Supervisor Accounting Operations II (Supervisor, Taxation) Full-time Job

Main Purpose and Function

The Supervisor, Taxation performs complex municipal accounting work of a supervisory nature involving responsibility for planning and organizing full-cycle accounting operations; overseeing the systems, processes,and internal controls; and ensuring the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of all related activities. The work requires a higher level of complexity of systems and full-cycle processes managed, a greater responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulation and by-laws, and the requirement to participate in policydevelopment. The position directly supervises where each member is engaged in distinctly different but inter-related accounting-related tasks requiring complex mathematical calculations along with related clerical work; collaborates with other City staff within and outside the Division and with both external and internal stakeholders to review and improve systems and processes; assists in handling escalated technical customer issues; and responds to or assists with inquiries from the public and City employees.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages Property Tax billing and collection of taxes and other misalliance charges residential andbusiness property owners. Ensuring that property taxation, utility and other related billing activities arecarried out in accordance with municipal and provincial legislation, and in a timely and accurate manner.
• Manages collection process and administration of Provincial Home Owner Grant and Deferment programs. Assists in preparing Property Tax Exemption report to Council.
• Provides Information Technology and software developers department information to facilitate the planning, development, enhancement, testing and implementation of tax-related system processes,the creation and modification of production runs, and the investigation of system technical problemsand enhancement opportunities.
• Liaises with Information Technology and software developers with mapping changes to the property tax software and planning system changes to incorporate updates and by-laws changes within the City’s land-based property tax, utilities, vacancy tax & Bylaws system software.
• Participates and provides input in the discussions with other internal and external units in matters related to property taxation that may impact the configuration of systems, processes, billing cycles and schedules to ensure a high level of customer service to the general public.
• Ensures compliance with directives and legislative requirements as it relates to the billing format design and content; takes the lead role in coordinating the contracted mailing and printing of tax and/orutility billings; monitors related budgeting and is the key relationship manager with service providers.
• Liaises with various taxing authorities, provincial ministries and agencies including BC Assessment, Land Title Office, Provincial Home Owner Grant and Deferment departments; address and resolve property tax related issues as they arise and identify improve efficiency opportunities.
• Provides expert knowledge and interpretation regarding property taxation, Assessment Act, Bylaws and the Vancouver Charter; administer taxation policy, ensure efficient systems and processes for thebilling and collection of property taxes, including collection and remittance of levies for Other Taxing Authorities (OTA), billing and collection of Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) according to legislation.
• Plans and oversees complex processes and policies such as Tax Instalment Prepayment Plan (TIPP) and Mortgage program, by ensuring guidelines are compliant with by-laws, homeowners and external stakeholders and that the proper notifications have occurred (ie. ensuring that the number of property going to tax sale are minimized by ensuring that all taxpayers are contacted in advance and notifying them of the policy).
• Manages billing system year end processes by creating a schedule and communicating to all stakeholders (including external vendors and within revenue services), and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of tax and utility sub-ledgers and all of the transactions are appropriately reflected in the accounting system, SAP. Producing final reports for management.
• Plans, schedules, assigns, reviews and supervises the work within the department and functional oversight of the Land Records Coordinator role; assists in the selection, training and evaluation of staff in high volume, complex areas requiring strong technical skills, requiring clear, up-to-date & accurate interpretation of various pieces of legislation.
• Conducts performance reviews and performance development plans.
• Establishes, creates, documents and maintains accounts receivable procedures, manuals and business process workflows for initiatives such as providing support to citizens for calculations and proof of mailing.
• Recommends solutions and implement changes to improve efficiency and internal controls by creating tools for the team (ie audit checks list, customizing reports in SAP). Assists in preparation of the annual operating budget for Revenue Services and monitors expenditures.
• Liaises with internal and external auditors.
• Other appropriate duties/responsibilities as assigned.

 

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree in Business, Commerce or Accounting, or completion of a recognized Accounting designation, plus considerable related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience overseeing accounting and/or tax related systems, processes and internal controls.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of information technology operations related to accounting systems and controls.
• Excellent knowledge of municipal accounting practices, functions and procedures as they relate to the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of the legislation, by-laws, regulations and policies governing the work, along with the ability to translate or interpret content for a non-technical audience.
• Considerable knowledge of auditing and reporting techniques.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and to prepare various reports and records related to the work.
• Ability to see the larger picture and to act in a strategic manner to achieve results.
• Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate and supervise the work of subordinates and, at times, peers in the coordination and execution of work.
• Ability to deal with stakeholders in diplomatic yet firm manner in the face of considerable pressure at times.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of team spirit and motivation in a group performing at a high level in the face of ongoing challenges.
• Ability to understand and apply complex rules and legalese included but not limited to Part XX of the Vancouver Charter & by-laws and applicable Provincial legislation such as the School Act, Assessment Act, Home Owner Grant Act, Land Tax Deferment Act and CPA PAD rules and is capable of maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the Tax Roll.
• Proven ability to work in a fast paced, high stress environment to achieve results with minimal margin of error on a consistent and continuous basis.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with the department policies and practices.
• Ability to prepare and monitor the related operating budget.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and externalcontacts including but not limited to working effectively with senior government personnel in theadministration of shared programs and revenue collection.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a team environment.
• Ability to adhere to immovable deadlines in a fast-paced and demanding role requiring the directing,instructing, and/or advising of subordinates, peers, and staff from other work units or departments inorder to manage and coordinate the City’s property taxation function.

 

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canadas densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, its surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.