Tax & Licensing Auditor 1 or 2

The City of Renton is recruiting for a Tax and Licensing Auditor at the 1 or 2 level to join our Finance department. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to effectively communicate technical topics. This position is part of a team that focuses on City Tax and License requirements including, B&O Tax, Utility Tax, Gambling Tax and Business Licensing.

This position is part of a series; placement at the 1 or 2 level depends on the education, experience, and skill set of the incumbent. The Tax & Licensing Auditor 1 is an entry-level classification with responsibility for assisting in day- to-day operations and ensuring compliance with City code which will include: assisting in performing audits, reviewing tax returns for accuracy and researching tax and license requirements to assist taxpayers. The Tax & Licensing Auditor 2 is a mid-level classification with responsibility for performing audits independently and assisting with research and analysis for more complex audits and related projects.

Working for the City of Renton comes with an excellent benefits package, including:

• Deferred compensation with the City contributing 4% of the employee's salary.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates.
• Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two "personal" holidays a year.
• State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment.

Telework Program: The City of Renton supports workers performing in a hybrid capacity (partial telework/in-office) where job responsibilities can be performed remotely. This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement, up to 2 days remote, based on the operational needs of the City and specific Department. Regardless of job title or telework arrangement, City of Renton employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Click on the job title for a full job description:

Tax & Licensing Auditor 1: $72,900-$88,848

Tax & Licensing Auditor 2: $78,600-$95,616

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Tax & Licensing Auditor 1 & 2

• Assess and review a variety of tax returns for accuracy and proper classification and reporting; contact taxpayer for additional information as needed.
• Work with delinquent taxpayers, property owners, and unregistered businesses to promote tax filing and license registration compliance.
• Answer taxpayer inquiries over the phone, via email and in person; respond to questions and inquiries from City staff, management and taxpayers concerning the City's business tax and licenses and provide guidance with all tax filings as appropriate.
• Process manually filed returns by ensuring information is recorded in the City's tax and licensing program. Assist with recording quarterly and annual payments.
• Review accounts for closure requests and update taxpayer records; perform contract clearances and bankruptcy investigations.
• Maintain confidential tax information, pursuant to the requirements of application state law and city code and prevent unlawful disclosure of the same.
• Monitor and reconcile account balances; prepare necessary adjusting entries.
• Process refund requests, balance due billings, assess penalties and interest, review waiver requests, monitor and process journal entries for business tax accounts, monitor quarterly and annual business filing for accuracy.
• Provide appropriate notifications and other correspondence to taxpayers and other partners.
• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspective of groups and individuals.
• Participate in and help provide cross-training in process as directed by management to ensure a well-rounded team for coverage purposes.
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support critical city priorities during disasters or other emergencies.

Tax & Licensing Auditor 1

• With assistance, examine taxpayer's financial records to compile, manage, and prioritize information needed to determine total gross and taxable income; identify unreported income; determine correct amount of business taxes due to the City.
• Perform basic audit assignments small in size including computation checks and classification verification.

Tax & Licensing Auditor 2

• Independently examine taxpayer's financial records to compile, manage, and prioritize information needed to determine total gross and taxable income; identify unreported income; determine correct amount of business taxes due to the City.
• Recommend tax accounts for accounting; determine audit subjects, scope, depth, and appropriate examination procedures.
• Conduct audit assignments of small to medium complexity and size in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, City Code, applicable state and federal laws and prevailing court decisions; conduct entrance conference with taxpayers to discuss the depth and scope of the audit; communicate with taxpayers to fully develop pertinent facts and information; conduct exit conferences to report findings and discuss issues and adjustments.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports; present audit scope and reasoning used in reaching decisions, prepare working papers and other supporting documentation.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS - Tax & Licensing Auditor 1:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or closely related field.
• Or a minimum of 4 years of relevant education and experience.
• Successful passing of a required background check and credit check.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS - Tax & Licensing Auditor 2:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or closely related field.
• 1 year of revenue auditing experience or 1 year of Washington Municipal B&O Tax experience.
• Or 5 years of relevant education and experience.
• Successful passing of a required background check and credit check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Move throughout City facilities and buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate with City employees and residents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Noise level in the office is moderately quiet.
• Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed.
• Night meetings may be required

Selection Procedure: The City of Renton embraces a diverse and inclusive workforce and prides itself on promoting collaboration and teamwork in a positive environment while providing high quality services to the community. For more information about the City of Renton, please visit the following website: Why Renton

The City has adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, including candidates' names, addresses, and other similar information. This eliminates the possibility of unintentional or implicit bias during the screening of applications. For that reason, you will not have the ability to attach any documents to your application, including a cover letter or resume. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application.

Accommodation: Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process may contact sjacobs@rentonwa.gov at least 2 days prior to the need.

Communication from the City of Renton: We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from rentonwa.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. We also communicate via text and encourage you to sign up for text alerts when completing your job application.

Recruitment Process: The screening process will include a review of minimum qualifications and applicants selected for an interview will be invited via email to self-schedule a time through the Government Jobs account. At minimum, this position will be subject to a standard criminal background check and professional reference check. This position requires cash handling and/or access to sensitive financial information. For that reason, this position is also subject to a credit check.