[Hiring] Penalty Review Specialist 2 @Arizona Department of Administration

Role Description

The Penalty Review Specialist 2 supports the Penalty Review Unit by analyzing and interpreting Federal and State tax laws and Arizona Revised Statute guidance to evaluate both testimony and written evidence to make findings of fact and render decisions. The position will work within the tax reporting system to perform complex account reconciliations, account maintenance, perform adjustments to tax returns, abate and/or correct penalties and interest, amongst other duties.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust.

Job Duties

• Tax Administration
  • Processes actions within the tax reporting system, such as:
  • Abate and/or correct penalties and interest
  • Account reconciliations
  • Account maintenance
  • Releasing of refunds
  • Tax return adjustments
  • Technical review of audits
  • Review and revise tax reporting and information forms and instructions required by law
• Research & Analysis
  • Researches and interprets Federal, State tax law, and Arizona Revised Statutes as it pertains to assigned tax cases in order to prepare reports and assist in penalty determinations
  • Reviews problems and questions concerning taxes, inconsistencies in reported information, and interpretation of tax laws, statutes, and regulations
  • Confers with agency officials, staff members, and representatives of other agencies to convey information or acquire information needed for immediate determinations or decisions
  • Compares data from several sources to ensure compliance with technical specifications, rules, or other technical documents
• Service Delivery
  • Serves as a point-of-contact for taxpayer inquiries and cases
  • Provides intermediate-level customer care to taxpayers by advising and educating them about local and State administrative statutes, rules, and regulations regarding tax, as needed
  • Escalates complex taxpayer inquiries and cases to senior team members
• Agency/Department Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Remains current on all laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to taxation through regular engagement in activities such as self-directed research, conferring with other practitioners and technical experts; subscriptions to regulatory/legal/industry newsletters and briefs; membership industry associations and attendance at meetings/events; and participation in training and other continuing education opportunities.
  • Actively contributes to team and individual effectiveness through the following:
  • Attends staff meetings and huddles of work unit or district; and may cascade and track information as indicated
  • Completes all required training in a timely manner
  • Participates in assigned work teams as appropriate
  • Prepares for and actively participates in 1:1 coaching with supervisor
  • Maximizes work processes and deliverables through lean principles within the Arizona Management System (AMS); and provides recommendations for process improvement, and engages in continuous improvement efforts as assigned

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of Federal and State of Arizona tax laws, statutes, and regulations governing filing requirements and assessment of penalty and interest
• Basic knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Basic knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS)
• Basic knowledge and understanding of individual income, corporate income, transaction privilege and use, fiduciary, excise, and withholding tax policies and procedures

Requirements

• Utilizes approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to automate routine tasks, improve productivity, and enhance workflows, while strictly adhering to agency data governance, security policies, and ethical standards regarding FTI and PII
• Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills
• Effective organization and time management skills with the ability to make measurable progress on multiple priorities
• Proficient in the use of a PC/laptop in a Windows environment; in the use of the Internet; and in the use of Google Suite applications such as Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Drive
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proficient in the use of tax reporting systems
• Ability to clear a comprehensive background and clearance process that includes an Arizona tax compliance verification, and a criminal background check through the FBI via level one fingerprint clearance through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, as well as through the Criminal Justice Information System
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state tax laws to legal case reviews
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and also participate collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to work in a confidential manner, ensuring information is shared with internal and external individuals in an appropriate manner
• Ability to appear in and testify in the court of law
• Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values of Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another

Selective Preference(s)

• Any combination that meets the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA); typical ways KSAs are obtained may include but are not limited to: a relevant degree from an accredited college or university such as Associate’s Degree (e.g., A.A.), training, coursework, and work experience relevant to the assignment
• Minimum of six (6) months audit-related experience
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a closely related field

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Internal Applicant Eligibility
• An Internal Applicant who is: An active, regular, full-time, or part-time ADOR Team Member who has been in their current position for at least 6 months and has maintained Satisfactory Performance.
• Satisfactory Performance: A Team Member who:
• Has a 3.0 (meets or higher) for their most recent AZPerforms rating
• Is not on a Performance Improvement Plan
• Has not been involuntarily demoted in the previous 12 months
• Is not subject to any active formal discipline, meaning the Team Member has not received either a Letter of Reprimand issued in the previous 6 months or a Letter of Suspension in the previous 12 months
• The final candidate will be required to abide by the following pre-employment checks:
• Employment Verification and Reference Checks
• State and Federal Criminal Background Check, including fingerprinting
• Arizona Tax Filing Records Check
• If applicable, ASEDRA Authorized Driver Identification Check

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Contact Us

If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the ADOR Talent Team at [email protected] .

*The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.