Job Specification Details

Incumbent in this class perform supervisory and high-level analysis work for the Vermont Department of Taxes involving the supervision of one of three major sections in the Tax Compliance Division. The Tax Audit Section Chief is responsible for developing criteria for measuring the workload and accomplishments of the staff and designing and implementing internal control procedures for the section. This position involves interaction with taxpayers and/or taxpayer representatives regarding assessments, revisions and appeals that can have tax implications in the millions. The Tax Audit Section Chief works closely with others to create and implement tax compliance initiatives.  Work is performed under the supervision of the Compliance Audit Manager.

Supervises audit staff administering audit programs within the largest division at the Vermont Department of Taxes. Develops and monitors workload, performance, and accomplishments of staff.  Designs and implements internal control procedures related to audit programs and outcomes. Monitors and controls the daily workflow adjusting schedules to meet the section's deadlines. 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 in-service training programs and materials 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 procedures. 

Responsible for assisting Tax Audit Section Assistant Chief, Compliance Audit Manager, as well as audit staff handling the more difficult cases/situations. Provides guidance on the more complex tax cases, researching difficult questions and providing concise answers. 

May organize, prepare, and present seminars, workshops, and training programs for the public and/or special interest groups. Represents the division at meetings, and conferences, as required. Attends informal or formal hearings on tax delinquency matters and may be asked to serve as a department witness and testify at the hearings. 

Acts for the Compliance Audit Manager in their absence. 

Performs related duties as required.

Duties are normally performed in a standard office setting. Incumbents can anticipate some stressful situations and strong differences of opinion with taxpayers and their representatives. Workload will vary but remain heavy. Priorities will often have to be adjusted to meet deadlines. Occasional travel requires private means of transportation.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of both federal and Vermont Taxes.   

Knowledge of the Vermont property tax regulations. 

The ability to research complex statutes and policies, apply them correctly, communicate the results to taxpayers and educate and 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 continually changing requirements and to manage multiple priorities while working under the pressure of deadlines.  

Handling the oversight of the daily operations, human resource issues, forms development, complex taxpayer questions, appeals and policy issues.  

The ability to defuse hostile situations and deescalate situations periodically encountered in audit situations.

Working knowledge of computers and the ability to operate several different Department 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.

The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

The ability to develop short- and long-range plans to accomplish the Division’s goals.  

The ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Bachelor's degree or higher AND five (5) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing, or business administration.

OR

CPA or RPA AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing, or business administration.

OR

High school diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years or more of experience at a professional level in tax examination, accounting, auditing or business administration.

OR

Four (4) years or more of experience as a Tax Field Auditor IV, Tax Examiner V, or higher.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, public or business administration.

Two years or more of supervisory experience.

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