Manager, Vacant Unit Tax & General Revenue

Position Details

• Closing Date: October 21, 2026
• Vacancy Type: Existing vacancy
• Union: Non-Union
• Department: Finance

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

Summary of Duties

Reporting to the Director, Revenue Services, the Manager, Vacant Unit Tax & General Revenue provides strategic and operational leadership for the City’s Vacant Unit Tax Program, other assigned revenue programs and services. The position is accountable for the effective administration, billing, collection, reconciliation, financial control, customer service and continuous improvement of these programs.

Provides leadership in the development and implementation of strategies, policies, procedures, financial controls and service delivery standards that support sound revenue administration, legislative compliance, effective financial management and a positive customer experience.

Leads the administration of the Vacant Unit Tax Program, including approximately 176,000 annual property declarations and associated billing, audit, compliance, dispute and appeal processes.

Responsible for ensuring compliance standards are met related to the payment card industry data security standards (PCI DSS) and City’s PCI program.

Accountable for establishing and achieving sectional goals and objectives through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources and with minimal disruption to the public. Uses a ‘best practices’ approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Instills a customer service focus which ensures consistent and fair treatment of all residents. Works closely with Program areas to ensure the City’s revenue policies and procedures are followed at all times.

Responsibilities

• Assumes lead accountability for the Vacant Unit Tax Program and other general revenues, the effective collections and reconciliations thereof, as well as the dissemination of Vacant Unit Tax and general revenues information from the City. Ensures that the section can meet the growing needs of staff, internal and external clients.
• Leads continuous improvement and service modernization initiatives within the section, including the identification and implementation of opportunities for process automation, digital service delivery, system enhancements, data analytics and other technologies that improve efficiency, internal controls and customer experience.
• Provides effective financial stewardship and oversight of assigned revenue programs, including budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations, financial controls, adjustments, reporting and monitoring of program financial performance.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate internal controls, governance frameworks and documented procedures to safeguard City revenues and ensure the completeness, accuracy and integrity of financial transactions and reporting.
• The Manager is accountable to the Director, Revenue Services for ensuring that the Vacant Unit Tax/General Revenue billings, collection, accounting and programs are provided in accordance with City and provincial legislation and in the most effective and efficient manner consistent with the City of Hamilton Mission, Vision & Values.

General Duties

• Participates in strategic planning of the Division and Department as a member of the Division Management Team.
• Provides strategic and collaborative leadership through consultation with an effective division management team.
• Promotes teamwork and integration between units within the division and with other parties participating in cross function and cross program initiatives (e.g., Housing Services, Municipal Licensing and Enforcement).
• Develops and empowers staff through delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities, through regular feedback and by providing development opportunities and technical direction.
• Monitors the operations and projects within the section to ensure safety, service quality, cost-effective and timely delivery of services, and environmental and legislative compliance.
• Participates in the development and monitoring of the Tax Supported budgets.
• Ensures compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and municipal by-laws and policies.
• Liaises with external Auditors and Senior Management. Primary audit contact at year end as well as throughout the year.
• Monitors emerging legislative, regulatory, financial, technological and municipal sector trends and assesses their implications for City programs and revenue administration.
• Ensures Customer Service staff are adequately trained to respond to Vacant Unit Tax and general revenues related inquiries from the public and advocate the consistent and fair treatment of all taxpayers.
• Responds to various corporate, community, provincial or federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.
• Provides strategic advice, analysis and recommendations to the Director, senior management, Committees and Council on matters related to the Vacant Unit Tax Program, assigned revenue programs, policy, financial and operational issues.