PENALTY REVIEW SPECIALIST 2

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Penalty Review Specialist 2 supports the Penalty Review Unit by analyzing and interpreting federal and state tax laws and Arizona Revised Statutes to evaluate testimony and written evidence, make findings of fact, and render decisions. The role works within the tax reporting system to perform complex account reconciliations and maintenance, adjust tax returns, and abate or correct penalties and interest. The position is based in the Taxpayer Services Division in Phoenix, Arizona. It may offer remote work within Arizona based on department business needs and continued achievement of performance measures. Remote work is a management option, not an employee entitlement, and may be ended at the agency’s discretion.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of federal and Arizona tax laws, statutes, and regulations governing filing requirements and assessment of penalties and interest.
Basic knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS).
Basic understanding of individual income, corporate income, transaction privilege and use, fiduciary, excise, and withholding tax policies and procedures.
Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
Effective organization and time-management skills, including the ability to make measurable progress on multiple priorities.
Proficiency using a PC or laptop in a Windows environment, the Internet, and Google Suite applications such as Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Drive.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word and proficiency in tax reporting systems.
Ability to pass comprehensive background and clearance processes, including Arizona tax compliance verification and criminal background checks through the FBI, Arizona Department of Public Safety level-one fingerprint clearance, and the Criminal Justice Information System.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state tax laws to legal case reviews.
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately when sharing it with internal and external individuals.
Ability to appear in and testify in court.
Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values: Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another.
Minimum of six months of audit-related experience.
Any combination of education, training, coursework, and relevant work experience that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Process actions in the tax reporting system, including abating or correcting penalties and interest, reconciling and maintaining accounts, releasing refunds, adjusting tax returns, and technically reviewing audits.
Review and revise tax reporting and information forms and instructions required by law.
Research and interpret federal and state tax laws and Arizona Revised Statutes for assigned tax cases, prepare reports, and assist in penalty determinations.
Review tax-related problems and questions, inconsistencies in reported information, and interpretations of tax laws, statutes, and regulations.
Confer with agency officials, staff, and representatives of other agencies to obtain or convey information needed for determinations and decisions.
Compare data from multiple sources to ensure compliance with technical specifications, rules, and other technical documents.
Serve as a point of contact for taxpayer inquiries and cases.
Provide intermediate-level customer care by advising and educating taxpayers about applicable local and state administrative statutes, rules, and regulations.
Escalate complex taxpayer inquiries and cases to senior team members.
Stay current on tax-related laws, regulations, policies, and best practices through research, consultation, subscriptions, professional associations, events, and training or continuing education.
Attend staff meetings and work-unit huddles, complete required training, participate in assigned work teams, and prepare for and participate in supervisor coaching.
Apply lean principles through the Arizona Management System, recommend process improvements, and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
Use approved AI tools to automate routine tasks and improve productivity while following agency data governance, security, and ethical standards for FTI and PII.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Vacation accrual of 4.00 hours biweekly during the first three years.
Sick-time accrual of 3.70 hours biweekly.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child through a pilot program.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.
Flexible schedules.
Remote work option, based on position and management discretion.
ASRS employer-matched contributions, with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of state employment.