The Director, Property Tax is responsible for leading the Company's enterprise property tax function across a national residential real estate portfolio. This role develops and executes strategies to optimize property tax expense, improve forecast accuracy, ensure compliance with all state and local taxing jurisdictions, and maximize value through assessment reviews and appeals. The Director serves as the Company's subject matter expert on property taxation and partners closely with Finance, Acquisitions, Asset Management, Operations, Legal, and external tax consultants to support business objectives. The role is responsible for property tax budgeting, forecasting, assessment analysis, appeals management, tax payment oversight, reporting, data analytics, and continuous process improvement.
This position utilizes technology, automation, and advanced analytics to drive efficiencies, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights that support portfolio performance and profitability.
Property Tax Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the Company's enterprise property tax strategy.
- Lead all property tax activities across the Company's portfolio of single-family rental homes and related assets.
- Establish policies, procedures, controls, and governance processes related to property tax administration.
- Serve as the primary internal advisor regarding property tax matters and emerging legislative or regulatory developments.
- Identify opportunities to reduce property tax expense while maintaining compliance and minimizing business risk.
Assessment Management & Appeals
- Direct annual assessment review processes across all applicable jurisdictions.
- Identify properties for valuation review, challenge, and appeal.
- Oversee third-party consultants, attorneys, and tax service providers supporting assessment appeals and tax administration.
- Develop strategies to maximize appeal success rates and return on investment.
- Monitor appeal outcomes and incorporate results into future valuation and forecasting models.
- Prepare business cases supporting significant appeal activity and tax savings initiatives.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
- Lead property tax budgeting and forecasting processes for annual operating plans, long-range plans, and periodic forecasts.
- Develop predictive models to estimate future property tax liabilities and valuation trends.
- Partner with FP&A and Accounting to ensure accurate accruals, reserves, and financial reporting.
- Analyze tax expense trends, assessment increases, and market conditions impacting property tax costs.
- Provide executive leadership with insights regarding tax expense risks and opportunities.
Compliance & Tax Administration
- Ensure timely payment of all property tax obligations.
- Oversee tax calendar administration and jurisdictional filing requirements.
- Monitor tax notices, assessments, exemptions, abatements, and payment statuses.
- Ensure compliance with state and local property tax regulations across all markets.
- Coordinate internal and external audits related to property tax matters.
Data Analytics, Technology & Process Improvement
- Develop dashboards, scorecards, and key performance indicators to monitor property tax performance.
- Utilize large data sets to identify valuation anomalies, assessment trends, appeal opportunities, and portfolio-level risks.
- Partner with Data & Analytics teams to enhance automation and reporting capabilities.
- Leverage AI, predictive analytics, and business intelligence tools to improve decision-making and forecast accuracy.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency and strengthen operational controls.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with property tax consultants, appeal firms, outside counsel, and tax technology providers