What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Tax Auditor position at City of Tuscaloosa?
The purpose of this classification is to work independently to conduct and complete audits of business financial records to determine their correct tax liabilities and to assess any unpaid amounts. This classification also instructs businesses in proper accounting procedures and in the proper filing of City business licenses and tax reports.The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
Provides direction, training, guidance and assistance to employees; provides instruction on tax laws and audit procedures; provides instruction and direction to revenue officers and revenue clerks on specific license classifications, tax issues, and related issues/procedures in order to properly maintain accounts and advise taxpayers; provides instruction to other city employees on city/state codes, tax issues, and legislative updates.
Performs audits by examining financial statements, federal tax returns, general ledgers, and other applicable records/reports to determine proper license classifications and tax liabilities.
Completes audits for business licenses, sales tax, use tax, rental tangible tax, liquor tax, residential rental tax, lodging tax, and franchise fees; exercises independent judgment throughout the audit process and determines appropriate audit selection, sampling techniques to apply, and interpretation and application of numerous tax laws applicable to each situation.
Develops and implements audit procedures involving taxpayer selection, notification of audit, scheduling, power of attorney, entry conference, audit compilation, exit conference, assessment, and collection; establishes and develops audit procedures and forms to conform to state regulations; constructs license classifications and pay schedules for city code to simplify filing and payment for taxpayer and the department; designs auditing forms and computer printouts used for notification, workpapers, assessments, and departmental reports.
Instructs businesses on requirements of properly filing business licenses and related tax reports.
Evaluates business operations and becomes familiar with physical operations to determine appropriate taxation and applicable licensing.
Analyzes taxpayer records; examines all business license receipts reported and compares with other financial documents; analyzes and examines monthly sales, use, and rental tax reported and paid for any irregularities.
Prepares assessments of additional tax due, plus penalty and interest at conclusion of audit, explaining tax liability to taxpayer or representative.
Monitors collections of audit assessments with possible initiation of court proceedings.
Completes audit workpaper file for use in appeal hearings, court proceedings, conferences, and instruction; prepares audit worksheets, reports, tax data, and final assessments.
Conducts exit conferences with taxpayer or representative to detail audit findings and conclusions; explains preliminary assessments, if applicable.
Communicates with the Office of the City Attorney in cases concerning audits, revenue issues, or controversial tax compliance; identifies controversial tax issues involving current litigation; notifies legal department of court cases involving other municipalities which may affect revenue policies.
Counsels with county/state tax departments on tax issues and audit procedures; coordinates on current audits.
Consults with accountants and attorneys representing taxpayers concerning tax/audit issues involving proper filing requirements, licensing requirements, and tax liabilities and/or assessments.
Testifies in court as revenue witness; gives depositions concerning compilation of audit and business operations.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, accounting reports, worksheets, tax assessments, sales journals, annual tax statements, depositions/complaints, or other documents.
Evaluates various forms, reports, correspondence, federal/state tax returns, financial statements, accounting records, bank statements, general ledgers, inventory reports, city tax reports, tax forms, interest rate charts, court cases, legislative updates, codes, regulations, periodicals, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, auditing, or other programs.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, city officials, taxpayers, business owners, accountants, lawyers, taxing authorities, local/state/federal agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Attends meetings, makes speeches or presentations, and serves on various committees as needed; serves on Audit Appeal Committee for taxpayer hearing if taxpayer files an appeal; serves as instructor for state revenue certification classes and conferences; represents the department in serving as speaker for Chamber of Commerce and Business Council; serves on state committees for Municipal Revenue Officers Association.
Maintains confidentiality of all financial and other restricted information relating to business license and tax accounts.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations and city/state revenue and tax codes; researches and retains knowledge of tax laws, court cases, and procedures imperative in substantiating tax and license assessments; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
Performs various other tasks, such as issuing business licenses, assisting taxpayers with tax forms, entering customer tax data and updating account information on computer, and collecting delinquent taxes or licenses,
Must work independently to accomplish the responsibilities of the job.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day to day activities.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
Performs other related duties as required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of office and computer equipment which may include a motor vehicle, personal computer, laptop computer, printer, facsimile machine, copy machine, calculator, cellular telephone, pager, or telephone. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for mildly active work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include financial reports and tax returns.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange tax and financial information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with city officials, department heads, business owners, taxing authorities, and the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of financial and tax documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals and percentages, and to interpret statistical reports and graphs.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include computers and office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using computer and office equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.
