TAX ANALYST 2

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Tax Analyst 2 works in the Department of Revenue’s Division of Taxpayer Services, reviewing and defending income tax audits appealed by taxpayers. The role conducts legal and tax research, analyzes whether audit positions are defensible, prepares written discovery requests, evaluates the taxpayer’s and Department’s positions, and provides complex analysis in support of Income Tax Audit Units. The analyst may modify assessments when necessary and represents the units at hearings and in appeals to the Director, including preparing, filing, and arguing appeals when appropriate. The role also supports the Attorney General’s Office on litigated income tax cases through case background, legal research, and testimony, and assists other Appeals Units as needed. The position contributes to continuous improvement by helping identify and eliminate non-value-added processes, recommending ways to integrate Lean methods into the unit’s strategy, and assisting with the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of Lean principles and projects. It may be available for remote work within Arizona, with one day per week in the office or hoteling space. Remote work is subject to management discretion and must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state income tax law, including Arizona Revised Statutes Titles 42 and 43, related administrative rules, Internal Revenue Codes and regulations, tax rulings, and Department tax procedures and policies.
Knowledge of general legal principles affecting tax issues, confidentiality statutes, the administrative hearing process, auditing principles and practices, and computer software programs.
Ability to research tax matters using databases, the internet, or a library.
Ability to recognize and apply appropriate statutes, rules, rulings, and case law to appeals and other projects.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively orally and in writing; negotiate resolutions of contested cases; and provide oral and written advocacy before administrative tribunals.
Ability to form effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers, tax professionals, and the general public.
Skill in utilizing artificial intelligence systems.
Ability to recognize issues, solve problems, and communicate with a wide range of people in informal and formal settings.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background and clearance process, including Arizona tax compliance verification and an FBI criminal background check through Level One fingerprint clearance with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Ability to manage work assignments accountably, collaborate with a team, and handle confidential information appropriately.
Ability to learn and apply Lean/Continuous Improvement concepts, principles, and tools.
Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values: Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another.
Final candidates must complete employment verification and reference checks, state and federal criminal background checks including fingerprinting, and an Arizona tax filing records check; an ASEDRA Authorized Driver Identification Check applies if applicable.
Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in accounting or law.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with experience in taxation.

Responsibilities

Review, research, analyze, interpret, and discuss income tax matters and related legal issues, policies, and procedures orally and in writing.
Review and defend income tax audits appealed by taxpayers and analyze whether audit positions are legally defensible.
Prepare written discovery requests to taxpayers, representatives, or attorneys and analyze the parties’ respective positions.
Provide expertise and complex analysis in support of the Income Tax Audit Units and modify assessments when necessary.
Represent the Department at hearings, including through written legal memoranda, and in appeals of Hearing Officer decisions to the Director.
Prepare, file, and argue appeals of Hearing Officer decisions to the Director when appropriate.
Assist the Attorney General’s Office with litigated income tax cases through case background, legal research, and testimony as needed.
Assist other Appeals Units as necessary and perform other duties requested by the Supervisor or Deputy Assistant Director.
Help identify and eliminate non-value-added processes division-wide and recommend integration of Lean methods into the unit’s continuous improvement strategy.
Assist with the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of Lean principles and projects for the unit.

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 under 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 to support work-life balance.
Remote work schedule option, subject to management discretion.