Lead Auditor, Sales Tax (Auditor I/II/III)
City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Position Title:
Lead Auditor, Sales Tax (Auditor I/II/III) (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)
Requisition #:
req8428
Department:
Sales Tax
Location:
215 OFFICE BLDG
Benefit Category:
Classified (Non-CBU)
Employment Type:
Full-Time Regular
Annual Salary Range:
$54,671.00 – $117,662.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
Annual Anticipated Hiring Range:
$65,000.00 – $100,000.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision for self, spouse, and children (eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire)
Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and one-time bonus of 40 PTO hours for new, full‑time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
Retirement with company contributions – after 6‑month probation and immediate vesting
Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability
Wellness program, workout facilities
Employee/family onsite health clinic
Learning and development opportunities at all levels with opportunities for career mobility
Responsibilities
Auditor I Responsibilities
Review and approve construction project cost reports for tax reconciliation related to building permits; route findings to senior staff for final determination.
Review and investigate refund claims and exemption applications; route findings to senior staff.
Research and answer taxpayer questions regarding City tax and licensing regulations verbally and in writing; escalate more complex issues.
Document step‑by‑step workflows for repeatable tasks; seek approval before publishing.
Participate in process improvement efforts in the department.
Provide back‑up to revenue and licensing team.
Under supervision of senior staff, review accounting records to verify transactions have been properly recorded and are in compliance with City code for sales, use, and lodging tax.
Under supervision of senior staff, review audit sales results with business owner and/or representative, including procedures used and applicable City Code.
Participate in debriefs led by senior auditors, take notes and relay standard follow‑up actions.
Observe hearings as backup; may be asked to provide basic factual testimony prepared by senior staff.
Auditor II Responsibilities
All Auditor I responsibilities plus:
Review accounting records to verify compliance with City Code for sales, use, and lodging tax.
Review audit results with business owner and/or representative, covering procedures and City Code.
Respond to more complex inquiries using reference guides and the City Code.
Manage own portfolio of audits.
Assist in Auditor I training and mentoring.
May serve as City representative in formal hearings related to disputes in tax assessment.
Auditor III / Lead Responsibilities
All Auditor II responsibilities plus:
Lead complex and large audits.
Plan and select audits; complete peer review of audits and provide guidance on complex tax issues.
Act as primary reference for community education classes.
Review and investigate complex refund claims.
Review, draft, and revise City Code and regulations.
Manage all department rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
Responsible for Auditor I and II training and mentoring.
Advise, coordinate, and manage relationships with IT and other third‑party vendors to support the Sales Tax Department.
Complete special projects as assigned.
City Competencies
Demonstrated cultural competence to interact and build relationships with diverse individuals.
Strong learning orientation; leverages resources to adapt to changing issues and trends.
Desire and ability to understand diverse needs of internal and external customers and deliver exceeding service expectations.
Ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, teamwork, and communication.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Auditor I
Basic knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures.
Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret Chapters 25 and 15 of the City Code.
Accounting and mathematical skills.
Effective management of multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Excel, computerized database systems, computerized accounting systems, and geographic information systems.
Working knowledge of departmental functions and activities.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Intermediate skill level in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Auditor II
Advanced knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures and City of Fort Collins Code.
Experience with various sampling methodologies.
Advanced accounting and mathematical skills.
Excellent project management with minimal guidance.
Intermediate/Advanced skill level in Microsoft Office and Excel.
Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations with tact.
Critical thinking, analytical thought process, and business acumen.
Excellent written and verbal communication and influence skills.
Conflict resolution and communication with diverse taxpayers.
Auditor III
Expert knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures and City of Fort Collins Code.
Advanced sampling and data analysis, including statistical analysis.
Ability to manage multiple projects, diverse team members, and competing priorities.
Professionalism, strategic critical thinking, and autonomous decision making.
Travel out of state as needed to perform audits.
Advanced/Expert skill level in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
Minimum:
College degree or equivalent work experience; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field with major coursework in accounting.
Preferred:
Additional certification or advanced degree.
Experience:
4 years related experience in auditing or accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Career Progression
Employees in the Auditor I role are eligible for progression into the Auditor II role without a competitive posting process when all of the following conditions are met:
A minimum of one (1) year of service in the Sales Tax Auditor role or equivalent external experience.
Demonstrated proficiency on the “Auditor Skills Evaluation”.
Internal candidates with review ratings of On Track or Outperforming for at least two of the last two review periods.
Employees in the Auditor II role are eligible for progression into the Auditor III role without a competitive posting process when all of the following conditions are met:
A minimum of three (3) years of service in the Senior Sales Tax Auditor role or equivalent external experience in Sales and Use Tax Auditing.
Demonstrated proficiency on the “Auditor Skills Evaluation”.
Internal candidates with review ratings of On Track or Outperforming for at least three of the last four review periods.
Progression eligibility is reviewed during each quarterly assessment. Upon verification that all criteria have been met, employees are advanced to the new role at the start of the following pay period.
Certifications / Licenses / Specialized Training
CPA preferred.
EEO Statement
The City of Fort Collins is a bias‑conscious employer. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that adversely impacts the terms and conditions of employment based on a protected status. The City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Background check required.