Provides direction, training, guidance and assistance to employees; provides instruction on tax laws and audit procedures; provides instruction and direction to revenue officers and revenue clerks on specific license classifications, tax issues, and related issues/procedures in order to properly maintain accounts and advise taxpayers; provides instruction to other city employees on city/state codes, tax issues, and legislative updates.
Performs audits by examining financial statements, federal tax returns, general ledgers, and other applicable records/reports to determine proper license classifications and tax liabilities.
Completes audits for business licenses, sales tax, use tax, rental tangible tax, liquor tax, residential rental tax, lodging tax, and franchise fees; exercises independent judgment throughout the audit process and determines appropriate audit selection, sampling techniques to apply, and interpretation and application of numerous tax laws applicable to each situation.
Develops and implements audit procedures involving taxpayer selection, notification of audit, scheduling, power of attorney, entry conference, audit compilation, exit conference, assessment, and collection; establishes and develops audit procedures and forms to conform to state regulations; constructs license classifications and pay schedules for city code to simplify filing and payment for taxpayer and the department; designs auditing forms and computer printouts used for notification, workpapers, assessments, and departmental reports.
Instructs businesses on requirements of properly filing business licenses and related tax reports.
Evaluates business operations and becomes familiar with physical operations to determine appropriate taxation and applicable licensing.
Analyzes taxpayer records; examines all business license receipts reported and compares with other financial documents; analyzes and examines monthly sales, use, and rental tax reported and paid for any irregularities.
Prepares assessments of additional tax due, plus penalty and interest at conclusion of audit, explaining tax liability to taxpayer or representative.
Monitors collections of audit assessments with possible initiation of court proceedings.
Completes audit workpaper file for use in appeal hearings, court proceedings, conferences, and instruction; prepares audit worksheets, reports, tax data, and final assessments.
Conducts exit conferences with taxpayer or representative to detail audit findings and conclusions; explains preliminary assessments, if applicable.
Communicates with the Office of the City Attorney in cases concerning audits, revenue issues, or controversial tax compliance; identifies controversial tax issues involving current litigation; notifies legal department of court cases involving other municipalities which may affect revenue policies.
Counsels with county/state tax departments on tax issues and audit procedures; coordinates on current audits.
Consults with accountants and attorneys representing taxpayers concerning tax/audit issues involving proper filing requirements, licensing requirements, and tax liabilities and/or assessments.
Testifies in court as revenue witness; gives depositions concerning compilation of audit and business operations.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, accounting reports, worksheets, tax assessments, sales journals, annual tax statements, depositions/complaints, or other documents.
Evaluates various forms, reports, correspondence, federal/state tax returns, financial statements, accounting records, bank statements, general ledgers, inventory reports, city tax reports, tax forms, interest rate charts, court cases, legislative updates, codes, regulations, periodicals, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, auditing, or other programs.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, city officials, taxpayers, business owners, accountants, lawyers, taxing authorities, local/state/federal agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Attends meetings, makes speeches or presentations, and serves on various committees as needed; serves on Audit Appeal Committee for taxpayer hearing if taxpayer files an appeal; serves as instructor for state revenue certification classes and conferences; represents the department in serving as speaker for Chamber of Commerce and Business Council; serves on state committees for Municipal Revenue Officers Association.
Maintains confidentiality of all financial and other restricted information relating to business license and tax accounts.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations and city/state revenue and tax codes; researches and retains knowledge of tax laws, court cases, and procedures imperative in substantiating tax and license assessments; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
Performs various other tasks, such as issuing business licenses, assisting taxpayers with tax forms, entering customer tax data and updating account information on computer, and collecting delinquent taxes or licenses,
Must work independently to accomplish the responsibilities of the job.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day to day activities.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
Performs other related duties as required.
Bachelor's degree; supplemented by three (3) years previous related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must obtain within a reasonable time, not to exceed four (4) years from date of hire, and thereafter maintain a valid Alabama Municipal Revenue Officer certification and either a Revenue Examiner or Governmental Tax Analyst certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license.
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of office and computer equipment which may include a motor vehicle, personal computer, laptop computer, printer, facsimile machine, copy machine, calculator, cellular telephone, pager, or telephone. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for mildly active work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include financial reports and tax returns.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange tax and financial information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with city officials, department heads, business owners, taxing authorities, and the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of financial and tax documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals and percentages, and to interpret statistical reports and graphs.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include computers and office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using computer and office equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.