Levy Specialist 1

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2-3 days per week in the office, with additional in-office time as business needs require. Please note that during the initial 6-month probationary period, this role will be fully in-office. As a key point of contact for our Assessor-Treasurer’s Office, you’ll help community members understand their property taxes and communicate with taxing districts regarding the rate that property taxes are determined. Our team supports the public both in person and over the phone, offering clear information, patient guidance, and great customer service. We pride ourselves on being responsive, accurate, and transparent so taxpayers feel confident about their tax bill and their options. The levy process involves the calculation of various taxing authority budgets and applies statutory limitations to arrive at the levy rates imposed on taxable value within the county. In this role, you may answer questions about levy rate limitations, ballot measure propositions, special assessments, and how property taxes are calculated. You will prepare annual reports submitted to the Department of Revenue. You’ll also perform complex mathematical calculations, research legislative bills and their impacts upon levies. Communication of changes needed to our software vendors based upon legislative changes. Communication with internal staff, County Departments, and Taxing Authority officials. Work involves reviewing levy documents, ballot proposals, entering data, performing complex calculations using excel and following mandated statutes and limitations. The Assessor-Treasurer's Office is responsible for the mass appraisal of real and personal property in Pierce County for purposes of assessing property taxes. Our mission is to fairly and efficiently value property and collect revenue to fund public services throughout Pierce County. Adding over one billion dollars of New Construction value to Pierce County tax rolls each year, we are a team dedicated to serving the citizens of Pierce County. We are widely respected for their high level of integrity, teamwork, and positive interactions with taxpayers and other governmental agencies. Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Supervisor regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development, robust online learning, direct feedback from your Supervisor, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.

Requirements

Associate degree in accounting, computer science, business or related field
Two or more years of property assessment and levy experience.
Resume and cover letter are required for this position.
Background check authorization and completion.

Nice To Haves

Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service
Follows directions well
Can work both independently and as part of a team
Reliability
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to anticipate needs
Clear understanding that communication and customer service come first
Detail-oriented
Accurate
Computer-savvy
Proficiency in multitasking
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel (higher-level Excel functions), PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Responsibilities

Calculates levies and tax rolls; adjusts tax rolls according to State limitations to determine levy and tax dollars to be collected for all taxing districts; submits certification of levies to Department of Revenue and other public entities.
Interprets and verifies taxing districts budget requests.
Researches, analyzes, and makes projections on taxing districts budget amounts.
Analyzes complex levy limits and their impact on taxing districts.
Performs research on new legislation affecting taxing districts.
Maintains and updates the utility roll on state assessed properties such as those owned by telephone companies, railroads, gas companies, and other public entities.
Prepares formal correspondence to all taxing districts during preliminary and finalized budget requests.