Job Opening:

                                                                                Tax Collector

 

Department:  Finance

Division: Tax Collection

Exempt/Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal: Full Time

Union/Management: Management

Workweek: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/Week, and as needed

Salary: $155,000 - $180,000. Based on qualifications and experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits packages are available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance, and more.

The City of Jersey City is looking for a certified Municipal Tax Collector who will report to the Director of Finance to manage the City’s collection of personal and property taxes in compliance with all state laws and municipal directives. Such work will include the proper calculation, preparation, and mailing of tax bills, the receipt and detailed accounting of all monies and/or checks received, the timely and accurate accounting and reporting of the activities of the office as required by state law and municipal directive, and assisting in the administration of procedures for the enforcement of timely payment of all due taxes.

Job Duties:

• Reviews and recommends policies to the local governing body impacting operations of the tax collection function, including PILOTS and payroll taxes.
• Consults with the municipal finance director and municipal auditor to maintain accounting and reporting procedures.
• Receives and establishes the accuracy of ad valorem tax duplicates from the tax assessor and assists in the timely preparation and mailing of all final tax bills.
• Consults with the tax assessor, financial personnel, and municipal administrator regarding the exact format and amount of information outlined on tax bills and information regarding tax appeals.
• Establishes appropriate accounting and recording procedures, as required by state statute, to enhance efficient and accurate record keeping utilizing modern accounting techniques and system controls.
• Supervises the receipt, reconciliation, deposit, and recording of all cash received to special account ledgers, tax lien ledgers, foreclosed property ledgers, and delinquent ledgers.
• Develops administrative procedures for dealing with delinquent accounts, to increase the percentage rate of collection, and reduce the rate of uncollected or delinquent accounts.
• Establishes and maintains an accurate listing of all unpaid tax items.
• Prepares a listing of properties to be sold, accurate descriptions of all properties, the name of the owner, and a listing of all taxes, assessments, and other charges for the preparation of the tax sale.
• Distributes public notices of the time and place of all tax sales, which include: a description of property and total amount due at the time of the sale, the placing of notices in designated public places, and the publishing of the same in an area newspaper pursuant to state statute.
• Conducts tax sales on all delinquent property at least once each year.
• Delivers certificates of sale to all purchasers.
• Distributes notifications concerning Homestead Rebates, Tenant Rebates, and notifications to respective owners regarding their eligibility for Federal Flood Insurance. Possesses oversight of the overall operations and personnel of the Division of Tax Collection.
• Oversees collection and compliance for tax abatements/PILOTs.
• Oversees collection and compliance of payroll taxes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Preferred Educational Background:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

 

Preferred Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience as a certified Municipal Tax Collector or Assistant Tax Collector
• 5 years of experience in the management of municipal employees

Required License:

• Possession of a current, valid Certified Municipal Tax Collector's Certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

 

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

 

• Understanding tax collection laws, principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the administrative aspects of municipal property taxation and collection.
• Knowledge of the methods used to maintain accounting records.
• Ability to work with professional auditors and/or accountants to maintain an accounting system suitable for municipal accounting.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department heads, staff, and elected or appointed officials.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete reports on the status of tax collections on a current basis.
• Ability to effectively manage the division’s employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff and evaluate their performance.
• Ability to organize assigned work, and plan and develop effective work and office procedures.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to municipal tax collection, PILOTs, and payroll taxes.
• Expertise in using financial platforms used for tax collections, such as Edmunds and H&L.
• Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Experience as a certified Municipal Tax Collector for a mid-large size municipality in the state of New Jersey.

 

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application.

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by the NJ First Act unless otherwise granted an exception pursuant to § 53-3 of the Jersey City Municipal Code.