Supervisor, Tax Policy and Assessment

City of Brampton•Union, NJ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the guidance and operation of the Tax Policy and Assessment Review section within the Finance Division. The individual will be required to provide input on the strategic direction for the area, with an emphasis on the development of a cyclical work plan to address the mitigation of revenue loss risk in the face of significant community growth. The position will be responsible for developing recommendations regarding tax policy options both within Brampton and as part of the Region of Peel. This individual will also be required to personally represent the Corporation or co-ordinate representation in dealings with external agencies, various clients, legal proceedings, and appeal hearings. This position also supervises staff performing various tax billings throughout the year and is responsible for ensuring that all legislative requirements and administrative policies are followed. Provides direction, guidance and development opportunities to staff.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business or Public Administration or equivalent in related field
3-5 years progressive tax/assessment experience
2-3 years supervisory experience;
Ability to Supervise, guide and motivate staff
Sound understanding of the Assessment Act and Municipal Act with an emphasis on municipal tax policy
Practical knowledge of Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal Governments and applicable Legislations is an asset
Strong Customer Service and People Management skills;
Interface with internal and external customers and stakeholders to meet corporate service standards
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public relations skills.
Strong Presentation skills; Facilitate concepts in a clear and concise manner
Strong Organizational skills; Detail oriented, well organized and able to prioritize complex tasks and meet critical deadlines
Strong Analytical skills for complex problem solving
Computer proficiency in Microsoft office/software
Designation from the Institute of Municipal Assessors

Nice To Haves

Practical knowledge of Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal Governments and applicable Legislations is an asset

Responsibilities

Oversee, verify and co-ordinate the accuracy of the assessment roll as prepared by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC);
Co-ordinate a systematic review of key properties or property categories to identify possible appeal opportunities;
Recommend, plan, develop and implement new or innovative procedures to enhance revenues, reduce costs and improve efficiency;
Analyse and monitor in year assessment growth;
Maintain and utilize a computerized model to determine the impacts of various tax policy options and market value adjustments;
Based on analysis and modelling, prepare recommendations on tax policy options;
Direct staff on the preparation of required Statement of Issues and Responses for Tribunals.
Serve as an advocate or witness on behalf of the City at hearings of the Assessment Review Board and other legal proceedings;
Assists in completing the interim and final tax billings and administers the supplemental tax billing process, adjustment billings, payment processing functions and related matters regarding property taxes
Ensure applicable supplementary taxes and other adjustments are processed within legislated timelines
Co-ordinates various appeal billings in the tax system and approves appropriate levies
Assists Tax Manager with organizing and processing interim and final tax billings;
Oversee and approve tax reductions and refunds resulting from decisions of the Assessment Review Board, other tribunals, Courts, or MPAC;
Ensures Daily Tax Receivable file sub ledger is accurate and balanced daily and assist staff with analysis and resolution of any discrepancies;
Assists with all aspects of payment processing and tax account updating
Supervise the Tax Policy and Assessment Review area, including hiring, guidance and direction of staff
Develop an assessment review service work plan and ensure it is implemented and followed by staff;
Develop and supervise the processes for various tax programs such as Senior and Disabled Taxpayers and Commercial/Industrial Vacancy Rebates;
Approve tax rebates and refunds
Monitor staff and their daily operations to ensure that proper priorities and service levels are maintained;
Organize training sessions with staff, focussing on tax and assessment legislation changes and continuous improvement;
Ensure assessment file is updated to reflect decisions of the Assessment Review Board;
Responsible for the establishment of service level targets in conjunction with the annual service plan;
Liaise with staff, community groups, organizations and contractors in a professional manner.
Handle and resolve issues and enquiries to meet corporate service standards.
Escalate complex issues to appropriate level.
Build and maintain a relationship with internal and external stakeholders, departments and team members to achieve common goals and objectives.
Represent the department/City in meetings with internal and external customers, suppliers, professional associations and municipal and provincial governments;
Investigate and respond to escalated assessment related issues.
Participate in regular meetings with customers and stakeholders for information sharing and best practices development
Prepares reports for Council and attends at various Committee meetings
Assists Legal Department in preparation for assessment actions against or by the City
Provides assistance/backup to Manager, Taxation and Assessment and Supervisor of Tax Services as required
Liaise with other areas of the department and Corporation as needed
Keep management informed of activities and initiatives; recommend solutions for effective decision-making.
Stay abreast of market, industry trends and evaluate current programs, processes and practices to recommend solutions that improve business processes, service solutions and best practices.
Maintain knowledge of collective agreements, City policies and practices, legislation, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assist in the budget preparations for the Tax Policy and Assessment Review Section;
Supervise and monitor current budget of expenditures and ensure budget compliance meet necessary sign-offs and approvals.
Use of effective resource and expense management at all times to meet corporate policies and guidelines.
Work well within diverse groups to achieve common goals and objectives that meet operational effectiveness and corporate service standards.
Demonstrate corporate values at all times.
Participate as a member of cross-functional team.