Property Tax Accountant

Joseph Michaels International; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote work flexibility

Professional development reimbursement

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International seeks an experienced Property Tax Accountant to lead real and personal property tax compliance, reporting, and planning. This role handles filings, assessment analysis, and savings opportunities across jurisdictions, coordinating with internal teams and external authorities.

The ideal candidate has 3–7 years of property tax experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel and property tax software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of progressive experience in property tax compliance (corporate, public accounting, or consulting).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. state and local property tax laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).
• Experience with property tax software (PTMS, Vertex) and familiarity with ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file personal property tax renditions and real property tax returns across multiple states and local jurisdictions.
• Review property tax assessments for accuracy; identify and pursue appeal opportunities to minimize tax liability.
• Conduct research on property tax laws, regulations, and valuation methodologies in various districts.
• Maintain accurate property tax records, including fixed asset schedules, depreciation tracking, and tax calendars.
• Forecast and accrue property tax expenses; assist with monthly/quarterly close processes and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with third-party appraisers, consultants, and taxing authorities on audits, appeals, and inquiries.
• Analyze the property tax impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and capital projects.
• Support voluntary disclosure agreements and amnesty programs when applicable.
• Collaborate with accounting, legal, and operations teams to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Stay current on legislative changes affecting property taxation and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Taxation

Tools

PTMS

Vertex

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Job description

Property Tax Accountant

Location: Philadelphia PA

Department: Accounting/Tax/Finance

Reports to: Tax Manager / Director of Taxation

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Property Tax Accountant to join our tax team. The ideal candidate will specialize in real and personal property tax compliance, reporting, and planning. This role involves managing property tax filings, analyzing assessments, identifying savings opportunities, and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with internal stakeholders and external tax authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and file personal property tax renditions and real property tax returns across multiple states and local jurisdictions.
• Review property tax assessments for accuracy; identify and pursue appeal opportunities to minimize tax liability.
• Conduct research on property tax laws, regulations, and valuation methodologies in various taxing districts.
• Maintain accurate property tax records, including fixed asset schedules, depreciation tracking, and tax calendars.
• Forecast and accrue property tax expenses; assist with monthly/quarterly close processes and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with third-party appraisers, consultants, and taxing authorities on audits, appeals, and inquiries.
• Analyze the property tax impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and capital projects.
• Support voluntary disclosure agreements and amnesty programs when applicable.
• Collaborate with accounting, legal, and operations teams to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Stay current on legislative changes affecting property taxation and recommend process improvements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of progressive experience in property tax compliance (corporate, public accounting, or consulting environment).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. state and local property tax laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros a plus) and property tax software (e.g., PTMS, Vertex, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.

Preferred

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CMI (Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation), or similar designation.
• Experience with multi-state personal property renditions and real estate tax appeals.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and fixed asset modules.
• Public accounting (Big 4 or large regional firm) or large corporate tax department experience.

Skills & Competencies

• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals).
• Proactive mindset with a focus on identifying tax-saving opportunities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional integrity and adherence to confidentiality standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Professional development and certification reimbursement.
• Hybrid/remote work flexibility.