Field Auditor

State of Iowa; Iowa (LA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking a detail-oriented Field Auditor to travel between Iowa WORKS Centers, conduct tax and wage audits, and ensure compliance with state laws. This full-time, hybrid role combines on-site reviews with remote work after training, requiring strong organization and discretion when handling confidential information.

The position emphasizes accuracy, professional communication, and the ability to review financial records, determine liability, and support public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance, plus auditing experience or equivalent education/experience

Responsibilities

• Perform tax audits of accounting records and determine liability for state taxes.
• Investigate ownership changes to determine liability for state taxes and update agency records.
• Wage investigations to verify wage credits and review employer records for accuracy.
• Represent Iowa Workforce Development in administrative proceedings and assist fraud inquiries.

Job description

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking applicants for the position of Field Auditor.

This position will be domiciled at one of the following Iowa WORKS Centers in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Spencer, Denison, Waterloo, Mason City, Marshalltown, Dubuque, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Ottumwa, or Burlington, IA

Position Details

• Schedule: Full-time | Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment and training have been completed.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and professional individual who ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and quality customer service. The position involves traveling between work sites, reviewing financial and employer records for compliance with applicable tax laws, applying basic accounting principles, and using computer systems and office equipment. Success requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, effective prioritization, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Description of work and responsibilities:

Audits:

• Perform tax audits of accounting records of business organizations, individuals, and partnerships by examining financial statements, balance sheets, sales, and statistical reports, etc.
• Evaluate and determine consistency of accounting and records-keeping procedures in relation to Iowa tax liabilities.
• Perform audits when there is an omission of wage records, fraudulent or incorrect reporting, determination of liability, questionable employer-employee relationship, independent contractor status, missing wages investigation, cross match with federal unemployment tax returns, or mandated Federal requirements.

Determination of Liability:

• Investigate business establishments through field investigations, to determine legal status of employers regarding their liability for state taxes.
• Determine if employer is profit-making organization or non-profit organization, i.e., sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, political subdivision, agricultural, domestic, construction, etc.
• Determine how rate is computed and the proper way to file reports and pay taxes after determination of their obligation under the law.

Change of Ownership:

• Investigate changes in business ownership to determine liability of successor employer for transfer of experience rating and to update and correct agency records.
• Explain effects of successorship to both predecessor and successor so they know their legal position regarding reserve fund balances, chargeability for future benefits, and in some cases the possibility of successor liability for predecessor indebtedness.

Wage Investigations:

• Investigate employers for incorrect or omitted wage credits.
• Fact-finding of employers and employees may be necessary to make legal determination regarding the status of the employer/employee relationship.
• Secure all necessary wage information so the claimant will have the correct wage credit available for benefit payments.
• Investigate business closings for proper determination of additional claims benefits.

Public Relations:

• Interpret Iowa Employment Security Laws as a representative of the department for accountants, CPA's, attorneys, political subdivisions, and employers in the area.
• Speak to organizations explaining and discussing laws administered by Iowa Workforce Development.
• Answer inquiries concerning benefit payments, chargebacks, transfer of charges, reimbursable accounts, new tax liability provisions, etc.
• Conduct and assist other investigators for potential fraud, misreporting and/or employer contribution errors to obtain underpayment and determination if fraud or misreporting has occurred.
• Review findings of Quality Control for assigned areas and prepare records and reports to update and/or change agency records.

Appeal Hearings:

• Represents Iowa Workforce Development in administrative proceedings by verifying legal provisions and presenting factual information related to liability determinations, rate computations, and other issues appealed by employers.
• In the absence of Unemployment Insurance Legal Counsel, cross-examines witnesses to clarify and support Iowa Workforce Development’s position.
• May testify in administrative district court and grand jury proceedings to present facts and evidence related to agency investigations of employers.

About Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency dedicated to providing exceptional employment services and connecting employers with skilled workers. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and aligning services with workforce demands, IWD offers comprehensive support to job seekers and employers through a statewide network of Iowa WORKS Centers.

Employer Highlights

IWD is focused on serving Iowans and providing outstanding customer service. Our strength is driven by the skills and talents of our people. IWD offers a rewarding team atmosphere, a flexible working environment, and a great total compensation package for our full-time employees, including:

• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC)
• Hybrid telework opportunities for eligible classifications
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you’re looking for a career with a well-respected organization that values its employees and customers, you’ve come to the right place!

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify;

a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

No applicant seeking employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Select positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of twelve semester or equivalent hours in accounting, business administration or finance, and eighteen months of full-time professional auditing or accounting experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of work experience in auditing or accounting work involving the preparation or analysis of financial statements for every thirty semester hours of the required education to a maximum of four years; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Accountant/Auditor 1.