Job Specification Details

The Motor Vehicle Tax Field Audit Manager is the supervisory position of the three MV Tax Field Auditor series. Incumbents in the MV Tax Field Audit Manager position are responsible for performing supervisory and high-level analyis work for the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. The incumbent is responsible for developing criteria for measuring workload and accomplishments of the staff. This position involves interaction with taxpayers and/or taxpayer representatives regarding assessments, revisions and appeals that may have tax implications up to millions of dollars. The incumbent works closely with others to create and implement tax compliance initiatives. Work is performed under the direction of Financial Director of Finance & Logistics Unit.

Supervises audit staff administering audit programs for the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.  Develops and monitors workload, performance, and accomplishments of staff.  Designs and implements procedures related to audit programs and outcomes.  Monitors and controls the daily workflow adjusting schedules to meet the unit’s required audits for IRP and IFTA as well as other tax types audits (Diesel Distributor, Diesel Fuel Refunds, Rental, etc.).  Prepares reports related to audit work outcomes and activities. Responsible for handling all of the personnel issues that arise with the staff, including interviewing, hiring, dealing with discipline issues, and preparing annual performance evaluations.  Responsible for evaluating the training needs of the staff and developing training plans for staff as needed. Oversees the quality of audit work and develops procedures to improve the quality of service to the taxpayers, while maintaining efficient and effective audit outcomes.  Consults with pertinent department staff on the development of Department programs and/or procedures.  Conducts research into applicable state and federal laws, including statutes, regulations, and other documents. Responsible for assisting audit staff handling the more difficult cases/situations.  Defends audit approach, department policy and legal interpretation against arguments raised by taxpayers, attorneys, and accountant before formal assessment.  Participates in development of settlement approaches.  Provides guidance on the more complex audits, researching difficult questions and providing concise answers. May organize, prepare, and present at conferences, workshops, and training programs such as IFTA, IRP, the public and/or special interest groups.  Represents the department at meetings, and conferences, as required.  Attends informal or formal hearings for appeals and may be asked to serve as a department witness and testify at hearings.  Develops auditing procedures and techniques to address new or unique tax situations. Performs related duties as required.

Duties may be performed in an office setting, independently from home office setting and/or may include extensive time in the field at the taxpayer's location. Significant travel may be necessary, and incumbents must have a reliable means of transportation. Some audit situations may assume a somewhat adversarial nature, requiring significant tact and persistence to complete a successful audit. Pressure from work deadlines is predictable.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of both Federal and Vermont Taxes.
The ability to research complex statues and policies, apply them correctly, communicate the results to taxpayers and educate/inform audit staff.
A significant understanding of GAAP, IRS Codes, auditing techniques and practices, investigative skills, and accounting techniques and practices.
The ability to analyze and evaluate complex accounting systems.
The ability to adapt to managing multiple priorities while working under the pressures of deadlines.
Handling the oversight of daily operations, human resources issues, forms development, complex taxpayer questions, appeals and policy issues.
The ability to defuse hostile situations and deescalate situations periodically encounter in audit situations.
Working knowledge of computers and the ability to operate several different computer programs and the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
The ability to deal effectively with personnel issues.
The ability to supervise and motivate the staff to work as a team.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, accountants, attorneys, corporate officials, and the public.
The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
The ability to write clear, comprehensive, and concise reports and investigations.
The ability to develop short- and long-range plans to accomplish the department's goals.
The ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
Knowledge of Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles confidentiality requirements.

Bachelor’s degree or higher   in accounting, auditing, business administration, or related field or current CPA AND three (3) years or more of experience in tax examination, accounting, auditing, or business administration.
OR
Four (4) years or more of experience as a MV Tax Field Auditor III, Tax Field Auditor IV, Tax Examiner V or higher with the State of Vermont.

Supervisory or team lead experience.

In accordance with Title 23, Section 102(d), an applicant must agree to be finger-printed and pass a background investigation to be eligible for this position. The background investigation may include criminal, financial and traffic records checks. Hiring managers will notify applicants who are in the final stage of the interview process of the finger-printing and background check requirement, to which an applicant must agree to be deemed eligible for this position. Applicant will have the right to withdraw their applications before finger-printing and/or a background investigation is conducted.