Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee

State of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Full Time

Email Address

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THE POSITION

Are you a detail-oriented individual interested in pursuing a career with the Department of Revenue? If so, look no further than the Bureau of Audits. Our Harrisburg Regional Office is searching for Revenue Tax Auditor Trainees who are eager to learn how to conduct field audits of taxpayers in order to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In this role, you will learn important auditing techniques while contributing to a mission that benefits all residents. Join a team that values learning, accuracy, and public service.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on learning how to conduct audits that support fair and accurate tax reporting for the Commonwealth. It provides training and experience needed to carry out audit tasks both in the office and at field sites. As a Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

Audit Preparation: Learn preliminary planning steps for conducting tax audits
Record Review: Examine taxpayer books and documents to assess tax liabilities
Field Work: Assist in on site audits to understand business operations and needs
Communication Tasks: Contact taxpayers and participate in meetings to explain procedures and findings
Report Assembly: Put together audit reports, schedules, and narratives for supervisor review
Research Duties: Look into departmental records to gather audit history and related information

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, ad hoc, after an in office training period of one month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
On-site parting is available.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

A bachelor's degree that includes 15 college credits in accounting, tax, or auditing; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 15 college credits in accounting, tax, or auditing.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 6 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

You must reside in or be willing to relocate to Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, York, or Juniata County before the date of hire.
You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

Eligibility rules apply.

Have you successfully completed, or are you within six months of completing a bachelor's degree that includes 15 college credits in accounting, tax, or auditing? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

If you are within six months of completing a bachelor's degree that includes 15 college credits in accounting, tax, or auditing, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.

Have you successfully completed 15 or more semester credits of college coursework in accounting, tax, or auditing? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

Additional Requirement - Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, York, or Juniata County before the date of hire?

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

Do you meet the minimum experience and training requirements for Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee and do you possess a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license?

If you answered yes to the question above, please provide your CPA license number. If you answered no to the question above, type N/A in the text box below.

Do you meet the minimum experience and training requirements for Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee and have you passed all four parts of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam but have not yet received full CPA licensure? If you answered yes, you must provide a copy of all four score results indicating that you have passed with a score of 75 or higher. You must attach your score results prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add score results to the application after it has been submitted.

Do you meet the minimum experience and training requirements for Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee and have you completed a total of 150 semester credits of post-secondary education, including at least a total of 24 semester credits of accounting, auditing, business law, finance, or tax subjects and an additional 12 semester credits in accounting and auditing-related subjects (including accounting and/or management information systems) or tax subjects?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

Do you meet the minimum experience and training requirements for the Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee and have you completed an accounting internship within the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Bureau of Audits?

If you answered yes to the question above, please provide the dates you completed your internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Bureau of Audits. If you answered no to the question above, type N/A in the text box below.

Do you meet the minimum experience and training requirements for Revenue Tax Auditor Trainee and have you completed an accounting internship?

If you answered yes to the question above, please provide the name of the employer where you completed your internship. If you answered no to the question above, type N/A in the text box below.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Prepares written, technical, or narrative documents specific to accounting, auditing, or taxes. Authors narrative and analytical reports that convey the findings of audits and recommends changes or improvements to ensure adherence to accounting standards, laws, regulations, requirements, goals, objectives, and priorities. Prepares correspondence to request or deliver information pertinent to audits being conducted.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience writing technical, narrative, or analytical documents that convey findings. I was responsible for the final written report that made recommendations to ensure adherence to standards, laws, regulations, requirements, goals, objectives, and priorities.
B. I have experience writing technical, narrative, or analytical documents that convey findings. Someone else was responsible for the final written report that made recommendations to ensure adherence to standards, laws, regulations, requirements, goals, objectives, and priorities.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The types of documents you wrote.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ANALYTICS

Analyzes data to arrive at conclusions related to financial performance, internal controls, and identifying risk or trends. Utilizes computer applications to enter, access, or retrieve financial information.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience entering, accessing, or retrieving data from computer applications to assess and draw conclusions regarding financial performance, internal controls, risk, or trends.
B. I have experience entering, accessing, or retrieving data from computer applications to perform reviews of accounting and/or tax procedures; however, someone else was responsible for assessing and drawing conclusions regarding financial performance, internal controls, risk, or trends.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to strategic management, financial and/or data analysis, information systems, or accounting systems.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience entering, accessing, or retrieving data from computer applications to perform reviews of accounting and/or tax procedures.
Your experience assessing and drawing conclusions regarding financial performance, internal controls, risk, or trends.
Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - AUDITS

Conducts meetings to explain scope of audits, establish proper audit protocol, explain findings of audits, and make recommendations to change accounting procedures. Performs onsite examination and analysis of pertinent financial books and records to determine correct accounting standards and/or tax compliance.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing onsite examinations and analysis of pertinent financial books and records to determine compliance with accounting standards and/or tax laws. I was responsible for developing and finalizing conclusions based on the findings associated with the examinations and analysis.
B. I have experience performing onsite examinations and analysis of pertinent financial books and records to determine compliance with accounting standards and/or tax laws. Someone else was responsible for developing and finalizing conclusions based on the findings associated with my examinations and analysis.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to auditing, forensic accounting, individual taxation, or corporate taxation.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience performing examinations and analysis of books and records to determine compliance with accounting standards and/or tax laws.
Your specific duties and level of responsibility, including whether you developed conclusions.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - COMMUNICATION/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Communicates with stakeholders and/or their representatives, as well as other interested parties, to explain tax laws, regulations, policies, and accounting and/or auditing standards, procedures, and findings. Utilizes customer service skills when dealing with adversarial situations.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience communicating with individuals to explain tax laws, regulations, policies, and accounting and/or auditing standards, procedures, and findings. I was responsible for diffusing adversarial situations
B. I have experience communicating with individuals to explain tax laws, regulations, policies, and accounting and/or auditing standards, procedures, and findings. When dealing with adversarial situations, I escalated these concerns to another person.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework that included public speaking or customer service
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience interacting with individuals to explain auditing/accounting-related information.
Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - RESEARCH

Researches pertinent background information related to assigned audits or tax preparation matters. Identifies potential accounting weaknesses, deficiencies, or areas of noncompliance. Analyzes written documentation such as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, accounting and auditing standards, laws, regulations, revenue bulletins, and court cases. Reviews past transactions that have been captured in accounting records, and researches methods to enforce compliance.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience researching accounting principles, auditing standards, or tax regulations and laws. I was responsible for utilizing this research to implement, change, or confirm proper accounting treatment.
B. I have experience researching accounting principles, auditing standards, or tax regulations and laws. Someone else was responsible for utilizing my research to implement, change, or confirm proper accounting treatment.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business law, public administration, research techniques, or scientific research methodology.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience researching accounting principles, auditing standards, or tax regulations and laws.
Your specific duties and level of responsibility.