Tax & License Field Auditor
Apply NowCompany: City of Tacoma
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $82,472.00 - $100,235.20 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 0530-25
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 4/3/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual for the position of Tax and License Field Auditor. As a Tax and License Field Auditor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring business compliance with city tax and license ordinances while carrying out essential accounting duties.
Responsibilities:
This position primarily involves office-based work with occasional site visits to businesses. During fieldwork you will drive to various locations to view and tour business operations and/or meet with taxpayers. Flexible working hours may be needed at times requiring work during evenings or weekends.
If you have a passion for accounting, an eye for detail, and a desire to contribute to the City's financial integrity, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!
Qualifications
An equivalent combination to: graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in finance, business administration or related field AND two years' experience in professional ledger review and auditing work including experience in revenue auditing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license with maintenance thereafter.
Knowledge & Skills
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and InclusionTacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Apply
Interested City of Tacoma current employees should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts. These questions will be scored on the basis of the information provided; therefore, it is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training. The evaluation committee will not have access to the candidate's application. Providing false information will result in disqualification. Candidates must pass this evaluation in order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 prior to 4pm on the date of this posting closing.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application.I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.
02
Do you have an equivalent combination to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in finance, business administration or related field AND two years' experience in professional ledger review and auditing work including experience in revenue auditing? (Please note education and experience can be substituted on a year for year basis)
03
Do you have public sector experience?
04
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:Questions #5-7 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #5-7.
05
In 250 words or less, describe your audit, research, data analysis, and investigation skills and techniques.
06
In 250 words or less describe -"why"- you believe auditing is a necessary component in the Finance arena.
07
Compose a response to Auto Repair Taxpayer using only the information provided in the link below:
Greetings Tax & License:I own a business and need help understanding how to complete my tax return. My business just started and does auto repair services at a small shop in south Tacoma. I specialize in foreign cars but will fix just about anything with a motor if the price is right. I am proud to say I did $288,000 in retailing auto repairs last year. It has always been my goal to own a successful business in Tacoma! I am not an accountant however and need some assistance. How do I calculate my taxes owed? Will you please let me know how much I owe in City taxes for last year?Thank you,Auto Repair Taxpayer
Please note: Do -"not"- use your real name in your response. You may use the name "Auditor" for your salutation.
08
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
09
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 0530-25
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 4/3/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual for the position of Tax and License Field Auditor. As a Tax and License Field Auditor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring business compliance with city tax and license ordinances while carrying out essential accounting duties.
Responsibilities:
- Perform audits and investigations in the field to sole proprietorships, corporations and other business entities to assure taxpayer compliance with City ordinances; interpret and apply City regulations.
- Review and analyze financial records, reports and documents of taxpayers; verify gross income; determine correct amount of business and occupational taxes due to the City
- Conduct audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, the City Code, applicable State and federal laws and prevailing court decisions
- Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports; present audit scope and reasoning used in reaching decisions; prepare working papers and other supporting documentation
- Utilize a variety of specialized auditing techniques to evaluate accounting systems and internal controls, to determine gross income and to verify and interpret source documents
- Conduct audit entrance conferences with taxpayers to discuss the scope and depth of the audit; maintain communication with taxpayers to fully develop pertinent facts and information; conduct exit conferences to report findings and discuss issues and adjustments
- Maintain current knowledge in the field by reviewing court cases and new statutes
- Testify in court, as needed, as to the mechanics of the audit
- Examine and review a variety of tax returns for mechanical accuracy and proper classification and reporting; contact taxpayer for additional information as needed
- Determine audit issues, scope, depth and appropriate examination procedures
This position primarily involves office-based work with occasional site visits to businesses. During fieldwork you will drive to various locations to view and tour business operations and/or meet with taxpayers. Flexible working hours may be needed at times requiring work during evenings or weekends.
If you have a passion for accounting, an eye for detail, and a desire to contribute to the City's financial integrity, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!
Qualifications
An equivalent combination to: graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in finance, business administration or related field AND two years' experience in professional ledger review and auditing work including experience in revenue auditing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license with maintenance thereafter.
Knowledge & Skills
- Generally Accepted Auditing Standards
- Accounting principles, techniques and procedures
- Accounting principles, techniques and procedures
- Municipal, State and federal tax regulations
- Record-keeping techniques
- Perform complex audits and investigations to assure taxpayer compliance with City tax ordinances
- Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports
- Conduct conferences with taxpayers to explain procedures and audit findings
- Analyze and interpret a variety of financial records, reports and documents
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
- Work confidentially
- Maintain records and prepare report
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Plan and organize work
- Operation of a computer terminal and various software applications
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and InclusionTacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Apply
Interested City of Tacoma current employees should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts. These questions will be scored on the basis of the information provided; therefore, it is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training. The evaluation committee will not have access to the candidate's application. Providing false information will result in disqualification. Candidates must pass this evaluation in order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 prior to 4pm on the date of this posting closing.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application.I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have an equivalent combination to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in finance, business administration or related field AND two years' experience in professional ledger review and auditing work including experience in revenue auditing? (Please note education and experience can be substituted on a year for year basis)
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have public sector experience?
- Yes
- No
04
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:Questions #5-7 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #5-7.
- Yes
- No
05
In 250 words or less, describe your audit, research, data analysis, and investigation skills and techniques.
06
In 250 words or less describe -"why"- you believe auditing is a necessary component in the Finance arena.
07
Compose a response to Auto Repair Taxpayer using only the information provided in the link below:
Greetings Tax & License:I own a business and need help understanding how to complete my tax return. My business just started and does auto repair services at a small shop in south Tacoma. I specialize in foreign cars but will fix just about anything with a motor if the price is right. I am proud to say I did $288,000 in retailing auto repairs last year. It has always been my goal to own a successful business in Tacoma! I am not an accountant however and need some assistance. How do I calculate my taxes owed? Will you please let me know how much I owe in City taxes for last year?Thank you,Auto Repair Taxpayer
Please note: Do -"not"- use your real name in your response. You may use the name "Auditor" for your salutation.
08
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
- Job Interest Card notification
- Internet search
- Professional organization
- Military organization
- Union job posting
- City of Tacoma employee
- Online job board posting
- Word of mouth
- SEED
- TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)
- Indeed
- Careers in Government
- Government Jobs
- NWPPA
- Outreach Event
09
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question