PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM COORDINATOR

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Job Specifications

Class Code:	UE3
Analyst:	MM

Date Originated:	2/15
Date Revised:

DEFINITION 

Under direction, coordinates all phases of the operation and processing of the County’s property tax system in the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.  May supervise lower level technical and clerical fiscal staff and do other work as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The Property Tax System Coordinator classification is a single position classification in the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.  The incumbent performs administrative, accounting and analysis work in the coordinating and processing of the County’s property tax system.  This classification must have working knowledge of property tax laws and regulations.  This class differs from the next higher class of Accounting Manager who has responsibility for supervising an accounting division and differs from the lower level class of Property Tax Specialist in that the incumbent is responsible for day-to-day coordination of the property tax system.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Plans, organizes, oversees, prepares and processes work associated with the County’s property tax system;
• Analyzes and interprets property tax laws and their application to the work of the division and makes recommendations as appropriate;
• Analyzes, evaluates and coordinates systems programs and formulation and makes appropriate recommendations for changes, updates, modifications or improvements necessary for the efficient and cost effective operation of the County’s property tax system;
• Performs difficult and highly complex accounting work involving the audit and analysis of property tax financial records and the production of reports and statements;
• Assists in researching and resolving questions on  State and County statutory requirements regarding property tax issues;
• Reconciles tax apportioned fund balances and ensures they are reconciled at appropriate times to support property tax distributions;
• Coordinates the workflow of tax roll maintenance within the Property Tax division and with staff of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector Department;
• Maintain current knowledge of property tax accounting and reporting requirements, policies and procedures;
• Prepares written reports and correspondence relating to the analysis, interpretation and/or explanation of the Revenue and Taxation Code and other complex property tax laws and regulations;
• Coordinates and maintains written policies, procedures, and job instructions of all aspects of the apportionment process; Acts as liaison with outside vendor and Information Services staff regarding modifications and enhancements to the automated tax reporting system, including interface with elements of the County’s general accounting system;
• Troubleshoots automated accounting system problems; diagnose system errors and/or equipment problems and coordinates with the vendor and Information Services staff to resolve the problem;
• Coordinates the implementation of new systems and upgrades between staff, users, and vendors;
• Tests new software releases and determines the impact of installation on existing application software;
• Maintains effective communications with external agencies, including cities, schools, and special districts, and assures appropriate documentation relating to property tax issues is distributed timely to those agencies;
• Maintains and develops controls to assure that apportionments and related schedules and work papers are computed accurately and timely;
• Ensures timely and accurate submission of property tax reports, filings, and revenue transfers;
• Performs a variety of administrative functions in support of higher-level positions or fiscal managers requiring a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the program/system;
• Serves as a resource to others and a recognized authority in the area of program assignment;
• Create, modify and maintain spreadsheets and other electronic data collection systems;
• Train staff in the use of the property tax system; attends meetings.
• Liaison with the State Controller’s Office regarding questionnaires, surveys, reports.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS  

Knowledge:

Working Knowledge of:

• State Revenue and Taxation Code and other laws, regulations relating to  property tax preparation, collection, apportionment and reporting;
• Tax collection and apportionment practices and procedures;
• Accounting principles, practices and procedures;
• Cost accounting, auditing and financial reconciliation principals and methods;
• Methods of systems analysis for complex and sensitive administrative, budgetary, operational, economic, political and organizational problems, evaluating alternatives and reaching sound conclusions;
• Modern practices, procedures, techniques and terminology related to the processing and recording of accounting transactions;
• Accounting systems and procedures applicable to the receipt, deposit, distribution, collection, and disbursement of funds in a public agency;
• Application of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.
• Administrative policies governing contracts, claims, payroll, and reimbursements in a public agency.

Ability to:

• Analyze new and proposed legislation and determine its impact on the Property Tax Division;
• Understand, interpret and apply the Revenue and Taxation Code and other laws and regulations relating to the work of the division;
• Analyze and evaluate operational problems and recommend and/or implement effective solutions;
• Analyze and evaluate financial information, researching and gathering appropriate information to resolve problems;
• Reconcile differences within the property tax system;
• Review and consolidate records from several sources and summarize and assimilate into reports and other accounting documents;
• Devise and adapt work procedures, forms, spreadsheets and record keeping to meet changing needs, new property tax laws or regulations, and County policies or procedures;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of governmental officials, coworkers and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration or a related field AND three years of increasingly responsible accounting experience in property tax accounting or auditing work preferably in a governmental or public agency financial operation.

OR-

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in accounting, business administration or a related field (including 9 semester units in accounting) AND five years experience of increasingly responsible accounting experience in property tax accounting or auditing work preferably in a governmental or public agency financial operation.

Special Requirements/Conditions: 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California C Drivers License or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprints.

*** 
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 80 
Workers' Comp Code: 0053