Job ID #32129: Senior Financial Tax Analyst

City of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

8d•CA$95,757 - CA$119,701

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager of Taxation, this position will play the lead role in all property tax billings (Interim, Final, Supplementary and Omitted). This position will be responsible for maintaining the eBilling service and working closely with the City’s printing vendor. Develops, updates, tests, troubleshoots and audits the tax billing system (Vailtech) to ensure accurate and efficient reporting by Taxation staff. Assists in the financial analysis and reporting required for the completion of the annual Financial Information Return (F.I.R.), Financial Statements and various Council reports. Brings a "best practices" approach with a strong emphasis on improved customer service.

Requirements

Proven demonstrated knowledge and experience in the theories, strategies and practices of accounting, financial reporting, finance and budgets usually acquired by obtaining a relevant University degree in Business Administration, Commerce or Economics or a combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience.
Experience working with common technologies such as FTP (file transfer protocols) programs, interfaces, relational databases, networking and web technologies.
Excellent knowledge of computer software applications used in business or financial analysis and report presentation.
Highly developed analytical, technical, organizational, planning and problems solving skills with proven ability to work with very tight deadlines and competing priorities.
Excellent ability to conceptualize problems and recommend appropriate policy solutions/responses.
Possesses strong written and oral communication skills combined with highly developed technical skills, personal integrity and professional commitment.
Proven understanding of the capabilities of various pieces of computer hardware and language.

Nice To Haves

Previous property tax billing experience would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Leads all property tax billings (Interim, Final, Supplementary and Omitted) which includes, but is not limited to: Ensuring tax rates are updated in the tax billing system (Vailtech), assessment totals balance to the Tax Roll, properties are accurately coded for area rating, billing levies are balanced and other integrity checks to ensure accuracy of each billing, including local charges added to the tax bills
Producing test bills for printing vendor and test/review these test bills for accuracy, making changes as required
Updating back of bills and tax brochures
Working closely with the printing vendor to ensure the efficient, accurate and secure transmitting of test and live billing information, as well as ensuring envelope and back of bills inventory are adequate
Ensures bills are completed and mailed out in adherence to the Municipal Act for both mailed and electronic (eBilling) property tax bills
Ensuring accuracy of mailing and printing costs, in adherence to the vendor contracts
Analyses and prepares financial information required for the completion of the annual Financial Information Return (F.I.R.), Financial Statements and responsible for data gathering and analysis required for various Council reports.
Monthly reconciliation of property tax payments and ensuring Taxes Receivable in the General Ledger is reconciled with Vailtech (sub-ledger).
Ensures the accurate annual year-end closing of Vailtech and all required year-end General Ledger entries are completed.
Designs, recommends and implements strategies/processes to improve performance, effectiveness and efficiency in maintaining property tax accounts and improved customer service.
Ensures City`s website is updated with the current property tax information at all times.
Develops and maintains the various Vailtech reports via the Vailtech Switchboard. Modifies and creates new reports, as required and troubleshoots issues in consultation for Information Technology staff.
Reviews and analyses the current tax system (Vailtech). Identifies potential process and procedural changes required to meet future needs. Liaises with Information Technology Division to develop and revise systems.
Assists in the evaluation and implementation of computer systems and information technology solutions.
Implements new tax modules and new functionality. Identifies process changes to take advantage of new functionalities and changes required to meet taxpayer needs / improve customer service.
Identifies and implements Best Practices as they relate to Property Tax processes and systems.
Provides support to the administration and development of the Tax System (Vailtech). Ensures security of Vailtech system by maintaining records of users and their permissions.
Responsible for implementation of systems, including all documentation, testing, staff training, etc.
Perform such other duties, as may be assigned which are directly related to the normal job function.