Senior Tax Auditor

Under general supervision, the Senior Tax Auditor performs a variety of professional level financial auditing functions to ensure compliance with the sales and use tax ordinances and policies of the City of Lafayette. This is the advanced-level class in the Tax Auditor series and is distinguished from Tax Auditor by the ability to perform the full range of duties, including complex audits, with little to no instruction or assistance.  Incumbents in this class are expected to be fully knowledgeable about the City tax code and regulations and be able to perform necessary research and make recommendations regarding taxation issues.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrated advanced knowledge of modern practices, principles, and procedures in the performance of audits, sales tax collection, and revenue generation.  Ability to navigate various types of accounting records taxpayers may have that need to be considered in the calculation of tax payable.  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: Perform complex audits independently, and with little to no instruction or assistance. Review and make recommendations on tax and licensing ordinances and regulations. 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: Four years of auditing experience and at least two years of sales and use tax audit experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

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.
• Assists the Revenue Manager in selection of tax audits, as well as managing third party tax audit specialists. 
• Conduct audits independently 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.
• 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. 
• Provides excellent customer service, maintaining positive, interactive relationships with businesses, the public and other City staff.
• Educate and respond to inquiries from the general public, businesses and vendors regarding licensing, sales tax, use tax, penalties, interest and adjustments.
• Perform other divisional duties and projects as assigned including review, and report on rebate programs, and participate in cross-team projects as needed. 
• Assists the City in reconciling the tax revenue receipts to the taxpayer accounts and may perform data analysis on tax revenues by period. 
• Surveys business locations within the City and utilizes database or other public resources to ensure businesses are licensed.
• Process refund claims, delinquencies, voluntary disclosures, and liens. 
• Maintain, discover, and expand an ongoing licensing program.
• Assists with department reporting, recordkeeping, document scanning and retention.
• Assist in the administration of the Sales Tax Division, including responding to general emails, answering phones, and other administrative tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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

Please ensure your application is complete and submitted prior to 11:59 pm on July 29, 2025, to be considered. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the process.