Town Treasurer / Tax Collector, Part-time - Town of Benton, Maine

Start Date: March 31, 2025 | End Date: September 27, 2025
County: Kennebec County
Job Type: Other

Instructions:  Email Resume, Cover Letter and References to the Town Clerk at:  [email protected]

Position Description

Position: Town Treasurer / Tax Collector

Department: Administrative                                                                    Reports To: Select Board

Part Time – 32 Hours per week                                                               Hired by: Select Board

Salary: Based on years of municipal and governmental experience:

• $40,603.84 – (1 – 5 Years)
• $42,740.88 – (5+ – 10 Years)
• $44,990.40 – (10+ Years)

NATURE OF WORK

The primary responsibility of the Town Treasurer/Tax Collector is to provide excellent customer service while providing essential town services. 

TOWN TREASURER

Responsible for the day-to-day handling and oversight of all monies collected by the Town, management of investments, preparation and maintenance of financial records.

• Position requires the management of the operations of the office and department of Town Treasurer, in accordance with commonly accepted accounting practices and in compliance with all state and local statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Employee is responsible for and participates in the full range of activities as Treasurer.  Work includes the technical areas of tax collection, cash management, computerized record-keeping and customer service, as well as overall management of the office. Work involves to coordination of department staff, other municipal employees and municipal officials. Responsible for executing actions necessary to achieve departmental objectives. A significant amount of problem solving, interpretation and policy development is required. Must be aware and use judgement around legal and social issues.
• Position requires extensive communication with taxpayers and citizens, the business community, financial institutions, municipal officials and other municipal employees. Communication includes considerable written documentation of records and documents.
• Preparation of monthly and annual financial reports for municipal officials and taxpayers.
• Preparation of the annual budget.
• Monitors town funds, communicating with financial institutions and municipal officials.
• Executes the tax lien process according to legal guidelines.
• Responds to taxpayer inquiries and requests for information regarding tax liens and foreclosures.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements of the Work

• Position requires detailed, specialized and extensive knowledge of the practices and procedures of cash management, investment, budgeting and municipal accounting.
• Employee should possess seasoned knowledge of the organization and the role of this department, and be able to investigate and analyze specialized or broad-based issues.
• Knowledge of tax process including tax lien requirements.

• Knowledge of municipal accounting and cash management practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of the State statutes relating to the duties and responsibilities of town treasurers and tax collectors.
• A solid ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with residents, tax payers, town officials and staff.
• An ability to be flexible and adjust to business needs while balancing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to complete certification and continuing education to stay abreast of the law changes and requirements.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment and software applications such as Microsoft and TRIO or other accounting software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Town officials, employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must have direct customer service experience.
• Must have the ability to accurately handle cash.

TAX COLLECTOR

Employee of this class is responsible for the collection and recording of town funds. Work involves tax collection, maintaining liaison with Town departments and the general public.  Work is performed with considerable independence of action in accordance with applicable laws and following generally accepted accounting practices. Work is reviewed through observation, verification, internal audit, and through fiscal audit.

• Supervises and is responsible for the collection of all monies.
• Receives and processes all tax payments by mail; records and balances all payments.
• Prepares all reports of tax collections and reports to the State on excise taxes and registrations.
• Prepares timely tax receipt deposits and enters amounts into computer.
• Prepares a monthly report of tax collections and other receivables.
• Orders and maintains departmental supplies.
• Prepares annual department budget.
• Reconciles tax collections to General Ledger.
• Prepares cut-offs: procedures for end-of-year work/financial audit.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements of the Work

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal accounting.
• Thorough knowledge of the lien process.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal cash management.
• Thorough knowledge of excise tax collection: laws, updates.
• Ability to prepare regular reports on tax collection activities.
• Considerable knowledge of modern methods of receiving, depositing and disbursing large amounts of money.
• Ability to deal courteously with the public and to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public.

WORKING HOURS/CONDITIONS/DEMANDS

Office hours are:

• 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• Half hour lunch daily

Normal office environment, not subject to extremes in temperature, noise, odors, etc. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Select Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a responsible accounting, treasurer and/or tax collector position, demonstrating increased responsibility, with strong bookkeeping and/or accounting duties.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with TRIO software or similar accounting software.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with MS Office Suite including; MS Word, MS Excel, etc.