Tax Specialist (Accountant II)

City of Vancouver - CA; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city that prioritizes sustainability and equity. As a Tax Specialist, you'll manage tax compliance and advisory functions, ensuring the City meets its obligations while optimizing tax efficiencies. This role involves analyzing complex transactions, liaising with tax authorities, and providing strategic advice on tax planning. With a commitment to an inclusive workplace, you'll be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. If you have a strong background in Canadian tax law and a passion for public service, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Canadian tax law, especially Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act.
• Experience in tax compliance and analysis in public sector and charities.

Responsibilities

• Manage tax administration and compliance, including reporting and audits.
• Develop tax planning strategies and ensure compliance with tax legislation.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Research Skills

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

CPA or equivalent designation

Job description

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Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

This position manages the City’s tax administration and compliance, including analysis, reporting, training, and risk management.

The Tax Specialist is a member of the Accounting Operations team and reports to the Associate Director – Accounting Operations. The role involves moderate to complex statutory, technical, financial, and analytical tasks. Key responsibilities include researching the City’s complex business transactions for tax impacts, liaising with tax authorities and professional organizations, ensuring accurate tax application, reporting, and compliance, and performing audits for statutory compliance. Focus areas include GST, PST, NRT, Parking Tax, Payroll, Fees for Services, Donations, Sponsorships, Naming Rights, and Advertising.

This role ensures the organization meets its tax obligations and optimizes tax efficiencies in complex transactions involving permitting, engineering, real estate, and charitable activities. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Canadian tax law, including the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC), with knowledge of public sector and charitable organization considerations.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Tax Compliance and Advisory

• Prepare and file accurate and timely tax returns, applications, and payments for federal and provincial taxes, including GST/HST and PST, with attention to regulations affecting public sector and charitable organizations.
• Review and verify GST/HST, Parking tax, and PST paid on sales and purchases to ensure correct claims for credits and rebates.
• Ensure GST, HST, PST, and other taxes are correctly self-assessed on financial transactions.
• File annual returns for Fees for Services (T4A, T4A-NR, etc.) and reconcile payroll and tax accounts with authorities.
• Collaborate with Payroll to review assessments and take remedial actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC).
• Research and analyze tax implications of complex real estate transactions, charitable donations, and grant funding.
• Report and comply with statutory requirements for Trusts, Boards, Committees, and other structures.
• Stay updated on tax legislation changes and assess their impact.
• Prepare requests for interpretations, rulings, assessments, and appeals as needed.
• Document City’s position on complex tax matters for management.

Tax Planning and Strategy

• Develop tax planning strategies aligned with organizational goals, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Analyze transactions to determine appropriate tax treatment.
• Maximize credits and rebates, minimize taxes payable, and reduce exposure to penalties.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting public sector and charitable activities.
• Provide strategic advice on transaction structuring for tax benefits.
• Review legal contracts for tax implications.

Audit and Regulatory Support

• Lead and support tax audits, prepare documentation, and respond to inquiries.
• Manage relationships with external advisors and resolve tax issues.
• Respond to tax reviews and audits, ensuring organizational alignment.
• Prepare audit working papers and disclosures for financial statements.

Process Improvement and Governance

• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and compliance.
• Review tax system setups within ERP and other systems for accuracy.
• Maintain internal policies and procedures reflecting current laws.
• Ensure internal controls over tax activities are effective.
• Collaborate with departments for accurate tax reporting.
• Provide training on tax legislation to relevant staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• CPA or equivalent designation with relevant experience in tax compliance and analysis, especially in Canadian tax laws, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC), with expertise in public sector and charity-related tax issues.
• Strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills, capable of explaining complex tax issues to non-experts and management.
• High ethical standards and professionalism, especially with sensitive information.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver offers a Flexible Work Program allowing remote work 1-4 days per week.

Business Unit/Department: Finance & Supply Chain Mgmt (1150)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: June 2025

Salary: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: May 25, 2025

We encourage diverse applicants, including Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Learn more about our diversity and inclusion efforts.

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Application questions may be part of the process, requiring approximately 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should highlight your interest and relevant experience; resumes should summarize your skills related to the role.

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