The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assessor. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with an annual salary range of $87,000 - $107,000 DOQ.
The Assessor serves under the direction of the Finance Director and oversees the Town’s Assessing Department operations. This position is responsible for performing highly complex duties that require considerable judgment in placing valuations on real and personal property. The Assessor is responsible for maintaining accurate systems and reporting information in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and applicable Town By-laws. This position serves as the primary staff member responsible for comprehensive administrative and technical duties, office administration, and excellent customer service.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Responsible for overseeing all real and personal property assessment and valuation functions.
- Responsible for the commitment of real estate and personal property taxes, motor vehicle, and betterment assessments to the Tax Collector.
- Responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative and technical operations of the Assessing Department, utilizing knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to assessing practices.
- Coordinates the ongoing cyclical inspection programs for real estate and personal property in accordance with Department of Revenue standards. Administers processing of all real estate and personal property value changes due to cyclical inspections, building permits, condo conversions and plans and subdivisions.
- Uses Tyler assessing software applications for inputting data and maintaining the Town’s valuation database. Also uses MUNIS software applications to prepare all billing files for real estate, personal property, and motor vehicle. Prepares and maintains other departmental records using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Uses RRC assessing software for maintaining the Town’s personal property valuation database.
- Assists taxpayers and the general public with technical information related to assessing of real estate and personal property and the overall functions of the Assessing Department.
- Serves as direct liaison to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) regarding assessing matters. Contacts DOR directly on legal and other issues relating to assessing.
- Independently researches abatement and exemption applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Assessors. After a decision by the Board of Assessors, ensures timely notification of taxpayers and other Town departments, as required.
- Represents the Town of Ashland before the Appellate Tax Board with regard to appeals that have been filed with that Board. Oversees and maintains the Town’s overlay account.
- Supervises, trains and instructs Assessing Department staff on all technical information affecting the office and its administration, including detailed knowledge of software systems. Ensures that processes and reports conform to regulatory standards and deadlines as established by Massachusetts General Laws.
- Prepares the tax recapitulation sheet to determine and set the annual tax rate, prepares information for the Select Board for the annual tax classification hearing. Electronically submits all required forms to the DOR through their Gateway Program.
- Prepares the annual budget for the Assessing Department and prepares/maintains spreadsheets of office expenditures relating to the budgetary line items.
- Prepares official meeting notices, schedules official business for the Board of Assessors meetings, creates information packets, prepares and oversees the minutes of meetings and related correspondence, maintains and monitors the assessor’s calendar to ensure compliance with legally required deadlines, and maintains related files accordingly.
- Maintains effective working relationships with other Town departments and boards, the Department of Revenue and other state and local agencies and the general public.
- Responsible for achieving and maintaining designation(s) from the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) and responsible for attending professional meetings to stay abreast of changes in the assessing field.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate or other related field and seven years or more of progressively responsible experience in the valuation of property for tax purposes, including five years of supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
Duties require comprehensive technical knowledge of assessing practices as regulated by Massachusetts General Laws, financial record keeping and automated office administration. Experience with specialized assessing software such as Patriot Properties Assesspro computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system, MUNIS software applications and the DOR Gateway program is desired.
Professional designation(s) of Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA), Residential Massachusetts Assessor (RMA) or Certified Massachusetts Assessor (CMA) preferred.
General knowledge of building, construction and zoning codes, surveying, mapping and deeds.
Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required for problem resolution and for handling a variety of other situations that may arise.
A track record of positive field work experience, especially as pertains to commercial valuation is desired. May be required to perform field inspections and measure and inspect properties.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises the Assessing Department staff, which includes 2 fulltime positions.
Application Instructions:
Please submit your cover letter and resume via our employment opportunities page at https://www.ashlandmass.com/597/Employment-Opportunities or you may send your cover letter and resume to humanresources@ashlandmass.com. This position will remain open until filled.
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