ASSISTANT MUNICIPAL TAX COLLECTOR

Code: 00627@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Assists in the administration of the Tax Collector's Office; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Assists the tax collector in reviewing and recommending policies to the local governing body that would in any way affect the normal operations of the tax collection function.
• Aids the tax collector in consultations with the municipal finance director and municipal auditor to maintain accounting and reporting procedures.
• Receives ad valorem tax duplicates from the tax assessor.
• Assists in the timely preparation and mailing of all final tax bills after establishing the accuracy of said tax duplicates.
• Assists the tax collector in consultation with the tax assessor, municipal finance director, and municipal administrator, regarding the exact format and amount of information outlined on tax bills and information regarding tax appeals.
• Assists in establishing appropriate accounting and recording procedures as required by state statute to enhance efficient and accurate record keeping utilizing modern accounting techniques and system controls to provide detailed and timely data for audits.
• Assists the tax collector in the receipt, reconciliation, deposit, and recording of all cash received to special account ledgers, tax lien ledgers, foreclosed property ledgers, and delinquent ledgers.
• Assists the tax collector in developing administrative procedures for dealing with delinquent accounts to increase the percentage rate of collection and reduce the rate of uncollected or delinquent accounts including telephoning, personal visits, newspaper releases of delinquent accounts, and/or separate mailing for delinquent accounts.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining accurate listings of all unpaid tax items.
• Assists in preparing a listing of properties to be sold, accurate descriptions of all property, the name of the owner and listing of all taxes, assessments, and other charges for preparation of tax sale.
• Aids the tax collector in the distribution of public notices of the time and place of all tax sales which include a description of said property and total amount due at the time of the sale, and the placing of notices in designated public places, and the publishing of same in an area newspaper pursuant to state statute.
• Assists in the conduct of tax sales on all delinquent property at least once each year.
• Assists in delivering certificates of sale to all purchasers.
• Assists in the distribution of notifications concerning homestead rebates, tenant rebates, and notification to respective owners regarding their eligibility for federal flood insurance.
• In the absence of the tax collector may assume his/her duties, responsibilities, and authority.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative statistical and narrative reports containing findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of bookkeeping and their application to the tax collector's office.
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures and the use of standard office equipment.
• Knowledge of data processing applications as they relate to the functions of the collection office.
• Ability to work with professional auditors and/or accountants to maintain an accounting system suitable for municipal accounting.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete reports on status of tax collections on a current basis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative statistical and narrative reports containing findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not meet the above educational requirement may substitute two years of fulltime experience in municipal tax collection to have included duties in tax billing, collection, and enforcement and reporting; or one year of fulltime municipal tax collection experience and 30 credit hours.

A current, valid Tax Collector's certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, may substitute for the above education requirements.

Where the position involves assuming the duties, responsibilities, and authority of the Tax Collector in his/her absence, possession of certificates showing satisfactory completion of courses in Municipal Tax Collection I, II, and III offered by Rutgers University, or a current and valid Tax Collector's certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, may be required.