Senior Property Tax Specialist

Description Forest City Enterprises, Inc., a $9.2 billion* publicly traded real estate company, is principally engaged in the ownership, development, acquisition and management of premier commercial and residential real estate throughout the United States. An NYSE-listed real estate company (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB), based in Cleveland, Ohio, its portfolio includes interests in retail centers, apartment communities, office buildings and hotels throughout the United States.

As property taxes are significant costs to real estate owners, it behooves Forest City to actively manage its real estate assessments and taxes. Our primary goal is to maintain equitable property tax assessments and minimize property tax liabilities. As part of the tax team, in support of the SBUs, we accomplish this through various activities including, but not limited to: keeping abreast of, tracking, and documenting changes in market conditions; tracking changes in assessment laws and practices; developing independent estimates of value according to professional practice standards and local customs and practices; interacting with Forest City associates, agents, and government officials; tracking, analyzing, and reporting assessment and tax data; performing compliance activities and responding to requests for information.

Requirements:

The candidate must:

� Possess an understanding of ad valorem taxation principles and concepts;
� Have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial statements and develop pro forma statements and discounted cash flows;
� Have completed Appraisal Institute Appraisal Principles, Appraisal Procedures, USPAP, Income Approach 1, Income Approach 2, Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use classes; or completed IAAO classes 101, 102, 112, 312, and a USPAP class.
� Possess working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel; appraisal terminology and techniques.
� Possess the ability to communicate and interface with management at all levels.
� Possess the ability to efficiently work as part of a team to accomplish department objectives.

Preferences:

� State commercial real estate license or IAAO certification.

Essential Job Functions:

� Review and evaluate assessments to initially determine fairness of assessment prior to statutory appeal deadline.
� Complete and assist with property tax and other incentive program applications.
� Identify, analyze, and communicate the impact of numerous factors on the valuation of real property.
� Property assessment and tax bill verification and forecasting for SBU forecasts.
� Assist senior management in the identification and resolution of assessment and property tax issues.
� Track and report on assessments, taxes, appeal activities using property tax compliance software.
� Work with third party vendors to provide them with information and insight necessary to successfully pursue assessment appeal opportunities.
� Engage and work with third party consultants.
� Verify assessments and taxes on real estate tax bills.
� Track and maintain valuation and assessment information in databases.

Education:

At minimum, a Bachelor's degree preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics or Real Estate is required.

Experience:

� A minimum of three to five years estimating value of income producing property;
� A minimum of two years in a setting with exposure to a national real estate market;
� Prior experience with a real estate management company, appraisal office or assessment office.

Special Characteristics:

� Team oriented, personable, and interacts well with others.
� Responsible and self-motivated.
� Able to speak and write clearly and communicate effectively.
� Able to work diligently and efficiently.
� Able to collect data, especially using the internet.
� MS Office Suite- Word, Excel, Outlook.
� Able to efficiently use a financial calculator.
� SAP, PTMS, ePropertyTax experience is a plus.
� Must be willing and able to learn new things.
� Some travel required.

Requirements Please refer to the Job Description for the qualifications.