Administrative Assistant - Finance, Bureau Of Revenue/Division Of Property Tax Accounting

Salary : $59,155.00 - $114,046.00 Annually

Location : Ellicott City, MD

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 25-00225

Department: Finance

Division: Finance - Revenue Customer Service

Opening Date: 10/17/2024

Closing Date: 10/31/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability.
It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country.
In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties.
NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government: We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Highly complex administrative position responsible for key components of the tax credit process including review and determination of applicable tax credits and financial documentation, and file maintenance.
Work requires advanced knowledge of property tax assessment, tax credits and various types of income.
In addition to providing a high-quality level of customer service to constituents regarding real and personal property tax billing other duties include completion of administrative level work essential to the daily operations of the Division, researching and addressing complex resident requests related to tax credits, addressing accounting variances, processing journal entries, and providing the necessary back-up support to the Division Chief.


STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$28.44 - $32.09
$59,155 - $66,747 CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs senior technical level administrative support work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.
Work typically involves administrative, technical and para-legal work providing staff assistance to various Boards; or administrative secretarial or constituent services work assisting the County Executive, the State's Attorney, the Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Chief of Staff or the Chief Administrative Officer.
Assumes responsibility for clerical procedures and office operations; maintains executive calendar and appointments.
May supervise a support staff.
Work at this level may include independent responsibility for a difficult and complex administrative or clerical process not requiring the attention of a professional or technical expert.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following.
Other related duties may be assigned.

Maintains professionalism in working with all County employees and external customers.
Responsible for reviewing tax credit applications, including review of financial information submitted by taxpayers, to determine eligibility for applicable tax credits.
Ability to analyze income information, including the determination whether additional documentation needs to be submitted; make appropriate determination of credit approval; and calculate real property tax credit adjustments.
Enters required data into the County's Real Property Tax System, tax credit database(s), and/or RIM, and ensures accuracy of that data.
Maintains confidentiality and adheres to policies regarding safekeeping of sensitive information and documents regarding taxpayer financials.
Processes and maintains Senior Tax Credits, Aging in Place, Trash, Public Safety Officer, Tax Deferral credits and other credits as assigned by Division Chief.
Assists with inquires related to tax credits by phone, email, and at the customer service counter and other complex tax credit issues that cannot be addressed by the Division of Tax Customer Service; composes correspondence to resolve customer issues.
Works on special projects as assigned by management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree and two (2) years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Associate's degree and bookkeeping experience, and/or equivalent education and experience.
Relevant real property and income tax knowledge Understanding of Federal tax form Customer service experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY: LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively with customers/taxpayers or employees of the County on the phone or in person.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.


REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment.
Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.


At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application.
Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).


Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.


Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at .
Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.


The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions.
Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits.
Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis.
Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included.
The County pays the entire cost for this benefit.
Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.


PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year.
Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year.
Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.


ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year.
From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year.
From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year.
From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year.
Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment.
A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.


DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year).
There is no maximum accrual.
This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A.
Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.


PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year.
Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year.
Personal leave may not be carried over.


HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays:

New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.


OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave.
Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.


RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees.
participation in the plan is mandatory.
Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis.
Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan).
The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded.
Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.


Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan.
Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.
All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.


Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan.
Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.


SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory.
Employees contribute at the current established rate.


457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program.
This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis.
Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.


EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment.
Prior course approval is required.
The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.


LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan.
After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month.
The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.


DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave.
Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment.
Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.


VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner's insurance programs.


CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions.
Loans are also available to qualified applicants.


01

The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process.
Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position.
A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position.
This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process.Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.
Yes No

02

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications?
$59,155 - $66,747 Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range. No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03

Do you possess an Associate's degree and bookkeeping experience?
Yes No

04

If you possess bookkeeping experience, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


05

Do you possess experience performing work responsible for billing, collection, file maintenance and customer service for personal property taxes?
Yes No

06

If you possess experience performing work responsible for billing, collection, file maintenance and customer service for personal property taxes, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


07

Do you possess experience entering data into a real and personal property taxes system for the billing of personal property manual certifications?
Yes No

08

If you possess experience entering data into a real and personal property taxes system for the billing of personal property manual certifications, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


09

Do you possess relevant knowledge of real property and income taxes?
Yes No

10

If you possess relevant knowledge of real property and income taxes, please explain where you acquired this knowledge include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


11

Do you possess experience maintaining a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting?
Yes, I have maintained confidentiality in a professional setting. No, I have not had to maintain confidentiality in a professional setting.

12

If you possess experience maintaining a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


13

Do you possess an understanding Federal tax forms?
Yes No

14

If you possess an understanding of Federal tax forms, please explained where you acquired this understanding include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


15

Do you possess supervisory/managerial experience comprised of interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems?
Yes No

16

If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.


17

How did you hear about this position?
NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs Linked In Maryland Association of Counties National Association of Counties CEAM ASCE Indeed Employee Referral Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) Handshake Career Fair Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Insight Global Other

18

If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position.
Otherwise, indicate "N/A" (Not Applicable).


19

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers.
My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity.
To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
Yes No

20

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question