effective customer service.

Abilities – Ability to read and interpret legal documents and descriptions.

Ability to adhere to strict timelines associated with tax processing and tax cycles.

Ability to multi-task in an environment that is stressful due to time pressures.

Ability to comprehend complex tax laws and procedures and apply them correctly for Scott County tax payers.

Ability to prepare written reports.

Ability to audit and reconcile financial transactions and statements.

Ability to perform complex tax calculations and projections.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. Position is stressful in nature due to complexity of laws and rules and the ever-changing nature of tax law. Stress is also a by-product of stringent timelines and trying to meet the demands of a variety of customers with varied needs.