Tax Collector - Plainfield City.

New Jersey State League of Municipalities; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 116,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Plainfield seeks an experienced Tax Collector to supervise the tax office's bookkeeping, calculation, and accounting functions. You will collect personal and property taxes, prepare tax bills, and ensure timely reporting to the governing body.

Ideal candidates will possess the NJ Certified Municipal Tax Collector's Certificate, strong knowledge of tax collection laws, and experience coordinating with auditors to maintain municipal accounting systems.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current, valid Certified Municipal Tax Collector's Certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal tax collection laws, principles, practices, and procedures, and the administrative aspects of municipal property taxation and collection.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and the methods used to maintain accounting records.
• Demonstrated ability to work with professional auditors and/or accountants to maintain an accounting system suitable for municipal accounting.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain accurate listings of unpaid tax items, prepare properties for tax sale, and conduct tax sales on delinquent property at least once each year.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the bookkeeping, calculation, and accounting functions of the tax office.
• Collect personal and property taxes, including proper calculation, preparation, and mailing of tax bills.
• Receive and detail account for all monies received.
• Timely and accurate reporting of office activities.
• Enforce timely tax payment.
• Develop administrative procedures for delinquent accounts.
• Conduct annual tax sales.
• Prepare clear, accurate reports for the governing body.
• Demonstrate knowledge of municipal tax collection laws, accounting principles, and recordkeeping practices.

Skills

Municipal tax collection knowledge

Accounting principles

Auditors coordination

Tax sale procedures

Staff supervision

Public communication

Education

Certified Municipal Tax Collector's Certificate

Valid New Jersey driver's license

Job description

The Queen City is a special charter form of government comprised of 6.034 square miles and a population of 57,141 (2025 U.S. Census Bureau estimate), with a 2026 municipal budget of $119 million. The position of Tax Collector is available immediately. The City is seeking a qualified, experienced professional with strong organizational, financial, and communication skills. The ideal applicant will be a detail-oriented team member who can supervise the bookkeeping, calculation, and accounting functions of the tax office while ensuring compliance with all state law and municipal directives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the bookkeeping, calculation, and accounting functions of the tax office.
• Collect personal and property taxes, including proper calculation, preparation, and mailing of tax bills.
• Receive and detail account for all monies received.
• Timely and accurate reporting of office activities.
• Enforce timely tax payment.
• Develop administrative procedures for delinquent accounts.
• Conduct annual tax sales.
• Prepare clear, accurate reports for the governing body.
• Demonstrate knowledge of municipal tax collection laws, accounting principles, and recordkeeping practices.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current, valid Certified Municipal Tax Collector's Certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal tax collection laws, principles, practices, and procedures, and the administrative aspects of municipal property taxation and collection.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and the methods used to maintain accounting records.
• Demonstrated ability to work with professional auditors and/or accountants to maintain an accounting system suitable for municipal accounting.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain accurate listings of unpaid tax items, prepare properties for tax sale, and conduct tax sales on delinquent property at least once each year.
• Ability to develop administrative procedures for delinquent accounts to increase the rate of collection and reduce uncollected balances.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to municipal tax collection, and to prepare accurate and complete reports on the status of tax collections.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff, evaluate performance, and organize assigned work to develop effective office procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Possession of a valid New Jersey driver's license, if operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Residence within a reasonable commuting distance of Plainfield is preferred.
• References outlining and describing a candidate's experience and successes in municipal tax collection in a comparable municipality will be required.

Compensation

• Full-time Salary range: $115,699- $168,883