City of Tampa

An employee in this class is responsible for conducting tax audits and monitoring the various activities of taxing agencies and/or private sector businesses that are subject to various city taxes. The scope of work performed is at a level of unusual difficulty. The important responsibilities in this class are conducting a tax monitoring and audit plan and coordinating the city’s taxing effort with other branches of government. It includes some audits of compliance with tax laws. This position requires extensive initiative and independent judgement in project development and performance and in the formulation of accurate plans and tax assessment. Tact and diplomacy are also necessary as this position has considerable contact with other governmental officials and representatives of private industry. Assignments are performed under general direction and require that the employee spend a significant amount of time away from the office. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports submitted.

Makes policy and negotiates franchise agreements; researches to determine what services and providers are subject to city tax; notifies and instructs taxable service providers as to taxability of services provided; monitors monthly payments of providers; decides which providers will be audited; sets up all conferences with tax managers and legal counsel for same; institutes, in coordination with Legal Department, legal proceedings; serves as tax consultant to Legal Department and other Florida municipalities; interviews and contracts for outside counsel for research of issues; researches all franchise agreements/operating agreements in force between the city and utilities for conformity and recommends new procedures and strategies to bring these documents into line; monitors enforcement of new code and law and implements documents involving right-of-way franchise fees.

Prepares written audit reports; makes presentations periodically to senior municipal management and makes overall recommendations concerning city’s taxing effort; completes audit file with documentation to substantiate findings in order to make recommendations; explains and interprets information, policies, rules, and procedures for others to facilitate their understanding.

Reviews legislation, court decisions, guidelines, rules, and regulations pertinent to activities to ensure compliance with the law.

Attends, conducts, and/or participates in meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars for the purpose of gathering, verifying, and distributing information; attends meetings and public hearings in order to discuss, develop, or explain plans and recommendations.

 Audits financial records of various businesses, which are regulated by, taxed, and/or have contractual services with the city to determine compliance with applicable laws and contracts.

Performs related work as required.

 

Extensive knowledge of: state and local code and taxation laws; auditing standards, accepted techniques, and procedures; sound internal controls and general business practices; effective interviewing techniques and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of: statistical and analytical evaluation techniques.

Ability to: conduct cost/benefit analyses; learn new and advanced techniques and procedures; develop sound audit objectives and apply proper, effective auditing techniques; prepare oral and/or written reports, including compiling documentation in support of report finding and recommendations, and communicate them in a clear, concise, and objective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or auditing and five (5) years of auditing experience in municipal taxation.

Must have one of the following:

• CFE –  Certified Fraud Examiner
• CIA –  Certified Internal Audit
• CPA –  Certified Public Accountant
• CISA – Certified Information System Auditor  

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.