Why work for the Town of Canmore? For starters, you can take great pride in our collaborative organization, its positive work culture and our amazing group of talented people who genuinely care about our community and accomplish outstanding work each and every day for its citizens. Our team is composed of many compassionate professionals who value giving back to the community and are guided by the organization’s core values of Wellness, Respect, Integrity, Service, and Teamwork. As a municipal government organization, the Town of Canmore exists to serve the community and visitors to Canmore. The organization is committed to supporting a triple bottom line sustainable future for all by promoting wellness and active living, being leaders in environmental stewardship, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Manager of Finance, the Tax and Utilities Supervisor leads the Finance department’s property taxes and utilities portfolio and people, which includes aspects of the Town of Canmore’s (“Town”) Livability Tax Program. The incumbent is a CPA, and their key responsibilities include supervising property tax administration and utility billing and collections, financial reporting and reconciliations with respect to the tax and utilities portfolio, policy and procedure development, customer service, staff supervision and training, and compliance and risk management activities for this area.
Core Accountabilities:
Supervises the accurate and timely billing and collection of property taxes and utilities in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA), town bylaws, and relevant regulations
Oversees aspects of the Livability Tax Program, including coordinating administrative support for the annual declaration process, Key Performance Indicator reporting, and the audit process for declarations in collaboration with the Municipal Enforcement team
Liaise with the assessment services provider and ensure property assessments are reflected accurately in the tax records
Monitor and report on tax arrears and coordinate recovery actions up to and including liens and tax sales
Possesses in-depth knowledge of municipal policies, practices, and procedures related to tax and utilities, and standard accounting practices, particularly those applicable to the public sector
Stays current on property tax and utilities best practices and relevant legislation, such as the MGA, the Matters Relating to Assessment and Taxation Regulation, and the Matters Relating to Assessment Complaints Regulation
Researches and implements best practices and technologies to enhance operations
Responsible for monthly and annual reconciliations and reporting functions
Provides leadership, training, and technical guidance for smooth departmental operations
Assists the Manager of Finance with budget creation and monitoring, drafting Council reports, policy and bylaw writing, and mill rate calculations
Uses Microsoft 365, Diamond Great Plains, and other relevant software applications with a high-level of proficiency
Customer Service
Promotes a positive, professional image of the Town while ensuring consistent high-quality customer service
Ensures staff are well-trained in operational duties and customer service standards
Responds to inquiries from the public accurately, timely, and professionally
Addresses questions, complaints, and concerns from internal and external customers promptly
Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to industry regulations
Seeks to understand individual client needs and concerns and assists in finding appropriate solutions or information
Handles escalated issues, diffusing upset or anxious clients effectively
Teamwork/Relationships
Actively participates in team meetings to identify trends, solve problems, improve existing programs, and develop new processes
Builds effective relationships through trust, understanding, and information sharing
Demonstrates and facilitates positive communication and resolves issues promptly
Fosters collaboration with relevant stakeholders inside and outside the organization
Leadership (Including Business and Political Acumen)
Models the Town’s core values and acts as an agent for positive change
Leads the Town’s culture to attract, retain, and motivate employees who achieve results through open and honest conversations, developmental orientation, discernment, collaboration, and appreciation
Develops staff through open conversations, team meetings, and developmental sessions
Addresses performance issues supportively and timely
Oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of property tax and utilities employees
Monitors team performance, providing feedback and performance management as needed
Promotes team development through regular training programs
Complies with Town policies, corporate directives, and procedures related to Finance, Human Resources, Communication, Information Technology, and Council
Education & Qualifications:
Post-secondary degree in accounting, finance, or business administration – required
Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, or equivalent – required
Knowledge of local government or public sector practices – asset
Experience:
At least 5 years of related experience in assessment and tax, utilities, or accounting – preferred
Experience in a municipal setting – preferred
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Excel – required
Strong analytical and mathematical skills – required
Organizational skills to meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands – required
Previous supervisory experience – required
Proven project management experience – required
Superior business writing and verbal communication skills in English – required
Experience presenting information advice to councils or senior management – required
Demonstrated success managing conflict – required
Salary & Benefits:
Pay Range- $114,459.60 - $120,829.80 annually. Compensation will be calculated based on the successful candidate’s related work experience and education
This is a Permanent Full-Time position
Competitive benefits package, & health spending account
Generous RRSP matching plan
Personal development & learning opportunities
Positive work culture
Work-Life Balance
Closing Date for Applications: This posting will remain open until filled.
How to Apply: To apply, please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (PDF or Word) and click on the "APPLY NOW" link below. To help us learn more about you, in your cover letter please clearly detail the following:
Why do you want to be the Tax & Utilities Supervisor for the Town of Canmore? Why Canmore?
What interpersonal and leadership skills do you have that would make you a great addition to our team?
Your level of familiarity with the Canmore community and the services offered by the Town of Canmore
Prior to beginning work, the successful candidate will be required to submit all required certifications and documentation, including driver`s abstract and records checks. The Town of Canmore wishes to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
The Town of Canmore is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, family status, ancestry, place of origin, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
We believe diversity strengthens our organization, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, hr@canmore.ca
