Manager, Property Tax

Overview

Preference will be given to candidates located in Minnesota.

This role involves negotiating the real estate and personal property valuation for the organization, its affiliates, and professional service customers. The primary goal is to minimize corporate property tax liability through the effective application of tax laws and regulations. The position also includes reviewing real estate tax payments and providing budgeting guidance to business units.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate lower assessed property values by collaborating with internal counsel, outside consultants, and attorneys to ensure accurate valuation of real estate and personal property.
• Lead property tax compliance efforts, including personal property tax reporting and payments as well as real estate tax payments, ensuring all filings and payments are accurate and timely.
• Serve as the final reviewer to ensure fixed assets are properly classified and reported on personal property renditions to achieve fair assessments.
• Review all personal property tax returns and payments for accuracy; return any inaccuracies to preparers for correction.
• Maintain expertise in personal property tax law (both proposed and enacted) and reporting requirements through ongoing training and research; share relevant findings with the team.
• Identify and calculate potential transfer taxes on property transfers; collaborate with the legal team to minimize transfer tax exposure through purchase/sale language.
• Partner with the legal team on acquisitions, divestitures, and lease terminations to ensure accurate property tax prorations on settlement statements.
• Resolve property tax-related disputes with landlords to ensure accurate lease interpretation and liabilities.
• Review real estate tax payments to verify correct values and appropriate rates.
• Provide budgeting guidance for real estate taxes to business groups and finance.
• Act as the primary liaison among finance, accounting, real estate, income tax, and indirect tax teams to ensure accurate property tax recording.
• Deliver excellent customer service to Transition and Professional Service clients by responding promptly to information requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Tax.

Requirements

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.

Experience

• 5-10 years of extensive real estate experience, preferably including valuation expertise.
• Advanced proficiency with personal computer spreadsheets, databases, and document preparation applications.
• Previous supervisory experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to prepare researched documentation to support positions and present them appropriately to external parties.
• General knowledge of legal and lease applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain contacts and relationships across the enterprise to achieve desired outcomes.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation.
• Good judgment, especially when direct supervision is not immediately available.

Work Environment

• This is a remote position where the associate will perform work from their primary residence. While remote work is the norm, occasional visits to company offices or other locations may be required for business reasons or as directed by management.
• Minor travel may be necessary to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for meetings or business purposes.

Physical Environment and Demands

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• The role requires sitting for extended periods at a desk or computer terminal.
• Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, reaching, talking, and hearing is expected.
• Use of office equipment such as calculators, keyboards, and telephones is typical.
• Occasional stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) plan
• Health benefits effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Remote work option
• Mentorship program and developmental opportunities

Location

• Preference for candidates located in Minnesota.