Tax Auditor III

About the Role

The Department of Taxes' Compliance Division is seeking a motivated professional who wants to make a meaningful impact by conducting audits that ensure the fair and accurate administration of Vermont's tax laws. In this role, you'll review taxpayer records, promote voluntary compliance, and help Vermonters understand their obligations.

The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, digitally savvy, and self-driven. They enjoy learning new tools and technologies used in tax administration, communicate clearly and confidently—even when explaining complex or sensitive topics—and have a genuine desire to grow, develop, and contribute to a strong public mission.

About the Compliance Division

The Compliance Division is responsible for promoting and ensuring Vermont taxpayer compliance, with a focus on early intervention, education, outreach, and fairness. We value service, integrity, and employee growth as we aim to support Vermont communities effectively and efficiently. Our team includes auditors, tax examiners, analysts, tax collection officers, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and analyzing taxpayer returns
• Preparing assessments and adjustments to support accurate compliance
• Communicating with taxpayers and their representatives
• Participating in appeals and settlement discussions
• Conducting on-site audits when appropriate

Environmental Factors

Work is performed in a standard office setting. An Auditor III may be sitting or standing, most frequently using a computer and phone. There may be very occasional light lifting and general walking around the office setting. Some fieldwork requiring travel may be required. Audit work and review of records may also be performed in a home and/or central office location as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, business management, public administration, mathematics, finance, or a related field AND one or more years of experience in tax examination/preparation, accounting, auditing, business administration, or a related field.
• OR five or more years of experience in tax examination/preparation, accounting, auditing, business administration, or a related field.
• OR two or more years of experience as Tax Field Auditor II or Tax Auditor II; or three or more years of experience as a Tax Examiner IV or Tax Analyst III or higher with the State of Vermont Department of Taxes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Experience in a government audit role

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass a background investigation applicable to the position, including fingerprinting and Vermont/national criminal record checks. This position involves access to sensitive federal tax information as required by the Internal Revenue Service and authorized under Vermont law (3 V.S.A. § 241). Candidates may withdraw their application before fingerprinting or a background check is conducted.

Pay

The hourly salary rate for this position ranges from $31.54 to $49.45. The annualized salary ranges from approximately $65,603.20 to $102,856.00, calculated based on 2,080 hours of annual compensation (excluding overtime or other compensation). The starting salary may be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

As a State employee, you are offered a comprehensive total compensation package worth about 30% of your salary, including:

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two retirement savings options: a State-defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare reimbursement
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program