Auditor/Treasurer

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs responsible administrative, analytical, and professional work coordinating processes to determine property taxes.

• Oversees the administration of the Tax Delinquency and Forfeited Land statutes, policies and procedures.

• Manages property tax system calculation, billing, collection, and settlement of over $300,000,000 in property taxes, including tax accounting, reporting, and maintenance of property tax records.

• Oversees day to day operations of the applicable areas of the department. Responsible for decisions related to: Property Tax laws and processes, develops, and implements standards, workflows, and controls to process all calculations, settlements, and reconciliation in compliance with statutes, policies and procedures.

• Manages staff that process special assessment certification charges, daily and monthly reconciliation of collections, property tax calculations Tax Increment Financing including preliminary review, certification, reporting, and system management and Fiscal Disparity programs, adjustments and abatements to property tax charges, and all tax and miscellaneous settlement of funds including reconciliation to general ledger.

• Coordinates, audits, and has the ability to perform the processes of property tax calculation, settlement, and distribution. Collaborates with the other metro counties and the MN Department of Revenue to ensure consistent outcomes that comply with state statutes.

• Maintains official financial records and balances highly complex financial accounts for the county, maintaining a full and accurate record of all account activities and regularly reporting on results.

• Manages all aspects of data reporting and data requests, and multiple complex and time-sensitive required reports concerning legislation and potential implications, as well as annual valuation and taxation data; works with Taxation staff to deliver accurate information to Elected Officials, Senior County Officials, general public, State of Minnesota, and taxing jurisdictions.

• Monitors tax laws and legislation changes; analyzes and proposes policies and directives to resolve new and changing requirements as they relate to and impact the taxation functions and computer data software applications.

•  Develops, implements, revises, monitors, and maintains oversight of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws, rules, and regulations. 

• Trains staff on policies, procedures, and standards for the collection and maintenance of data involved in financial and non-financial transactions in systems and applications.

• Has oversight of the highly complex calculation, collection, and distribution each year of real estate, personal property, and mobile home taxes settlement and reconciliation areas of the department, which is responsible for billing, reconciling, and settling millions of dollars in property taxes each year.

• Understands the property tax system used by the County and assist in the design, development, support, and maintenance of the system.

• Supervises staff; prioritizing and assigning workload to staff including hardware, software, security, and business systems; ensuring staff is trained; providing guidance; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; conducting performance evaluations; hiring, promoting or transferring staff; and discipline up to and including termination.

• Oversees and coordinates all tax forfeited land remediation projects with multiple departments and contractors.

• Participates in workshops at County Administration and County Board meetings to present information related to taxation, tax increment financing, and fiscal disparities.

• Collaborates and attends meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including State, elected, and appointed officials, and the public, regarding tax laws, property tax, valuation legislation, policy, procedures, issues, and trainings.

• May act as an alternative backup for managing the County's cash, investment accounts, and County’s investment portfolio.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, or a directly related field and five years of related experience in property tax and taxpayer services administration or land management fields.

• A valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

• Strong analytical skills and in-depth experience. Knowledge of property taxation-oriented computer software programs.

• Incumbent to complete Department of Revenue (DOR) courses Assessment Laws and Procedures with Ethics (ALP) and Mass Appraisal Basics within two years of hire and obtain DOR Property Tax Certification within one year of hire.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision and guidance of the Property & Taxation Services Manager. Work is performed in accordance to state and federal statutes with minimal supervision. The employee exercises independent judgment in implementing new work methods and procedures. 

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others. 

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 county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
 
 Knowledge of the principles and techniques of property assessment and taxation.
 
 Knowledge of Property Tax Accounting.
 
 Knowledge of Minnesota state statutes and rules relating to property tax laws.
 
 Knowledge of all MN Department of Revenue tax calculation, collection, and settlement specifications and regulations.
 
 Knowledge of fiscal policies and budgetary procedures.
 
 Knowledge of taxation software and hardware and other related applications.
 
 Abilities – Ability to work effectively with state, county, other local government officials, and the general public.
 
 Ability to effectively plan, assign, train, organize, and direct staff to create and maintain high quality service.
 
 Ability to create, read, and analyze policies and procedures.
 
 Ability to possess and maintain professionalism in areas of conflict.
 
 Ability to organize and manage time while maintaining strong attention to detail.
 
 Ability to audit and reconcile financial transactions and statements.
 
 Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
 Ability to problem-solve.
 
 Ability to use MS Office and other software for the performance of essential duties.
 
 Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature. 
 
Ability to perform complex property tax calculations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.
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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.