TAX ANALYST 2

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Revenue (ADOR) our mission is to Serve Taxpayers! ADOR is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about ADOR please visit azdor.gov. Come Join the ADOR Team!

Review and defend income tax audits that are appealed by taxpayers, perform legal and tax research and analyze legal issues to verify that the audit position is defensible. Prepare written discovery requests to taxpayers and their representatives and/or attorneys to gather information and analyze the taxpayer's and the Department's respective position. Provide expertise and complex analysis in support of the Income Tax Audit Units. Modify assessments if necessary. Represent the Income Tax Audit Units at hearings, both in person and through submission of written legal memoranda, and in appeals of a Hearing Officer's decision to the Director. When appropriate, prepare, file and argue an appeal of a Hearing Officer's decision to the Director. Assist the Attorney General's Office, as needed, with income tax cases that are litigated at various levels with case background, legal research and/or testimony. Assist other Appeals Units as necessary. Perform other duties as requested by Supervisor or Deputy Assistant Director. Assist in the development of a structured approach to identifying and eliminating non-value-added process steps division-wide and make recommendations to integrate lean methods into the overall continuous improvement strategy of the Unit. Assist in managing the development, implementation, maintenance and evaluation of Lean principles and projects for the Unit.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1 days per week in the office/hoteling).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Reviews, researches, analyzes, interprets and discusses, orally and in writing, income tax matters and related legal issues, policies and procedures.
  
• Represent the Department at hearings, both in person and through submission of written legal memoranda, and in appeals of a Hearing Officer's decision to the Director. When appropriate, prepare, file and argue an appeal of a Hearing Officer's decision to the Director.
  
• Assist the Attorney General's Office, as needed, with income tax cases that are litigated at various levels with case background, legal research and/or testimony.

Knowledge

• This employee must possess knowledge of federal and state income tax law, including knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes Titles 42 and 43 and related administrative rules, Internal Revenue Codes and regulations, tax rulings, tax procedures and policies of the Department.
• Knowledge of general principles of law related to and impacting upon tax issues, confidentiality statutes, the administrative hearing process, some knowledge of auditing principles and practices, use of various computer software programs.
  

Skills

• This position requires the skill to do tax research in various databases, the internet or in a library.
• Skill to recognize and apply appropriate statutes, rules, rulings and case law to appeals or in other projects.
• Skill to communicate clearly, effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Skill to negotiate resolutions of contested cases, provide oral and written advocacy before administrative tribunals.
• Skill to form good interpersonal relationships with coworkers, tax professionals and the general public.
  
• Skills in utilizing artificial intelligence systems.

Abilities

• The employee must be able to recognize issues and solve problems, communicate with a wide range of people orally and in writing in informal and formal settings.
  
• Ability to clear a comprehensive background and clearance process that includes an Arizona tax
  compliance verification, and a criminal background check through the FBI via level one fingerprint
  clearance through the Arizona Department of Public Safety
  
• Ability to be accountable for one’s own work assignments and work collaboratively as part of a team
  
• Ability to work in a confidential manner, ensuring information is shared with internal and external
  individuals in an appropriate manner
  
• Ability to learn and apply LEAN/Continuous Improvement concepts, principles and tools
  
• Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values of Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Advanced degree in accounting or law, or Bachelor's Degree in a related field with experience in taxation.

The final candidate will be required to abide by the the following pre-employment checks:

Internal Applicant Eligibility
An Internal Applicant who is: An active, regular, full-time, or part-time ADOR Team Member who has been in their current position for at least 6 months and has maintained Satisfactory Performance.
Satisfactory Performance: A Team Member who:
-Has a 3.0 (meets or higher) for their most recent AZPerforms rating,
-Is not on a Performance Improvement Plan,
-Has not been involuntarily demoted in the previous 12 months, and
-Is not subject to any active formal discipline, meaning the Team Member has not received either
-A Letter of Reprimand issued in the previous 6 months or
-A Letter of Suspension in the previous 12 months.

-Employment Verification and Reference Checks
-State and Federal Criminal Background Check, including fingerprinting
-Arizona Tax Filing Records Check
-If applicable, ASEDRA Authorized Driver Identification Check

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Revenue offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
-Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
-Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
-10 paid holidays per year
-Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
-Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
-Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
-Deferred compensation plan
-Wellness plans
-Tuition Reimbursement
-Infant at Work Program
-Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
-Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
-Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact tartenian@azdor.gov

*The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.