Tax Collector (Accounting)

The City of Westbrook is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to serve as our next Tax Collector. This position plays a key role within the Finance Department and is responsible for overseeing municipal tax collection functions while supporting a variety of accounting, reconciliation, and financial operations. The ideal candidate will have strong financial and customer service skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys public service, problem-solving, and working collaboratively in a fast-paced municipal environment.

The City of Westbrook is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, and welcoming workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and ensure that hiring decisions are based on experience, skills, and the needs of the role. We also welcome applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans. Our goal is to create an environment where every employee can contribute meaningfully and feel supported in their role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer all municipal tax collection activities, including property taxes, sewer charges, and related fees.
• Prepare and process tax liens, lien releases, and foreclosure-related documentation in accordance with Maine law.
• Assist residents, taxpayers, real estate professionals, and others with tax-related questions and requests.
• Reconcile tax receivables, preparing collection reports, and supporting accurate financial reporting.
• Coordinate with financial institutions and internal departments on tax payments, records, abatements, and electronic transactions.
• Support accounts receivable processes, journal entries, reconciliations, audits, and other finance-related projects.
• Assist with tax-acquired property administration and supporting financial process improvements and internal controls.

A full list of duties and responsibilities is available in the complete job description available at www.westbrookmaine.gov/jobs.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in tax collection, municipal finance, or accounting
• Must be bondable as required by state law
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of municipal tax collection, lien processes, and financial reconciliation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Munis and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) or ability to learn

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of $78,326.50 - $92,264.61 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
• This position is a non-union role.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes medical (PPO plan at 12% premium cost, plus HRA reimbursement), dental, vision, life insurance (one times base salary), short and long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Generous paid leave including vacation, sick, and 13 holiday per year.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
• Retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement Plan (Maine PERS) or defined 457 with matching up to 6%.

Application Process:

• Whether you have found us through our jobs page, Indeed, the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), Facebook, or other platforms, you can apply online, via email, or in-person. Be sure to include all necessary information, including the position applied for, salary requirement, experience, education, qualifications, and certifications.
• Online application
• Interested applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to the Human Resources Department at HR@westbrook.me.us.
• In-Person Applications at 2 York Street, Westbrook, ME

Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive reference and background check including credit check.

The City of Westbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, and or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the City of Westbrook:

The City of Westbrook was a traditional mill city that has grown and diversified significantly over the last two decades to become a residential hub and business center for the region. Westbrook has a population of over 20,000 and covers 17.36 square miles. Westbrook is centrally located to both urban and rural amenities. Currently, the City employs approximately 195 full-time and 80 variable hour employees covered by five different Collective Bargaining Agreements. The departments contained within the City are the Mayor’s Office, Economic Development, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Planning, Code Enforcement, & Assessing, Public Services, Community Services, General Assistance, Library, Police, Fire & Rescue, and Dispatch.

The Finance Department manages all aspects of the City's financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, and compliance with financial regulations. It handles disbursements, motor and recreational vehicle registrations, tax payments, hunting and fishing licenses, and sewer and tax liens. Finance also provides financial analysis and advice to the City Council and other departments, ensuring responsible financial stewardship. The department works closely with auditors and ensures the City meets state and federal financial requirements. The department is staffed by nine full-time employees.

Pay: $78,326.50 - $92,264.61 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Prescription drug insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person