Title:  Tax Audit Section Chief

Overview

Do you want an interesting job in a beautiful location, where what you do matters? Do you want to work alongside others who also share this vision, and are dedicated to supporting our beautiful green state? The work we do at the Tax Department funds the entire state of Vermont, from our parks and schools to our highways, and affects every taxpayer in the State of Vermont. We don’t just collect taxes, we help the State follow through on legislative initiatives and programs to fund many state functions. We believe we have a responsibility to educate taxpayers about their tax obligations and facilitate voluntary tax compliance. We serve Vermonters by administering our tax laws fairly and efficiently while striving to make the Department of Taxes the best place to work in the Vermont State government.

 

This position is exciting because you get to oversee great people and projects to solve audit questions, and you’ll be part of a statewide compliance audit team overseeing audits conducted around the state. Your supervisory and analytical role is supported by our outstanding audit team, our dynamic and compassionate senior staff, and staff across divisional lines all dedicated to promoting voluntary compliance and taxpayer education. Our tax laws change every year with the legislature, and your team will adapt to these new laws and seek ways to implement them equitably and fairly.

 

The Compliance Division serves to supervise the appropriate payment of taxes throughout the state. Compliance works to reduce problems of delinquency and underpayment and to ensure that taxpayers are compliant with the law. The division fosters early intervention through educational assistance for all taxpayers. The Compliance Division consists of field and desk auditors, as well as collections staff.

 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supervising audit staff and administering audit programs within the largest division at the Vermont Department of Taxes.
• Providing guidance on the complex tax cases, researching difficult questions and providing concise answers and guidance.
• Developing and monitoring workload, performance, and accomplishments of staff.
• Preparing reports related to audit work outcomes and activities.
• Overseeing the quality of audit work and developing procedures to improve the quality of service to the taxpayers, while maintaining efficient and effective audit outcomes.
• Attending informal and/or formal hearings on tax delinquency matters and serve as a department witness and testify at the hearings, as applicable 

The Tax Department permits eligible employees to request voluntary participation in the State of Vermont telework program. Telework eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and is consistent with state and Department policies.

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Who May Apply

This position, Tax Audit Section Chief (#43321), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 

• Tax Audit Assistant Section Chief (#42103)
• Tax Audit  Section Chief (#43321)

 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Tracy Phillips at tracy.phillips@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

 

Vermont Department of Taxes (VDT) Background Checks: This position will primarily support the Department of Taxes. Candidates must agree to be fingerprinted and pass a background check to be eligible for this position, which will involve access to sensitive federal tax information. Background checks are required by the Internal Revenue Service and are authorized under Vermont law. 3 V.S.A. § 241. In accordance with VDT Standard Operating Procedure 2018-01, Background Investigations, Vermont and national criminal record checks will be conducted on all candidates. This requirement shall not apply to the following: current classified State employees seeking transfer, promotion, or demotion into a VDT classified position, or those who are exercising re-employment (RIF) rights. Candidates will have the right to withdraw their application before fingerprinting or a background check is conducted.

Environmental Factors

Duties are normally performed in a standard office setting. Incumbents can anticipate some stressful situations and strong differences of opinion with taxpayers and their representatives. Workload will vary but remain heavy. Priorities will often have to be adjusted to meet deadlines. Occasional travel requires private means of transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher AND five (5) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing, or business administration.
OR
CPA or RPA AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing, or business administration.
OR
High school diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing or business administration.
OR
Four (4) years or more of experience as a Tax Field Auditor IV, Tax Examiner V, or higher.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, public or business administration.

Two years or more of supervisory experience.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.