Auditor 1 (Tax)/Auditor Trainee 1 (Tax)/Auditor Trainee 2 (Tax) (Audit Division) (NY HELPS)

About the Role

Auditor 1 (Tax) performs on-site field audits and examinations of taxpayers' books, records, and substantiating data to determine compliance with various articles of the New York State Tax Law.

Responsibilities

• Conduct audits and examinations of taxpayers’ books and records to determine compliance with the various articles of the NYS Tax Law.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of tax law as well as Department and Audit Division procedures and policies, including the Code of Conduct, Ethics practices, and security and confidentiality rules.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, taxpayers, and/or their representatives both orally and in writing.
• Learn and maintain skills in computer technology, including the use of laptop computers, PCs, various software applications, and mainframe applications.
• Travel frequently, both locally and overnight, within and outside New York State, including locations not accessible by public transportation. Must be able to travel with computer equipment and case materials to various field audit sites, training classes, BCMS conferences, etc.
• Represent the Audit Division and advocate disputed cases at BCMS conferences and Small Claims Hearings.
• May participate at hearings as a witness for the Department to assist attorneys from the Department’s Office of Counsel in the resolution of disputed cases.
• Participate in the audit selection process.
• Meet the Department's time and attendance rules.

Qualifications

Competitive Minimum Qualifications

The selected candidate must be reachable on the eligible list for this title and location under Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, or eligible for a 70.1 transfer under Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations.

Special Minimum Qualifications for Transfer

• A bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by 24 semester credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation; or
• A bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation and six credit hours in finance, money and banking, economics, or business.

If eligible via 55 b/c, a copy of the active letter of eligibility must be provided.

Non-competitive Minimum Qualifications (NY HELPS Program)

This title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. Employees hired under NY HELPS may later have their non-competitive status converted to competitive status without examination.

• Auditor Trainee 1 (SG-14): Bachelor’s degree including 24 credits in accounting/auditing/taxation or Bachelor’s degree including 18 credit hours in accounting/auditing/taxation and 6 credits in finance, money and banking, economics, or business.
• Auditor Trainee 2 (SG-16): Meet the Trainee 1 minimum qualifications and 1 year of qualifying experience or meet the Trainee 1 minimum qualifications and a Master’s degree including 15 credits in accounting/auditing/taxation.
• Auditor 1 (SG-18): Meet the Trainee 1 minimum qualifications and 2 years of qualifying experience or meet the Trainee 1 minimum qualifications and a CPA license in NYS or meet the Trainee 1 minimum qualifications and a Master’s degree including 15 credits in accounting/auditing/taxation and 1 year of qualifying experience.

Qualifying experience must be gained in one or a combination of the following:

• As an accountant/auditor with responsibility for the full range of professional activities involved in the review, analysis, and management of accounting systems, resulting in opinions or recommendations on financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Bookkeeping or preparing tax returns alone does not qualify.)
• As an internal accountant/auditor conducting a full range of financial accounting/auditing activities for an entity. (Limited duties such as maintaining payroll, accounts receivable, or accounts payable do not qualify.)
• As an accountant with ongoing responsibility for the design, implementation, and review of accounting systems.
• As a professional staff member of a private accounting practice with broad experience in maintaining accounting books and records, completing financial statements, and preparing business and personal tax returns.
• As a field auditor with a federal, state, or municipal agency, performing comprehensive field audits to determine compliance with tax laws, rules, and regulations.
• As an accountant/auditor principally engaged in the analysis and/or interpretation of tax law.

Additional Information

The candidate must meet travel requirements for this position, which may include having a valid driver’s license based on geographic location. Work hours, travel, and telecommuting options will be discussed during the interview.

Appointment level (Trainee 1, Trainee 2, or Auditor 1) will depend on the candidate’s qualifications. The salary range listed starts from the Trainee 1 level and ends at the Journey level.

Employment is conditioned upon compliance with all local, state, and federal tax laws, as verified by a review of the candidate’s tax return submissions by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. A background investigation, including a criminal history record check (fingerprint check), is required. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify identity.