The City of Westbrook is seeking a highly organized, service-oriented professional to serve as Tax Collector within the Finance Department. The Tax Collector is responsible for administering and coordinating all tax collection functions for the City and providing strong leadership of the Finance Department’s front-line operations. This position oversees daily Tax Office activities, supervises staff, and serves as a key point of contact for residents, City officials, and external partners. The work requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
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
- Supervise and support front-line Finance staff to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and excellent customer service
- Prepare and manage tax liens, collections, reconciliations, and required reports
- Serve as a resource to residents, businesses, and professionals regarding tax-related matters
- Collaborate closely with the Finance Director, Tax Assessor, City Clerk, and Deputy Finance Director
- Support audits, internal controls, and special financial projects
A full list of duties and responsibilities is available in the complete job description available here.
Education & Qualifications:ns:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in tax collection, municipal finance, or accounting
- Prior supervisory or management experience required
- 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 in a fast-paced environment
- High ethical standards, sound judgment, and attention to detail
- Proficiency with Munis and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) or ability to learn
Compensation & 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 who are not currently based in Maine should include a brief statement addressing their plans and readiness to relocate, including timing and reason for interest in the region.
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.