Revenue Agent

Department of Administrative and Financial Services•Augusta, ME

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an entry-level professional services trainee work involving tax assessment, administration, and compliance functions. Work includes performing administrative and legal processes to enforce state tax laws. The position is a Revenue Agent position primarily located in the Municipal Services (MS) section. This MS position is primarily responsible for administration of the Commercial Forestry Excise Tax, Telecommunication Excise Tax, and providing assistance with the administration of other programs such as Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement, State Property Tax Deferral Program, and Municipal Reimbursements as needed. This position will also be assigned a regional field territory consisting of an average of 15-25 municipalities where the employee will conduct state valuation audits. The position will also assist with training assessors and others at the MRS Property Tax School and other events. This position will be partially remote. This is an 18-month trainee classification which upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies results in reclassification to Senior Revenue Agent.

Requirements

Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
Knowledge of auditing and appraisal principles and procedures.
Knowledge of business practices and principles.
Knowledge of state and federal tax laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing tax examination work.
Knowledge of the judicial processes used in tax enforcement proceedings.
Knowledge of International Association of Assessing Officers guidelines.
Knowledge of cadastral mapping theory and techniques.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to gather and compile data and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate and deal with others on controversial matters in a concise and tactful manner.
Ability to write clearly and effectively.
Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
Ability to analyze accounting systems and procedures and detect irregularities and errors.
Ability to apply mathematics in defining and solving problems.
Ability to interpret and explain tax laws and apply them in an auditing environment.
Ability to use a computer and applicable software.
Ability to analyze and interpret data, statute, policy, and procedures and use information systems to arrive at logical conclusions or recommendations.
Ability to travel in-state for a considerable portion of working time and out-of-state when required.
Ability to read maps and aerial photos to determine land boundaries.
Post-secondary education and/or training in business administration, accounting, mathematics, economics, information technology, finance, property appraisal, auditing, or taxes with experience demonstrating the ability to use independent judgement, initiative, and discretion to make decisions on complex matters.
Must obtain a Certified Maine Assessor designation within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

Conducts reviews of independent revaluations and municipal records to determine accuracy and completeness.
Prepare audit reports to communicate findings, ensure compliance, and establish a basis for additional adjustments when appropriate.
Analyzes a wide range of standard and automated accounting and record-keeping systems to formulate appropriate audit tests.
Confers with and advises assessors, taxpayers, and taxpayer representatives to explain, apply, and/or enforce tax laws and regulations, informs on proper procedures to be used in determining tax liabilities, and assist with property tax administration and value issues.
Reviews and analyzes tax information, documents, and prior audit results to identify audit candidates and issues.
Compiles and analyzes evidence and represents the Department and State in hearings before courts, County Commissioners, and the State Board of Property Tax Review to interpret and defend tax assessments and appraisals and obtain information.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System ( MainePERS ), on behalf of the employee .
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional , unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness.