Office Assistant - Tax Assessment and Accounts Payable
Make your mark where history meets horizon. In Drumheller—home to the world-famous Dinosaur Valley—our breathtaking Badlands backdrop, vibrant recreation culture, and tight-knit community create a place where your leadership truly matters. As the Office Assistant - Tax Assessment and Accounts Payable, you’ll be a champion for keeping our community running smoothly from the ground up. If you’re ready to support an all-star team with passion, innovation, and leave a visible legacy across our valley, we’d love to meet you.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Finance Manager, this position provides front‑line customer service for the Corporate Services department and supports the administration of the Town’s property assessment and tax rolls. The role serves as the primary liaison between the Town and contracted assessors and is responsible for the Town’s Accounts Payable operations.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Receives, reviews, codes, and processes accounts payable invoices, ensuring accuracy and that all required approvals and authorizations are obtained.
- Reconciles supplier statements to invoices and payments; liaises with suppliers to resolve discrepancies and responds to inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Coordinates and processes accounts payable cheque runs, electronic file transfers, and EFT payments in accordance with established schedules and controls.
- Maintains and updates electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment information and supplier records, including additions, deletions, and changes to account or address information.
- Performs monthly accounts payable reconciliations and resolves outstanding items.
- Administers the property tax system, including subdivisions and consolidations, assessment notice mailings, tax billing, collections, land title changes, and the issuance of tax and assessment certificates.
- Reviews contracted assessment reports, identifies anomalies, and communicates findings to the assessor for investigation and resolution.
- Receives and processes assessment appeals and associated fees; coordinates appeal hearings with the Red Deer Regional Assessment Board and follows up on outcomes and required actions.
- Ensures penalties are calculated and applied correctly and completes month‑end procedures in accordance with legislation, bylaws, and departmental policies.
- Prepares tax arrears notifications and the annual tax recovery list for submission to Alberta Land Titles and notification to affected property owners.
- Administers, monitors, and tracks tax arrears repayment agreements.
- Maintains accurate property owner records, including updates to mailing addresses and contact information.
- Provides cash balancing, front‑counter customer service, and relief to other positions as required.
- Responds to internal, external, and public inquiries related to taxation, assessment, and accounts payable.
- Complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and sound information management practices by ensuring the accuracy, quality, authenticity, confidentiality, and appropriate disclosure of information.
- Adheres to best practices for records, files, and correspondence management.
- Provides functional and technical guidance related to taxation and assessment processes to internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Provides input, support, and recommendations to the Manager and/or Director on matters related to taxation and associated processes.
- Provides backup coverage and cross-functional support across Corporate Services department roles and responsibilities as needed
- Complies with the Town’s safety policies and applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
- Performs other related duties in accordance with Town Policies and standards.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Completion of post secondary education focused on Accounting or Business Administration.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a complex organization such as an accounting firm, land or property developer. Experience should include exposure to Accounts Payables.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Municipal experience and knowledge of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will be considered an asset.
ICS 100 or willingness and eligibility to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of internal and external clients to achieve successful outcomes.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Demonstrated skill in interpreting and applying relevant legislation, bylaws, regulations, and municipal policies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, courteously, tactfully, and discretely when handling inquiries, complaints, and sensitive matters.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in tasks requiring data entry, financial processing, and record maintenance.
- Ability to represent the Town and the Corporate Services department in a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous manner.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and productivity.
- Ability to maintain focus for extended periods, particularly during data entry and reconciliation activities.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check and a ten (10) year driver’s abstract.
Employment Category: Permanent Full-Time
Hours per Week: 37.5 hours (Monday to Friday)
Compensation: $29.88 / Hour
BENEFITS: The Town of Drumheller offers a competitive compensation package that includes salary, vacation, personal leave, extended health and wellness benefits, LAPP pension (effective date of hire), professional development support, and an excellent team environment.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume through the CAREERS section on our website. This position will remain open until filled but candidates are encouraged to apply early as screening will begin immediately.
The Town of Drumheller is an equal opportunity employer and strongly supports diversity in the workplace. All qualified candidates who are authorized to work in Canada are encouraged to apply.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted
