Tax Specialist (Accountant II)

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking a Tax Specialist (Accountant II) to manage tax administration and compliance. This role involves preparing tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and providing strategic tax advice. The ideal candidate will have a CPA designation and strong knowledge of Canadian tax law, particularly in the public sector. The position offers flexibility for remote work up to four days a week.

Benefits

Flexible Work Program

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in Canadian tax compliance and analysis.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Manage the City’s tax administration and compliance.
• Prepare and file accurate tax returns for federal and provincial taxes.
• Conduct detailed reviews of tax paid on sales and purchases.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

CPA designation

Job description

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Organization

Requisition ID: 43135

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 position involves a variety of moderate to complex statutory, technical, financial, and analytical tasks. It plays a key role in researching the City’s complex business transactions that may have various tax impacts, liaising with tax authorities and professional accounting organizations to clarify the City’s tax position, and ensuring accurate tax application, reporting, and compliance. The role focuses on areas such as GST, PST, NRT, Parking Tax, Payroll, Fees for Services, Donations, Sponsorships, Naming Rights, and Advertising.

This role is crucial in ensuring the organization meets its tax obligations through various business activities, while optimizing tax efficiencies in complex transactions involving permitting, engineering, real estate, and charitable activities. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Canadian tax law, specifically the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC). Knowledge of tax considerations for public sector organizations and charitable entities is also essential.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• 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 impacting public sector and charitable organizations.
• Review City’s financial transactions to ensure proper self-assessment of GST/HST, PST, and other relevant taxes.
• Conduct detailed reviews of tax paid on sales and purchases to ensure correct claims for credits and rebates.
• Collaborate with Payroll to review assessments and reconcile payroll and tax accounts.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation such as the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC).
• Research and advise on tax implications of complex real estate transactions, charitable donations, and other activities.
• Perform research on complex tax issues and stay updated on legislation changes.
• Prepare memos and documentation on complex tax matters for management.

Tax Planning And Strategy

• Develop and implement tax strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyze transactions for tax compliance and benefits.
• 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.
• 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 auditors.
• Ensure compliance with audit requirements and prepare disclosures for financial statements.

Process Improvement And Governance

• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Review tax system configurations and maintain internal policies.
• Ensure effective governance and internal controls.
• Collaborate with departments for accurate tax reporting and provide training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: CPA designation or equivalent, with relevant experience in Canadian tax compliance and analysis, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Deep knowledge of Canadian tax laws, especially related to public sector and charities.
• Strong analytical, research, and interpretative skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills for varied audiences.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.

Note: The position is eligible for the City’s Flexible Work Program, allowing remote work 1-4 days per week as appropriate.