Assessing Clerk

Job Summary

The Assessing Clerk provides clerical and administrative support for the Assessing Department; provides needed information to other City departments; and assists the public and others with assessment information and other requests. In addition the City offers an exceptional flexible spending benefits package that includes: health insurance with an employer paid HSA contribution toward deductible ($2000 single coverage and $4500 for 2-person/family coverage) paid vacation sick parental leave and personal days; dependent care FSA with a one-to-one match up to $2500 city paid dental insurance short-term and long-term disability; life insurance enrollment in the New Hampshire Retirement System and other flexible benefit options!

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions; or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar; related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provide assessment information to public and taxpayers. Explain public access computer procedure; use of maps and sales books. Explain revaluation process and principles and explain assessment codes and tables. Refer complex questions or concerns to the Chief Assessor.

• Provide copies of deeds; assessment cards; maps and other information to the public and City department personnel.

• Data entry and review of field work as completed by the Chief Assessor and appraisal staff into the CAMA system.

• Process title transfers: enter new owner names; addresses; and other pertinent data into the computer; compare deed descriptions with tax maps; make note of discrepancies and send to mapping company for updating. Send Sale Letters and Address Change forms to new property owners.

• Track and maintain files for excavation operations; to include scheduling inspections of the properties by staff; calculating the tax due upon receipt of the Report of Excavation; and completing paperwork to be sent to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.

• Interview and qualify taxpayers for elderly exemptions and veteran tax credits. Track and maintain these files to ensure proper tax billing collection.

• Assist with preparation of the Board of Assessors meeting agendas; prepare and issue letters following each meeting; prepare warrants and abatement notices for the Tax Collector.

• Track and maintain files for timber cutting operations; to include scheduling inspections of the properties by a licensed forester; calculating the tax due upon receipt of the Report of Cut; and completing paperwork to be sent to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.

• Track and maintain files for Current Use assessments. Meet with and explain Current Use to property owners; and the general public; including Realtors; developers; appraisers and attorneys. File paperwork with the County Registry of Deeds. Assist with the calculation of Current Use change tax being assessed to property owners that subdivide; sell or develop a portion of property.

• Maintain property files; general files; appraisal files; and map/plan files for office.

• Maintain and update Building Permit change file.

• Maintain and update Sales Record Books.

• Run Property Tax Warrants and check for accuracy.

• Familiarity with Statutes; DRA 600 and ASB 300 Rules pertinent to job.

• Perform basic bookkeeping; collect and record fees; process collected funds.

• Assist with preparation of Board of Assessor meeting agendas; issue letters following meetings; and make copies of warrants and notices for Tax Collector.

• Assist in the measuring and listing of real estate for assessment purposes.

• Assist Chief Assessor in generation of reports sent to City Manager; City Council; and State agencies.

• Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Assessor

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education; Training and Experience:

• A candidate for this position should have a High School diploma or equivalent; post-secondary or other training in real estate tax law and deed conveyances; and three (3) to five (5) years prior experience with a combination of clerical; office management; real estate sales and terminology; and deed research with an emphasis upon real estate tax law and deed conveyance; or equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge; skills and abilities.
• Willingness to continue education in New Hampshire State RSA's; assessing practices; computer skills; public relations; office practice or other related fields.
• Approved by the New Hampshire DRA as a Certified Measurer/Lister or ability to obtain approval within six months upon appointment.

Other combinations of education and experience that qualify an individual to perform the requisite job duties and responsibilities may be considered.

Knowledge; Ability and Skill:

• General knowledge of state laws; local regulations/codes and terminology regarding property assessment; taxes and exemptions.
• Excellent verbal; written and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively with the public; City departments and others transacting business with the Department.
• Excellent organizational skills; accuracy; and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive citizen information.
• Excellent technology skills; including use of word processing and other relevant computer programs.

Licenses/Certifications:

None.

Physical Requirements and Job Environment

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to walk; stand; sit; talk; and hear; operate office equipment; pick up paper; files and other common office objects. Ability to view computer screens and work with details for extended periods of time. Must occasionally move or lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

Job Environment:

• Work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment is moderately noisy.
• Operates a computer; calculator; telephone; copier; facsimile machine; and other standard office equipment.
• Interacts with other city departments; city businesses; the public; and city officials.
• Has access to department-related confidential and/or sensitive information including financial records; the disclosure of which would cause a significant breach of trust and seriously damage the reputation of the department.
• Errors in judgment could result in hardship to the city's citizens; lower standards of service to the community; monetary loss or legal repercussions and possible negative public relations for both the department and the city.