City Assessor

Construction Association of Michigan; South Lyon, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of South Lyon is seeking a qualified City Assessor to oversee the property assessment function under the direction of the Finance Director. Responsibilities include valuation of real and personal property, maintaining assessment records and tax rolls, and administering special assessments and abatements.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance (or related field), MAAO certification, at least five years in property assessment, and strong analytical skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• MAAO certification or applicable Michigan certification.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in property assessing or real estate appraisal.
• Knowledge of property assessment principles, appraisal methods, and Michigan tax laws.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with BS&A Assessing.net and related software.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and impartiality.
• Valid Michigan driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Administer the City's assessment program for real and personal property.
• Conduct and oversee property appraisals, inspections, and periodic reappraisals.
• Review property records, construction plans, and market data to determine accurate property valuations.
• Prepare, maintain, and certify assessment and tax rolls in accordance with laws.
• Administer special assessments, DDA assessments, and industrial facility tax abatements.
• Maintain accurate property assessment records and process record changes.
• Coordinate assessment information with county, township, and state agencies.
• Monitor changes in property tax laws, regulations, and practices to ensure compliance.
• Prepare required reports and assessment records.
• Respond to inquiries regarding assessments and valuation procedures.
• Explain assessment determinations and available appeal options.
• Represent the City before boards and tribunals.
• Prepare documentation and coordinate with legal counsel on assessment matters.
• Monitor real estate market trends and developments affecting values.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing education.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Professional

Detail-oriented

Analytical

Personable

Self-motivated

Adaptable

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or related field

MAAO certification

Tools

BS&A Assessing.net

Property assessment software

Databases

Job description

Under the direction of the Finance Director, the City Assessor administers and oversees the City's property assessing function in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Responsibilities include the valuation and assessment of real and personal property, maintenance of assessment records and tax rolls, administration of special assessments and tax abatements, supervision of assessing staff, and representation of the City in assessment-related appeals and proceedings.

Demonstrated Personal Qualities

• Professional and Ethical
• Detail-Oriented and Accurate
• Analytical and Solutions-Oriented
• Personable and Professional
• Self-Motivated and Accountable
• Adaptable and Organized

The following is a general list of job functions and duties that may be assigned to this position. These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive and may vary based on departmental needs.

1. Property Assessment and Valuation

• Administer the City's assessment program for real and personal property.
• Conduct and oversee property appraisals, inspections, and periodic reappraisals.
• Review property records, construction plans, and market data to determine accurate property valuations.
• Prepare, maintain, and certify assessment and tax rolls in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Administer special assessments, DDA assessments, and industrial facility tax abatements.

2. Property Records and Compliance

• Maintain accurate property assessment records and process property splits, combinations, and other record changes.
• Coordinate assessment information with county, township, and state agencies.
• Monitor changes in property tax laws, regulations, and assessment practices to ensure compliance.
• Prepare required reports, documentation, and assessment records.

3. Public Relations and Appeals

• Respond to inquiries from property owners, residents, businesses, City staff, and elected officials regarding assessments and valuation procedures.
• Explain assessment determinations and available appeal options.
• Represent the City before the Board of Review, Michigan State Tax Commission, and Michigan Tax Tribunal.
• Prepare documentation, present evidence, and coordinate with legal counsel on assessment-related matters.

4. Professional Development and Other Duties

• Monitor real estate market trends, construction activity, and developments affecting property values.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing education and professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field, preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer (MAAO) certification, formerly known as Assessor III, or the applicable certification required under Michigan law.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in property assessing, real estate appraisal, or a related field.
• Knowledge of property assessment principles, appraisal methods, valuation techniques, and Michigan property tax laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and professional standards related to property assessments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications including BS&A Assessing.net, property assessment systems, databases, and related software.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and meet statutory deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion, and impartiality.
• Valid Michigan driver's license, as required to perform job-related duties.