Revenue Agent

at State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources in Portland, Maine, United States

Job Description

Revenue Agent

Maine Revenue Services

Revenue Agent (Multiple Vacancies)

Sales, Fuel, and Special Taxes Division – Audit Unit

(Repost)

CODE: 0504 PAY GRADE: 20 – $63,481.60/Annually

*Includes a 20% recruitment and retention stipend

OPEN FOR RECRUITMENT: May 26, 2023

CLOSES: June 9, 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is entry-level professional services trainee work involving learning to perform compliance determinations for sales, service provider, and excise taxes; and state-imposed fees. Work includes performing multi-tax audits of individuals, businesses, and corporations in the field under the supervision and oversight of senior personnel to determine tax liability and taxpayer compliance; and employing judicial processes to enforce state tax laws. This is an eighteen-month trainee classification which, upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies, results in reclassification to Senior Revenue Agent. Work is performed under general supervision. The positions are within the Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division of Maine Revenue Services and headquartered in the Portland field office. This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to deal tactfully with taxpayers and other professionals, both public and private. Due to the high occurrence of electronic records utilized by businesses, preference will be given to candidates with strong computer skills, such as training or expertise with spreadsheet formulas, query design, and data refinement techniques.

Upon successful completion of the 6 month probation period, employees may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule.

TYPICAL DUTIES

+ Audits and verifies moderately complex tax-related transactions, contracts, leases, and financial statements of individuals, business, and corporations to determine taxpayer compliance.

+ Prepares audit reports to report findings of independent audit determinations and establish a basis for additional state assessments when appropriate.

+ Analyzes a wide range of standard and automated accounting and record-keeping systems to formulate appropriate audit tests.

+ Explains state tax laws and regulations to inform taxpayers and taxpayer representatives of proper procedures to be used in determining tax liabilities.

+ Compiles, reviews, and summarizes evidence relating to tax compliance to present or defend state tax assessments at reconsideration hearings and appeals before a court of law.

+ Reviews and analyzes tax information, tax returns, taxpayer histories and prior audit results to identify audit candidates and issues.

+ Compiles, reviews, and summarizes evidence relating to tax compliance to present or defend state tax assessments in reconsideration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

+ Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.

+ Knowledge of auditing principles and procedures.

+ Knowledge of business practices and principles.

+ Knowledge of state and federal tax laws, codes, and regulations and interstate and regional tax agreements.

+ Knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing tax examination work.

+ Knowledge of the judicial processes used in tax enforcement proceedings.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

+ Ability to communicate and deal with others on controversial matters in a concise and tactful manner.

+ Ability to write clearly and effectively.

+ Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.

+ Ability to analyze accounting systems and procedures and detect irregularities and errors.

+ Ability to apply business mathematics in defining and solving problems associated with tax compliance.

+ Ability to interpret tax laws and apply them in an auditing environment.

+ Ability to use a laptop or personal computer.

+ Ability to analyze and interpret data, statute, policy, and procedures and use information systems in order to arrive at logical conclusions or recommendations.

+ Ability to travel in-state for a portion of the working time and out-of-state when required.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution OR four (4) years of equivalent post-secondary education, training, and/or professional level experience in business administration, accounting, information technology and/or auditing.

Please note: All candidates applying for a position at Maine Revenue Services will be subject to a tax clearance check. In order to be selected for a position, an applicant must have filed all his or her Maine returns and paid all Maine tax liabilities.

For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services: State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint based state and federal criminal history record check.

BENEFITS:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-“Dirigo” or “I lead”-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

+ Tuition Reimbursement (including reimbursement for CPA exam) – MRS encourages employees to further their self-development through higher learning by offering generous tuition reimbursement.

+ Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) .

+ Continuing Professional Training – MRS is committed to providing ongoing professional training and development opportunities to our employees.

+ Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

+ Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

+ Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates) for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

+ Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit) .

+ Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($379.60 annual value).

+ Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

+ Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

+ Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

+ Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

+ Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four week