Deputy County Tax Administrator

The Deputy County Tax Administrator (DCTA), a direct report to the County Tax Administrator (CTA), is required to have full knowledge of all operations of the Board of Taxation and, if needed, is a qualified substitute for the Administrator, with oversight and assistance in the daily management and operations of the County Board of Taxation. The DCTA contributes to the preparation of and/or reviews of the annual Table of Equalized Values, the Abstract of Ratables and the Abstract of Added and Omitted Assessments for Somerset County. The DCTA assists in striking annual property tax rates for all 21 municipalities in Somerset, relying on budget data provided by tax assessors, municipal governments, and the county government to equalize and allocate resources for the county budget, municipal budgets, school districts, and special taxing districts such as fire districts and library districts. The DCTA is directly responsible for managing the annual property tax appeals process, including data entry, tracking, notification, and coordinating with County Tax Board commissioners, local tax assessors, and municipal attorneys to arrange hearing schedules and distribute judgments following the hearings. Excellent written and oral communication skills are an essential requirement as the DCTA must interact with members of the general public, attorneys, tax assessors, and other local / state employees, appointees, and elected officials. Accurate project management and effective time management skills are needed to ensure all statutory reporting and filing deadlines, as outlined by the NJ Division of Taxation, are met. This position requires current “Certified Tax Assessor” licensure/certificate from the State of NJ.

Essential Functions

• Support the accurate and timely preparation, review, and filing of statutory requirements for:

• Table of Equalized Values including the calculation commonly referred to as “Page 8 Formula”.
• Abstract of Ratables including calculation of debit / credit adjustments to reflect the effect of losses or gains in assessed or equalized values in municipalities within the county resulting in loss or gain of tax revenues.
• Abstract of Added and Omitted Assessments.
• “Striking” annual tax rates.

• Accurate budget data entry and review for all taxing entities (county, municipal, school, fire, library, open space, etc.) in MOD IV systems as required to complete statutory requirements.

• Manages annual property tax appeals processes:

• Cataloguing all applications including all evidence to be used in the tax appeal hearings.
• Documenting, collecting and depositing appeal filing fees as received.
• Coordinating, scheduling, and notifying attendees of appeal hearings adhering to statutory requirements.Attendees may include appellant, tax assessor, attorneys, witnesses, appraisers, and County Tax Board commissioners.
• Attends all property Tax Appeal hearings to assist the administrator and County Tax Board commissioners in conducting the hearings timely and efficiently.Depending on the schedule this may involve working after hours to support nighttime hearings.
• Accurately and timely prepares, catalogues and distributes all official hearing judgements.

• Prepares, processes and submits all requisitions, purchase orders, and vouchers following Somerset County prescribed processes for:

• Education programs
• Office equipment and supplies
• Payments to 3rd party vendors
• Expense reimbursements

• Maintains and revises the County Tax Board website as needed to ensure the general public has access to records, meeting notices, meeting agendas, and other current information.
• Acts as a “subject matter expert” regarding communications and distribution of information with tax assessors, tax collectors, municipal and county officials (employees, appointed or elected), attorneys, and the general public, engaging the administrator as needed.
• Completes all continuing education requirements to ensure “Certified Tax Assessor” licensure / certificate is in good standing with the state of NJ.
• Practices flexibility to effectively manage many simultaneous work functions to successful timely completion.Applies intuitive thinking to improve processes and productivity to reduce churn (re-work) and cycle time.
Demonstrates effective, efficient and responsive leadership in the execution of all tasks supporting service to the residents and communities of Somerset County.

Qualifications

Essential

• A degree from an accredited college in business administration, finance, accounting or reated field of study, or 4 years of related experience.
• Valid NJ Drivers License.
• Computer proficiency, including the MS Office Suite.
• A current "Certified Tax Assessor" licensure/certificate from the State of NJ.

Preferred

Full-Time, 35 hours/week

The anticipated starting base salary range is $65,000-$75,000/year.The actual compensation will be influenced by other factors, including qualifications and prior experience.

Benefits include health coverage (medical, prescription, and dental), paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick), a deferred compensation plan, and enrollment in the NJ State Pension System.