Revenue Agent

Revenue Agent – Property Tax Division

Augusta, Maine, United States | Accounting, Business & Finance | Full-time

Apply by: Nov. 22, 2024

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MAINE REVENUE SERVICES

PROPERTY TAX DIVISION

MUNICIPAL SERVICES SECTION

Opening Date: November 7, 2024

Closing Date: November 22, 2024

Job Class Code: 0504
Grade: 20
Salary: $69,313.92/Annually (includes a 20% recruitment and retention stipend)
Position Number: 016304044

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is entry-level professional services trainee work involving tax assessment, administration, and compliance functions. Work includes performing state valuation audits of municipalities in the field under the oversight of senior personnel to determine tax liability and compliance; interpreting and explaining tax laws; providing technical assistance relating to tax administration; and employing administrative and legal processes to enforce state tax laws. The position is a Revenue Agent position primarily located in the Municipal Services (MS) section of Maine Revenue Services’ Property Tax Division. The position has split responsibilities between performing MS functions and conducting state valuation audits during the year.

The MS section is responsible for calculating and issuing reimbursements to municipalities for tax lost due to programs such as the Homestead Exemption, the Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption, and the Tree Growth program. This position will be responsible for reviewing and approving these reimbursements in the agency computerized tax system, answering questions from municipalities regarding the status of reimbursements, and issuing associated billbacks in circumstances where municipalities have been overpaid.

This position will also be assigned a regional field territory consisting of an average of 15-25 municipalities where the employee will conduct state valuation audits, including performing sales ratio studies and reviewing municipal tax and exemption documentation. Additional responsibilities include providing ongoing technical and other assistance to taxpayers and municipalities in their territory and assisting with training assessors and others at the MRS Property Tax School and other events.

This position will be partially remote. This is an 18-month trainee classification which, upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies, results in reclassification to Senior Revenue Agent. Work is performed under general supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Examines and assesses tax-related transactions and documentation of municipal entities to determine appropriate reimbursements, tax liabilities, and compliance.
• Conducts reviews of municipal filings and municipal records to determine accuracy and completeness.
• Prepares audit reports to communicate findings, ensure compliance, and establish a basis for additional adjustments when appropriate.
• Analyzes a wide range of standard and automated accounting and record-keeping systems to formulate appropriate audit tests.
• Confers with and advises assessors, taxpayers, and taxpayer representatives to explain, apply, and/or enforce tax laws and regulations, inform on proper procedures to be used in determining tax liabilities, and assist with property tax administration and value issues.
• Reviews and analyzes tax information, documents, and prior audit results to identify audit candidates and issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of auditing and appraisal principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of business practices and principles.
• Knowledge of state and federal tax laws, codes, and regulations and interstate and regional tax agreements.
• Knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing tax examination work.
• Knowledge of the judicial processes used in tax enforcement proceedings.
• Knowledge of International Association of Assessing Officers guidelines.
• Knowledge of cadastral mapping theory and techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to gather and compile data and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate and deal with others on controversial matters in a concise and tactful manner.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to analyze accounting systems and procedures and detect irregularities and errors.
• Ability to apply mathematics in defining and solving problems.
• Ability to interpret and explain tax laws and apply them in an auditing environment.
• Ability to use a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, statute, policy, and procedures and use information systems to arrive at logical conclusions or recommendations.
• Ability to travel in-state for a considerable portion of the working time and out-of-state when required.
• Ability to read maps and aerial photos to determine land boundaries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education and/or training in business administration, accounting, mathematics, economics, information technology, finance, property appraisal, auditing, or taxes with experience demonstrating the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make decisions on complex matters.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain Certified Maine Assessor designation within one year of hire.

Please note: All candidates applying for a position at Maine Revenue Services will be subject to a tax clearance check. In order to be selected for a position, an applicant must have filed all his or her Maine returns and paid all Maine tax liabilities.

For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services: State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint based state and federal criminal history record check.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 – $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee’s pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Apply by: Nov. 22, 2024