Coordinator, Property Tax - 18 month contract

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!  Please note that this is an 18 month contract.Job Summary

The Coordinator, Property Tax - Canada is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting and property tax payment process for all CN’s Canadian holdings.  The position requires timely and precise execution of accurate tax payments to taxing authorities under very tight deadlines.  

Main Responsibilities Property Tax Budgeting and Financial Reporting

·       Handle property tax financial reporting in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and ensure the SOX documentation is up to date at all times

·       Prepare, analyze, review and submit monthly forecasting cash flow allocations, financial data, monthly and Year-To-Date (YTD) report, quarterly and yearly budget, and explain variances

·       Resolve and book monthly property tax accruals based on the yearly budget

·       Prepare and review month-end and year-end account reconciliations for Property Tax Balance Sheet Accounts

·       Prepare quarterly and yearly tax reporting on Gross Tax Payments

Assessment Review

·       Maintain and review assessment valuation records, document annual assessment changes, and notify the Manager, Property Tax of any forthcoming deadlines

·       Oversee all related notifications or notices related to assessment (i.e., Property Assessment Notice, Amended Property Assessment Notice) and update Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP) accordingly

·       Support the Manager, Property Tax with the appeal process, when needed, and advise of any forthcoming deadlines

·       Assist in the preparation of right of way inventory, track class and tonnage reports to provincial and other assessment authorities for tax return purposes

Property Tax Management

·       Perform a desktop audit of the property tax invoices and resolve issues with tax authorities. (i.e. penalties, interest, tax classifications, inconsistencies)

·       Process all payments of realty taxes accurately and timely while taking advantage of discounts, rebates or other incentives

·       Monitor the flow of tax payments and ensure timely reception of all invoices to avoid penalties

·       Reconcile tax charges with assessment values accordingly

·       Identify tenants assessed on tax bills and resolve accuracy of billings

·       Obtain banking information from municipalities for electronic payments and keep the taxing authorities’ information always updated into the Accounts Payable vendor module

·       Liaise with tax authorities and other internal group on any related property tax matters

·       Verify and approve all tax payments processed within the allowed limits

·       Allocate properly the property tax refunds related to appeals or assessment reviews

·       Review and maintain existing controls proactively, analyze exceptions and perform required corrections to protect valuation and tax accuracy

Tenant Tax Recoveries and Other

·       Calculate, review, analyse and process tenant tax recoveries based on leases and applicable legislation

·       Coordinate diligently with Accounts Receivable for the property tax recovery process

·       Update and maintain tenant recovery files, both budget and actual files

·       Gather from and provide information to Real Estate for the purposes of updating databases

·       Ensure to scan and store into SAP the assessment, invoice and other tax related documents

·       Maintain and increase data accuracy and integrity of CN’s inventory within SAP

·       Work with Information and Technology (I&T) personnel to fully leverage SAP and perform testing for upgrades when necessary

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress.

RequirementsExperience

Property Tax, Lease Administration or Collections

·       Between 3 to 5 years of property tax, lease administration or collections experience

o   Property valuation, surveying background or an equivalent combination of education and experience*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·       College Diploma in Accounting, Business or Property Valuation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration or Real Estate*  

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

·       Applies critical thinking

·       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Communicates with impact

·       Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders

·       Demonstrates active listening

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Excellent computer skills, including SAP, Business Warehouse, Excel advance functions, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and MapGuide

·       Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)

 

About CN  

 

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.