Job Title:
Tax Collector –
Vacancy Appointment – Part Time
Town Description:
North Canaan is a small, tight-knit, rural community, known for its beautiful landscapes, preserved open space, sprawling agricultural pastures, industrial innovation, excellent public school system and a strong sense of community. North Canaan covers 19.6 square miles, much of which is open space and forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and numerous species of birds.
The town offers a unique blend of small-town New England charm and access to major cities making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance between a rural lifestyle and proximity to larger cities and cultural attractions, employment opportunities and services. North Canaan is in northern Litchfield County, just south of the Massachusetts border. It is bordered by the Connecticut towns of Salisbury, Norfolk, and Falls Village (Canaan), as well as Sheffield, Massachusetts. It is also conveniently located at the intersection of U.S. Route 44 and U.S. Route 7.
The Town of North Canaan is committed to responsible growth and fiscal stability, preserving its natural beauty and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. There is a strong sense of volunteerism in the town and residents have a true love for, and loyalty to, the community. Residents are very generous with their time and talents, contributing countless hours to municipal and community service. The town government has a reputation for its professional and nonpartisan approach to conducting Town business. North Canaan is a welcoming and supportive community.
Position Summary:
The Tax Collector is responsible for overseeing and executing the statutory and ordinance-driven functions of the Tax Office, including the planning, organization, billing, and collection of real estate, motor vehicle, and personal property taxes. This role involves preparing and directing the creation of reports, records, and statistical analyses as required. Additionally, the Tax Collector trains personnel in revenue collection, office operations, with a focus on automated systems. The position requires regular collaboration with municipal and state officials while staying updated on municipal revenue collection practices.
Plan, organize, and execute work in accordance with statutory authority, established collection cycles, and town ordinances.
Coordinate the preparation and mailing of tax bills in June and December, including the submission of legal notices to appropriate newspapers.
Collect and post daily tax receipts, interest, and penalties using an automated system; reconcile receipts, prepare bank deposits, and maintain comprehensive records.
Verify, correct, and balance reports, deposits, and rate books in alignment with town financial records.
Process Certificates of Correction from the Assessor’s office and issue revised billing as necessary.
Maintain and update automated records with changes in names, addresses, property locations, and other adjustments per established policies.
Implement delinquent tax collection procedures, including engaging with taxpayers to establish payment plans and initiating enforcement actions against non-payers.
Organize and oversee real estate tax sales in collaboration with the Town Attorney.
Manage lien-related processes, including preparing and filing liens, issuing releases, and maintaining detailed lien records.
Prepare narrative and statistical reports for the Board of Selectmen, Treasurer, Board of Finance, external auditors, and state and federal agencies.
Collaborate closely with the Assessor’s office to address discrepancies or issues.
Collaborate with mortgage companies on billing and payment receipt of real estate tax payments, and to resolve billing or payment issues.
Develop and recommend the operating budget for the Tax Office.
Procure office supplies and coordinate with vendors for tax bill forms.
Draft and process correspondence, provide information to key stakeholders, and prepare press releases on tax matters.
Reconciles the Tax Collector’s checking account monthly.
Qualifications:
Comprehensive knowledge of legal requirements pertaining to taxes and revenue collection.
Proficiency in accounting, bookkeeping principles, and various tax collection methods.
Expertise in office management and the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel).
Strong attention to detail, analytical capabilities, and ability to maintain accurate financial records.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with officials, employees, and the public effectively.
Experience and Certifications:
High school diploma with supplementary coursework in accounting or Business Administration.
Extensive experience in large-scale tax collection, including supervisory roles, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Certification as a Connecticut Municipal Tax Collector
NOTE: Certification as a Connecticut Municipal Tax Collector is critical to the position. Any individual who is minimally qualified, and subsequently hired without certification, shall obtain such certification as a Connecticut Municipal Tax Collector within 24 months from their date of hire.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in the tax assessment, tax collection, revenue collection, banking, or financial services field is preferred.
Schedule & Compensation:
The schedule of the Tax Office will be determined by needs of the town, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Weekly hours may need to increase during times of the year when tax- related activity increases. Hourly compensation will be determined by the level of qualifications and experience being offered by the applicant.
Please send an email with a completed resume, along with three professional references to selectman@northcanaan.org. Or, by mail to Town of North Canaan, First Selectman’s Office, Unit 1, 100 Pease Street, Canaan, CT 06018. Town of North Canaan is an equal opportunity employer.
