Tax Auditor

Stafford County; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County is seeking a seasoned tax auditor to plan, coordinate, and conduct audits of local businesses. The role requires deep knowledge of accounting principles and state and local tax codes, with demonstrated experience in preparing audit findings and appeals documentation.

The successful candidate will work under the Commissioner of the Revenue, collaborate with the compliance team, and strive to ensure accurate tax assessments and statutory compliance across meals, hotel, BPOL, and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in accounting or related field.
• Five years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, including some tax auditing experience; at least two years interpreting state/county codes to determine tax implications.
• Experience interpreting and applying state and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies including BPOL and related taxes.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and coordinates division-wide audit practices and procedures.
• Determines objectives and scope of the County's financial tax audit program and develops work plans.
• Conducts interviews and field investigations to gather information and supporting records.
• Notifies businesses of audits, coordinates scheduling, and discusses audit findings including taxes and penalties.
• Plans and conducts desk and field audits to determine tax bases for assessment.
• Prepares corrections of assessment and supplements from appeals information.
• Reviews financial reports to ensure compliance with County and State tax statutes.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Auditing

Tax code interpretation

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Job description

Performs complex professional and technical duties in planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting the County's financial tax audit program. Ensures audits are conducted effectively and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established policies. Performs related duties as assigned. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of the Revenue.

The hiring range for this position is $84,448.00 to $116,126.40 annually based on experience.

The full salary range for this position is $84,448.00 to $147,784.00 annually to provide opportunity for growth and experience.

• Develops, implements, and coordinates division-wide audit practices and procedures;
• Assists in determining objectives and scope of County's financial tax audit program and develops strategies, procedures, and a work plan for the program based on these criteria;
• Conducts sensitive interviews and field investigation, both in house and on-site, to gather relevant information and supporting records and documentation;
• Contacts businesses and their representatives to notify them of upcoming audits, coordinate audit scheduling, obtain accounting records and other financial information, and discuss audit findings including additional taxes, penalties, and interest;
• Plans and conducts desk and field audits of businesses to determine appropriate tax base for assessment purposes;
• Conducts assessment appeals; prepares and maintains tax audit records and files;
• Researches and compiles background information and code references for audit finding appeals;
• Prepares correction of assessment or supplements from information gathered in the appeals process;
• Reviews all financial reports from external sources (consultants, bank/business accounts, Internal Revenue Service, Virginia Department of Taxation, and corporate attorneys) to ensure business' compliance with County and State statutes on miscellaneous taxes (Meals Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, Short-Term Rental Tax, Consumer Utility Tax, License Tax of Gross Receipts of Utility Companies, Merchants Capital Tax, and Machinery and Tools Tax);
• Coordinates with surrounding jurisdictions on common taxation problems or conflicts due to interpretations of code;
• Assists business compliance team in resolving complex problems involving compliance with the tax laws;
• Analyzes and makes recommendations to management on the resolution of complex business tax appeals and may assist in revenue forecasting;
• Keeps abreast of current trends, legislative changes, and County and State code;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Thorough knowledge of theory, principles, and methods of accounting;
• Thorough knowledge of modern office management practices and procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of the Code of Virginia, Title 58.1 and the Stafford County Code;
• Thorough knowledge of corporate, federal, and state tax returns;
• Knowledge of relevant case law and Attorney General and Tax Commissioner opinions;
• Proficiency in using personal computers, including accounting, spreadsheet, and word-processing software;
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate accounting data and complex tax issues and to develop appropriate findings and recommendations;
• Ability to analyze, develop, and implement auditing objectives;
• Ability to perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy;
• Ability to follow oral and written directions;
• Ability to communicate ideas or recommendations clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, co-workers, and the public.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in accounting, or a related field, and five years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping, including some experience in tax auditing. The five years of required experience must include at least two years of experience interpreting state and county codes to determine appropriate tax implications and at least two years of experience interpreting and applying state and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures, including business personal property tax laws and Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) codes, exemptions, and related regulations.