Revenue Agent -Sales, Fuel, and Special Taxes Division - Audit Unit

State of Maine•Portland, ME

40d•$33 - $35

About The Position

This is entry-level professional services trainee work involving tax assessment, administration, and compliance functions. Work includes performing tax audits and capital asset appraisals of individuals, organizations, and governmental entities in the field under the oversight of senior personnel to determine tax liability and taxpayer compliance; interpreting and explaining tax laws; providing technical assistance relating to tax administration; and employing judicial processes to enforce state tax laws. This is an 18-month trainee classification which, upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies, results in reclassification to Senior Revenue Agent. Work is performed under general supervision. The position is in the Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division of Maine Revenue Services and headquartered in the Augusta field office. This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to deal tactfully with taxpayers and other professionals, both public and private. Due to the high occurrence of electronic records utilized by businesses, preference will be given to candidates with strong computer skills, such as training or expertise with spreadsheet formulas, query design, and data refinement techniques.

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 and interstate and regional tax agreements.
Knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing tax examination work.
Knowledge of the judicial processes used in tax enforcement proceedings.
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 the working time and out-of-state when required.
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 judgment, initiative, and discretion to make decisions on complex matters

Responsibilities

Examines and assesses capital assets and tax-related transactions, contracts, leases, and financial statements of individuals, organizations, and governmental entities to determine appropriate value, tax liabilities, and taxpayer compliance.
Conducts reviews of independent revaluations and municipal records to determine accuracy and completeness.
Prepares 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, inform 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. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
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. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
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.