TAX ADMINISTRATOR
Salary
*Depends on Qualifications*
General Statement of Duties
Performs managerial, supervisory and technical work in directing the appraising and listing of property for tax purposes and collection of these taxes for Caldwell County.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class plans and directs the work of a staff or contracted personnel and supervises and participates in activities such as appraising property, listing taxes, reevaluating property, maintaining property records, maps, and other files, collecting and accounting for the taxes, and handling appeals and public contact on various tax-related actions. Work involves developing policies, procedures, and methods for program operations, handling budget and personnel matters, and working with sensitive and controversial issues in the tax assessment, collection and foreclosure programs, and researching technology for office operations. Independent judgment and initiative are required. The employee works primarily in an office setting and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Work is performed under the administrative supervision of County Manger and is evaluated by the Manager and the Board of County Commissioners by discussion, records and reports, and by effectiveness of the department, especially the collection ratio.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks
Plans and supervises the evaluation process of real and personal property which is subject to taxation by the County and City and the collection of these taxes.
Manages staff; recruits, hires, coaches, evaluates performance and takes disciplinary action including dismissal; approves leave.
Works with staff to oversee the details of office activities and to develop procedures for effective operations.
Coordinates and serves as administrative support for the Board of Equalization Review.
Plans with the contractor the required reevaluation of property based on required State guidelines.
Plans and monitors operating budget; authorizes purchases and expenditures from the budget.
Handles the appraisal process; appraises new construction and assigns values; handles real estate transfers; records and changes tax maps; handles appeals and highly controversial situations with taxpayers.
Ability to explain, through different methods, tax laws, policies and procedures to property owners, attorneys, real estate specialists, and the general public.
Makes land transfers.
Assures updating of county maps reflecting properties.
Assures that all required notices, postings deadlines, and other guidelines are net in the tax appraisal and collection system.
Attend and present on varying tax related subjects at regular and special called Board of Commissioners’ Meetings.
Additional Job Duties
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of State laws governing the administration of taxes on real and personal property and the collection of taxes.
Thorough knowledge of accepted practices in assessing real and personal, residential, commercial, and industrial property.
Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures required in a tax office.
Considerable knowledge of the organization and functions of County government.
Ability to plan and manage the tax functions and a staff of employees; to establish priorities to meet guidelines and deadlines set by the State.
Ability to evaluate and appraise a wide variety of real and personal property.
Ability to handle sensitive and controversial tax appeals and other situations; to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Ability to interpret and explain laws, policies, and procedures relating to listing and assessing property and collection of taxes.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and County officials, other department, employees, and the general public.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Must possess the visual acuity to prepare, analyze, and explain data and figures, perform accounting, to operate a computer terminal, and engage in extensive reading at distances close to the eyes.
Must possess mental alertness when executing the duties of the Tax Department.
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in business, economics, public administration, or related field preferred, and considerable experience in property appraisal, real estate, or related field including some supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Special Requirements
Certification as Tax Administrator by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
