Business Tax Accountant

Only candidates who have a permanent Accountant civil service title or provide proof of filing for Accountant Exam No. 6000 or 6500 or are permanent in a comparable civil service title eligible for a 6.1.9 title change may be considered for an interview. Include your Employee Identification Number (EIN) when applying and indicate your permanent civil service title or proof of filing for Exam No. 6000 or 6500.

About the role

The NYC Department of Finance (DOF) administers the city's tax revenue laws to instill public confidence and encourage compliance while providing exceptional customer service. The Treasury and Payment Services Division oversees all City payment websites, payment processing for tax returns, property recording forms, parking violation programs, and the collection of delinquent accounts. It also manages the City’s cash balances and relationships with banking institutions, and collects outstanding violations issued by City agencies and adjudicated by the Environmental Control Board.

The Payments, Billing, and Refunds Unit processes payments for property taxes, business and excise taxes, and parking and camera violations. The unit communicates amounts due, maintains departmental records, and provides customer service for payment and refund inquiries. The Business Tax Adjustments & Customer Service Unit handles inquiries from business taxpayers using e-Services and the Business Tax Collection System (BTCS) to perform account research, addressing questions related to tax returns and payments.

Responsibilities

• Review business tax returns, payments, and taxpayer accounts to identify discrepancies, process account adjustments, and generate correspondence as needed.
• Process taxpayer account updates, including penalty abatements, credit transfers, and line-item adjustments to resolve filing and payment discrepancies.
• Handle billing discrepancies, evaluate taxpayer responses to notices, determine case resolutions, and communicate final actions to taxpayers.
• Respond to taxpayer inquiries received via emails, mail, and web submissions by providing accurate information and technical assistance in a timely manner.
• Research, correct, and process Business and Excise Tax suspended returns and payments in the Business Tax & Collections System (BTCS), covering 12 tax types.
• Clearly and accurately explain New York City business tax laws, regulations, and applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code to taxpayers and their representatives.
• Review correspondence from taxpayers and internal units regarding billing discrepancies and implement appropriate account adjustments.
• Review adjustments completed by Accountants and Tax Auditors on suspended transactions and coordinate with other units on cases managed by the Business Tax Adjustments Unit.
• Manage assigned caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely completion of work and adherence to departmental performance standards.
• Review notices and warrant cases submitted by the Collections Unit for re-evaluation and appropriate resolution.
• Participate in BTCS system testing, maintenance, annual upgrades, end-to-end process validation, and user acceptance testing; assist in staff training and enhancement of system tools.
• Perform special projects and assignments as directed by supervisors, the Director, and the Assistant Commissioner of Payments, Billing & Refunds.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, customer service standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate directly with taxpayers, tax professionals, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex business tax issues and ensure accurate account maintenance.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in accounting, with one course each in advanced accounting and auditing; or a valid New York State Certified Public Accountant license.
• To be eligible for Assignment Level II, individuals must have at least one year of experience as an Accountant - Assignment Level I or at least two years of satisfactory full-time professional accounting or auditing experience.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of business and excise taxes.
• Knowledge of legal and tax law research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• At least 18 months of accounting and tax audit experience.

Additional Information

• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
• This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.
• This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter if you wish to be considered through the 55-a Program.
• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website for more information.

Pay

$65,091.00 – $74,855.00