Sales Tax Auditor

Salary : $58,552.00 - $87,692.80 Annually
Location : City Hall - Lafayette, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202300110
Department: Finance
Division:Sales Tax
Opening Date: 10/31/2023
Closing Date: 12/1/2023 11:59 PM Mountain
General Summary
The Tax Auditor position plays a critical role in helping the city maintain financial strength through education and financial evaluations of businesses. This work involves interpreting and applying tax codes of the city and state to business owners. Responsible for assisting in licensing, tax return preparation, and the collection of taxes assessed during an audit. Promotes the reputation of the City of Lafayette by providing excellent customer service to taxpayers. Must have keen investigative instincts, strong time management, analytical, communication as well as interpersonal skills.
About the City
Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it's eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.
We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community, such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City's mission is to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, well-qualified, and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.
Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $25,980 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance (One year's salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

Essential Functions
The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Research, schedule, and perform sales and use tax accommodations as well as construction compliance audits.
• Conduct audits in accordance with professional auditing and accounting methods, examine business financial records including journals, ledgers, financial statements, invoices, sales agreements, and tax returns to verify that transactions have been properly recorded and are complying.
• Evaluate and investigate taxpayer internal controls and reporting issues.
• Create and maintain work papers, schedules, and reports; apply professional judgment in identifying and quantifying tax compliance shortfall situations and recommendations for corrective action.
• Maintain all records and documentation pertaining to an audit and related audit findings in a clear and well-documented manner.
• Review audit findings and conclusions with business owners and/or their agent; respond to questions and provide education on the Code to improve compliance.
• Audit financial records of contractors performing construction projects in the City.
• Collections on delinquent tax accounts.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of local tax codes, state statutes, and emerging tax issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Continue education related to updated tax laws, accounting techniques and procedures relating to tax auditing.
• Represent the City of Lafayette at professional and public organizations.
• Perform other divisional duties and projects as assigned including review, and report on rebate programs, and participate in cross-team projects as needed.
• Process refund claims, delinquencies, voluntary disclosures, and liens.
• Maintain, discover, and expand an ongoing licensing program.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Typical Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrated knowledge of modern practices, principles, and procedures in the performance of audits, Sales Tax collection, and revenue generation. Considerable knowledge of municipal organizations including applicable laws and regulations. Working knowledge of electronic data processing principles, practices, software, and equipment.
SKILL: Strong written and verbal communication abilities; familiarity with Microsoft Excel and tax and licensing software such as GOVOS. Skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job.
ABILITY: Apply the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communications to present or interpret information while applying accounting principles and auditing procedures to determine tax liabilities. Exercise initiative, judgment, and decision making in solving problems and meeting organizational objectives. Must be professional under stressful and challenging situations, and approach problems with critical thinking and analytical skills.
TRAINING:A Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in professional Sales Tax auditing.
Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver's license with a safe driving record is required.
• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation.