Specialist, Tax Compliance

Full Job Description

Examines and verifies the books and records of individuals, partnerships and corporate taxpayers to determine their liability to the City and School District for various business or income taxes. Performs audits in the office and at taxpayer's or accountant's office or location convenient to the taxpayer. Handles routine to moderately complex accounts and performs field audits. Investigates compliance of individuals or businesses with City and School laws and ordinances (e.g., tax laws regarding registration and filing).

Department: Finance
Salary: $52,024 per year.
Union: This position is included in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2719 bargaining unit and will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the collective Bargaining Agreement.

Posting Type: Contractual Right Announcement/Bid.

Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive

Requirements

General Application Requirements:
You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable) and completed supplemental questions.
• City Residents Only: Applicants must be City of Pittsburgh residents at the time of application and must remain a resident throughout employment.
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A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.

NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire.

Qualifying Requirements:
Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status via email.
• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show two (2) years of full-time experience in billing and/or customer service. Experience working with taxes is preferred. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show an Associate's Degree in Finance, Accounting or a Business related field. (See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training).

EQUIVALENCY: Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year for year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above).

The Total Qualifying Requirement is four (4) years.

Qualifications

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s).

You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position.

Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.

• Written: None required for this position.
• Performance: None required for this position.
• Medical: None required for this position.

Additional Information

• Investigates compliance of individuals and businesses with City laws and ordinances (e.g., tax laws regarding registration and filing).
• Classifies and summarizes taxpayers' records.
• Issues audit reports of findings.
• Prepares assessment and refund forms.
• Compiles audit work papers.
• Provides assistance in filling out tax returns, completing determinations regarding tax liability, completing appropriate registrations, and additional taxpayer customer service functions
• Confers with taxpayers or legal representatives and provides explanations of audit findings.
• Assists in processing tax returns.
• Selects returns for audit.
• Remains abreast of applicable tax laws, regulations and judicial decisions that relate to City taxes.
• Attends Department of Finance Treasurer's hearings and Court proceedings to support City assessments of additional taxes.
• Files actions against delinquent taxpayers who do not respond to warnings.
• Reviews various reports or forms to ensure their accuracy and completeness (e.g., tax due, penalty, and interest tax rate).
• Works with outside agencies such as the Liquor Control Board, URA, City Law Department and others.
• Appears as a witness in Common Pleas and/or other courts to explain audit findings.
• Maintains records and prepares accurate reports (e.g., monthly activities, audit findings, etc.) as requested or required.
• Takes photographs or videotapes and posts signs (e.g., Notice of Delinquent Tax Sales).
• May voluntarily work evenings and weekends as needed; Compensatory time and pay may be accrued.
• Performs activities and functions of related personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
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