Tax & License Field Auditor

The City of Tacoma is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual for the position of Tax and License Field Auditor. As a Tax and License Field Auditor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring business compliance with city tax and license ordinances while carrying out essential accounting duties.

• Perform audits and investigations of business entities to assure taxpayer compliance with City Tax & License codes
• Review and analyze financial records, reports and documents of taxpayers; verify gross income; determine correct amount of business and occupational taxes due to the City
• Conduct audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, the City Code, applicable State and federal laws and prevailing court decisions
• Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports; present audit scope and reasoning used in reaching decisions; prepare working papers and other supporting documentation
• Utilize a variety of specialized auditing techniques to evaluate accounting systems and internal controls, to determine gross income and to verify and interpret source documents
• Conduct audit entrance conferences with taxpayers to discuss the scope and depth of the audit; maintain communication with taxpayers to fully develop pertinent facts and information; conduct exit conferences to report findings and discuss issues and adjustments
• Maintain current knowledge of court cases and new statutes related to tax regulations
• Providing input to the City Attorney when preparing legal briefs and/or court arguments when a tax matter is appealed; attend court hearings and provide direct testimony as needed
• Examine and review a variety of tax returns for technical accuracy and proper classification and reporting; contact taxpayer for additional information as needed
• Determine audit issues, scope, depth and appropriate examination procedures
• Occasionally provide outreach and education related to tax and license codes to businesses and business organizations throughout the City

This position primarily involves office-based work with occasional site visits to businesses. During fieldwork you will drive to various locations to view and tour business operations and/or meet with taxpayers. Flexible working hours may be needed at times requiring work during evenings or weekends.

An equivalent combination to: graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in finance, business administration or related field AND two years’ experience in professional ledger review and auditing work including experience in revenue auditing.

Valid Washington State driver's license with maintenance thereafter.

• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards
• Accounting principles, techniques and procedures
• Municipal, State and federal tax regulations
• Record-keeping techniques
• Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports
• Conduct conferences with taxpayers to explain procedures and audit findings
• Analyze and interpret a variety of financial records, reports and documents
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Work confidentially
• Maintain records and prepare report
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Plan and organize work
• Operation of a computer terminal and various software applications

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about…