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 position works within the tax reporting system to perform complex account reconciliations and maintenance, adjust tax returns, and abate or correct penalties and interest, among other duties. The position is located in the Taxpayer Services Division in Phoenix, Arizona. It may offer remote work within Arizona based on departmental business needs and continued performance against expected measures. Remote work is a management option, not an employee entitlement, and work must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized in advance. The role also provides an intermediate level of customer care to taxpayers, researches and interprets tax laws for assigned cases, and contributes to agency compliance and continuous improvement efforts under the Arizona Management System.

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 knowledge and understanding of individual income, corporate income, transaction privilege and use, fiduciary, excise, and withholding tax policies and procedures.
Use approved artificial intelligence tools to automate routine tasks and improve workflows while following agency data-governance, security, and ethical standards for FTI and PII.
Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
Effective organization and time-management skills, including the ability to make measurable progress on multiple priorities.
Effective interpersonal skills and demeanor.
Proficiency with a PC or laptop in a Windows environment, the Internet, Google Suite applications, Microsoft Excel and Word, and tax reporting systems.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background and clearance process, including Arizona tax compliance verification, criminal background checks, FBI checks, and Arizona Department of Public Safety level-one fingerprint clearance, as well as Criminal Justice Information System checks.
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 with internal and external parties.
Willingness and ability to embody ADOR's core values: Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
Minimum of six months of audit-related experience.
Any combination of education and experience that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify; examples include a relevant degree, training, coursework, and relevant work experience.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field.
Relevant degree from an accredited college or university, training, coursework, or work experience related to the assignment.

Responsibilities

Process tax administration actions in the tax reporting system, including abating or correcting penalties and interest, reconciling and maintaining accounts, releasing refunds, and adjusting tax returns.
Conduct technical reviews of audits.
Review and revise tax reporting and information forms and instructions required by law.
Research and interpret federal and state tax law and Arizona Revised Statutes for assigned tax cases; prepare reports and assist in penalty determinations.
Review taxpayer problems and questions, inconsistencies in reported information, and questions involving tax laws, statutes, and regulations.
Confer with agency officials, staff, and representatives of other agencies to convey or obtain information needed for determinations and decisions.
Compare information 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; advise and educate taxpayers about applicable administrative statutes, rules, and regulations.
Escalate complex taxpayer inquiries and cases to senior team members.
Stay current on taxation laws, regulations, policies, and best practices; attend staff meetings and huddles, complete training, participate in assigned work teams, and prepare for and participate in supervisor coaching.
Apply lean principles and participate in continuous improvement efforts, including recommending process improvements.
Appear in and testify in court when required.

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 accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first three years.
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (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 to support work/life balance.
Remote work schedule option, subject to position and management discretion.
ASRS employer-matched contributions; enrollment eligibility is effective after 27 weeks of State employment.