Revenue Agent

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

Apply by: Oct. 23, 2024

Opening Date: October 8, 2024

Closing Date: October 23, 2024

Job Class Code: 0504

Grade: 20

Salary: $69,313.92 *Includes 20% Stipend

Position Number: 016303843

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; reviewing properties for property tax assessment; interpreting and explaining tax laws; providing technical assistance relating to tax administration; and employing administrative and legal processes to enforce state tax laws.

This is a Revenue Agent position primarily located in the Unorganized Territory (UT) section of Maine Revenue Services’ Property Tax Division. The Division serves as the local property tax assessor for the UT. After successful completion of a training program, the position will be assigned townships or other portions of the UT where the employee will review building permits and visit properties to discover, measure, and list properties for property tax assessment.

This position will also be assigned a regional field territory consisting of an average of 30-40 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.

The selected candidate will be assigned a state valuation field territory consisting primarily of portions of Hancock, Washington, and southern Aroostook counties. The ideal candidate will live within or within close proximity to the territory assigned. This position will be either partially or fully remote depending on the candidate. 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 value, tax liabilities, and compliance.
Conducts reviews of independent revaluations 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.
Compiles and analyzes evidence and represents the Department and State in hearings before courts, County Commissioners, and the State Board of Property Tax Review to interpret and defend tax assessments and appraisals and obtain information.
Examines and assists in interpreting aerial photographs and complex land maps to determine land boundaries and prepare property tax maps for townships in the unorganized territories.
Conducts research on properties to develop and maintain record of their value for assessment purposes.
Reviews building permits and visit properties to discover, measure, and list properties for property tax assessment.

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 judgement, 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.

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Revenue Agent