Delinquent Tax Specialist at Ottawa County, MI

About the Department

Under limited supervision manages the Treasurer’s Office statutory four-year process for tax delinquent real property as specified in the General Property Tax Act as amended by PA 123 of 1999. Advises the Treasurer in making management decisions related to delinquent real property tax foreclosure, exercising discretion and judgment when working with delinquent taxpayers. Provides training to professional staff in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger. Provides guidance and training to the local governmental units concerning functions of a local governmental unit treasurer and laws regarding the collection of and amendments to property taxes. Participates in development and implementation of policies and practices to maintain industry best practices, safeguard County assets, and maintain world-class customer service. All job functions are performed in accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws. Fulfills the daily functions of the Deputy Treasurer and other positions within the Treasurer’s Office. May perform any and all functions of the County Treasurer as delegated.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Position Duties

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform a variety of accounting and managerial functions required for proper administration of the General Property Tax Act as amended by PA 123 of 1999, provisions that subject tax-delinquent real property to forfeiture, foreclosure, sale, and distribution of sale proceeds over a four-year period, including implementing protocols, procedures, training, representing the Treasurer’s Office in the foreclosure proceeding before the Circuit Court, and administering the contractual vendors which provide services for the forfeiture/foreclosure process. Also administer property records and filings for the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority.
• Collaborate with the Register of Deeds, Equalization, and local governmental unit treasurers and assessors to identify correct legal parcel descriptions, names and addresses of current owners, lien holders, and other interested parties, in order to initiate the forfeiture/foreclosure process for tax-delinquent real property.
• Assist property owners in establishing payment plans to eliminate delinquent real property tax liabilities and refer owners and other interested parties to community resources for additional assistance.  Monitor property owner compliance with terms and conditions of established payment plans.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support for staff in the delinquent real property tax operation in the Treasurer’s Office.
• Process, provide direction, and supervise accounting work, including the preparation of journals, BS&A Delinquent Tax software entries, and audit work papers for amendments to delinquent real property tax rolls for changes in owner names and addresses, delinquent notice subscriptions, and bankruptcy status, as well as property valuation and homestead status as ordered by the Michigan Tax Tribunal, State Tax Commission, Boards of Review, the Equalization Director, State Treasury or local governmental unit assessors. Allocate costs of delinquent real property tax collection to local taxing authorities in order to accurately charge collection fees to local entities.
• Manage the maintenance, testing, implementation, and training of the County’s BS&A Delinquent Tax.net and PREA.net software while also providing technical leadership to subordinate staff on entries into that software. Set and monitor user-defined parameters to ensure accurate reporting and run subroutines to assess fees and interest.
• Obtain bi-annual Tax Collection Bonds and allocate the costs to local governmental units.
• Perform verification of the annual tax settlement process and balancing.
• Perform special assignments as requested, to include researching and preparing reports, developing and implementing programs, and presenting technical data to management, elected officials, local units of government, and the public.
• Participate in the establishment, implementation, and revising of policies, standards, procedures, and practices.
• Embrace process review and initiate change using various principles and methods.
• In the absence of the Deputy Treasurer, fulfils the daily tasks of that office and may perform any and all functions of the County Treasurer as delegated by the latter.
• Perform other office functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree or certificate from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Public Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or other relevant field, combined with three (3) years professional experience in cash management and fund accounting. Previous experience in a county or local governmental treasurer’s office strongly preferred.

Other Qualifications

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of the Michigan  General Property Tax Act (as amended by PA 123 of 1999).
• Thorough working knowledge of standard accounting theory, principles of accounting, and practices, for both general ledger and fund accounting.
• Good knowledge of statutory and other legally mandated standards governing public sector accounting and auditing practices and financial accountability, including GAAP and GASB.
• Thorough knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements governing the confidentiality of information, including the provisions of HIPAA.
• Good knowledge of the Land Bank Authority law (PA 258 of 2003).
• Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, critical thinking and attention to detail in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Computer literacy, including thorough working knowledge of spreadsheet, presentation, database, accounting, and e-commerce applications software.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, organizational, and managerial skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Ability to interact positively and objectively with directors, managers, employees, auditors, regulatory and funding agency staff, vendors, contractors, consultants, local government officials and staff, property owners, lien holders, and members of the public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including both verbal and written interactions.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize the workload.
• Good customer service, interpersonal and human relations skills including good verbal and written communication.  
• Ability to interact positively and objectively with managers, supervisors, co-workers, local unit treasurers and assessors, vendors, property owners, lien holders, consultants, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of communications skills.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

 
 Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Physical Requirement: 
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
 
Working Condition: 
Work is performed in a normal office environment.

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