Accessibility & Accommodation
The City will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities.
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Lead Auditor, Sales Tax (Auditor I/II/III) (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)
Requisition #:
req8428
Department:
Sales Tax
Location:
215 OFFICE BLDG
Benefit Category:
Classified (Non-CBU)
Employment Type:
Full-Time Regular
Annual Salary Range:
$54,671.00 – $117,662.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
Annual Anticipated Hiring Range:
$65,000.00 – $100,000.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision for self, spouse, and children (eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire)
Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and one-time bonus of 40 PTO hours for new, full‑time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
Retirement with company contributions – after 6‑month probation and immediate vesting
Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability
Wellness program, workout facilities
Employee/family onsite health clinic
Learning and development opportunities at all levels with opportunities for career mobility
Responsibilities
Auditor I Responsibilities
Review and approve construction project cost reports for tax reconciliation related to building permits; route findings to senior staff for final determination.
Review and investigate refund claims and exemption applications; route findings to senior staff.
Research and answer taxpayer questions regarding City tax and licensing regulations verbally and in writing; escalate more complex issues.
Document step‑by‑step workflows for repeatable tasks; seek approval before publishing.
Participate in process improvement efforts in the department.
Provide back‑up to revenue and licensing team.
Under supervision of senior staff, review accounting records to verify transactions have been properly recorded and are in compliance with City code for sales, use, and lodging tax.
Under supervision of senior staff, review audit sales results with business owner and/or representative, including procedures used and applicable City Code.
Participate in debriefs led by senior auditors, take notes and relay standard follow‑up actions.
Observe hearings as backup; may be asked to provide basic factual testimony prepared by senior staff.
Auditor II Responsibilities
All Auditor I responsibilities plus:
Review accounting records to verify compliance with City Code for sales, use, and lodging tax.
Review audit results with business owner and/or representative, covering procedures and City Code.
Respond to more complex inquiries using reference guides and the City Code.
Manage own portfolio of audits.
Assist in Auditor I training and mentoring.
May serve as City representative in formal hearings related to disputes in tax assessment.
Auditor III / Lead Responsibilities
All Auditor II responsibilities plus:
Lead complex and large audits.
Plan and select audits; complete peer review of audits and provide guidance on complex tax issues.
Act as primary reference for community education classes.
Review and investigate complex refund claims.
Review, draft, and revise City Code and regulations.
Manage all department rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
Responsible for Auditor I and II training and mentoring.
Advise, coordinate, and manage relationships with IT and other third‑party vendors to support the Sales Tax Department.
Complete special projects as assigned.
City Competencies
Demonstrated cultural competence to interact and build relationships with diverse individuals.
Strong learning orientation; leverages resources to adapt to changing issues and trends.
Desire and ability to understand diverse needs of internal and external customers and deliver exceeding service expectations.
Ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, teamwork, and communication.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Auditor I
Basic knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures.
Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret Chapters 25 and 15 of the City Code.
Accounting and mathematical skills.
Effective management of multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Excel, computerized database systems, computerized accounting systems, and geographic information systems.
Working knowledge of departmental functions and activities.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Intermediate skill level in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Auditor II
Advanced knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures and City of Fort Collins Code.
Experience with various sampling methodologies.
Advanced accounting and mathematical skills.
Excellent project management with minimal guidance.
Intermediate/Advanced skill level in Microsoft Office and Excel.
Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations with tact.
Critical thinking, analytical thought process, and business acumen.
Excellent written and verbal communication and influence skills.
Conflict resolution and communication with diverse taxpayers.
Auditor III
Expert knowledge of accounting and auditing procedures and City of Fort Collins Code.
Advanced sampling and data analysis, including statistical analysis.
Ability to manage multiple projects, diverse team members, and competing priorities.
Professionalism, strategic critical thinking, and autonomous decision making.
Travel out of state as needed to perform audits.
Advanced/Expert skill level in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
Minimum:
College degree or equivalent work experience; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field with major coursework in accounting.
Preferred:
Additional certification or advanced degree.
Experience:
4 years related experience in auditing or accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Career Progression
Employees in the Auditor I role are eligible for progression into the Auditor II role without a competitive posting process when all of the following conditions are met:
A minimum of one (1) year of service in the Sales Tax Auditor role or equivalent external experience.
Demonstrated proficiency on the “Auditor Skills Evaluation”.
Internal candidates with review ratings of On Track or Outperforming for at least two of the last two review periods.
Employees in the Auditor II role are eligible for progression into the Auditor III role without a competitive posting process when all of the following conditions are met:
A minimum of three (3) years of service in the Senior Sales Tax Auditor role or equivalent external experience in Sales and Use Tax Auditing.
Demonstrated proficiency on the “Auditor Skills Evaluation”.
Internal candidates with review ratings of On Track or Outperforming for at least three of the last four review periods.
Progression eligibility is reviewed during each quarterly assessment. Upon verification that all criteria have been met, employees are advanced to the new role at the start of the following pay period.
Certifications / Licenses / Specialized Training
CPA preferred.
EEO Statement
The City of Fort Collins is a bias‑conscious employer. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that adversely impacts the terms and conditions of employment based on a protected status. The City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Background check required.
Accessibility & Accommodation
The City will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities.
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