Internal Revenue Agent-Examiner (Phoenix)

On By Career Fair Connection

Duties

WHAT ARE THE APPEALS (AP), LARGE BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL (LB&I), SMALL BUSINESS SELF-EMPLOYED (SB/SE) AND TAX EXEMPT AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES (TE/GE) DIVISIONS?

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level:

  • Prepares audit statements with appropriate schedules and exhibits to reflect finally determined adjustments, tax liabilities and additions thereto on cases encompassing all types of taxpayers (individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates) engaged in all phases of economic activity where income may be derived from many sources and where several operating sub-divisions may exist. Cases involve income, profits, estate, gift, excise, and employment taxes. Analyzes and interprets Appeals case file documents, Internal Revenue Agent work papers and Revenue Agent Reports generated on a variety of tax computational software applications. Prepares re-computations as needed for refund litigation cases.
  • Prepares Rule 155 computations in Tax Court cases giving effect to the Court’s opinion and any stipulated adjustments. Assures that all necessary adjustments are taken into account in computing corrected tax liability which becomes the basis for the Court’s decision. Prepares draft stipulations expressing the tax effect of agreed disposition or complex cases docketed for trial before the United States Tax Court.
  • Conducts independent examinations and related investigations of income tax returns that cover a diversified spectrum of individual and business taxpayers. Examinations may also contain special audit features or anticipated accounting, tax law, or investigative issues of more than usual difficulty or complexity.
  • Conducts examinations of complex individual and business taxpayers involved in activities or transactions designated or structured to hide or conceal income such as offshore activities, multiple-related entities, and other means using a wide range of financial and other investigative skills.
  • Conducts independent examinations, reviews, and related financial investigations of complex cases encompassing all types of financial institutions (FIs) and non-financial trades or businesses (NFTBs) to assure their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements of Title 31 (Bank Secrecy Act), and Form 8300 filing. These examinations/reviews are conducted on financial institutions providing regulated services, and small and midsize non-financial trades or businesses.
  • Applies a comprehensive knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Internal Revenue Code 6050I, rulings, court decisions, regulations, IRS and Treasury policies to determine compliance with requirements including registration of money services businesses (MSB) s, development by FIs of anti-money laundering programs, recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
  • Independently conducts examination of large exempt organizations and related business entities and makes determinations on initial and continuing exempt status of these organizations. Provides technical advice and assistance on exemptions to organization representatives and other service employees.
  • Reviews exempt organizations financial and other operating data as well as related records of business operations intended to further exempt purposes and income sources unrelated to exempt activity.
  • The EP Examinations program is responsible for ensuring that qualified retirement plans comply with qualification, reporting/disclosure, and excise and income tax matters. The EP Examinations program includes exams conducted by field appointments or through correspondence and encourages plan sponsors to voluntarily comply in their plan operations. Plan sponsors may correct most mistakes IRS identifies during an exam using the Employee Plans Correction Resolution System (EPCRS) (Self-Correction or Audit Closing Agreements).
  • Responsible for ensuring that qualified retirement plans comply with qualification, reporting/disclosure, and excise and income tax matters. The Exam program includes audits and compliance contacts and encourages plan sponsors to voluntarily comply in their plan operations. Plan sponsors may correct most mistakes IRS identifies during an exam using the Audit Closing Agreement Program.

This position has career progression. If you are selected at a grade level lower than the full working level, you may be non-competitively promoted as your career progresses. For example, you may be hired as a GS-05, but if the position has career progression to GS-11, then you may move from a GS-05 to a GS-11 in as little as three years.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Telework Eligible Positions: Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD)) and supervisor’s approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder – If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
  • Undergo a review of prior performance/conduct and an income tax verification. Refer to “Get Your Tax Record” at http://www.irs.gov/(https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) to check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. If you are not in compliance, you will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a FBI criminal history record check (fingerprint check).
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies.
  • The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Treasury and its bureaus from requesting an applicant’s criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Treasury by email at, FairChanceAct@treasury.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: Treasury.gov/fairchanceact.

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS All GRADES (ALSO MEETS GRADE 5 QUALIFICATIONS): A Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
or a bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting that included at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and an additional 6 semester hours in related subjects such as business law, economics, statistical/quantitative methods, computerized accounting or financial systems, financial management, or finance.
OR
A bachelor’s or higher degree in a field other than accounting or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years that included at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and 6 semester hours in related subjects as described above.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-07 LEVEL: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of Specialized Experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience in or related to accounting or auditing that provided the specific knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience must have been acquired in a federal or business environment and must be sufficient to demonstrate: 1) knowledge of and skill in applying the principles, concepts and methodology of professional accounting and related fields and 2) skill in communicating and dealing effectively with others. Qualifying experience may have been in accounting, auditing, tax, financial, legal, or other work that required the knowledge and skill defined above.
OR
EDUCATION: Candidates must complete one full year of graduate level education in a field of study such as accounting, business, finance, law, economics, management, statistical/quantitative methods or computer science.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement may be met by having a Bachelor’s degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in your major field of study or those courses in your major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-09 LEVEL: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of Specialized Experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience in accounting, auditing, tax, financial, legal or other work that required 1) knowledge of and skill in applying the principles, concepts and methodology of professional accounting and related fields and 2) skill in communicating and dealing effectively with others. Qualifying experience is accounting work that includes the design, development, operation or inspection of accounting systems; the prescription of accounting standards, policies and requirements; the examination, analysis and interpretation of accounting data, records or reports; and the provision of accounting or financial management advice and assistance to management. Work could also include developing comprehensive accounting and financial information systems in concert with recognized accounting theory and practices as taught in academic institutions and promulgated by accounting standards boards, professional accounting organizations and the Comptroller General. Professional accounting work must have been creative, analytical, evaluative and interpretive. This may include: Office auditing of various types of tax returns to determine tax liability of individual taxpayers, businesses, or corporations. Interpreting and applying pertinent parts of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and procedures and conducting comprehensive analytical examinations. Making determination and redetermination, or audit, on liability for Federal taxes. Investigating alleged criminal violations of Federal tax statutes and making recommendations for criminal prosecution and assertion of civil penalties.
OR
EDUCATION: A course of study that includes two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, leading to a Master’s degree, in accounting or related field of business, finance, law, economics, management, statistical/quantitative methods or computer science.
OR
A Master’s degree in accounting or related field of business, finance, law, economics, management, statistical/quantitative methods or computer science.
OR
An equivalent amount of combined education and experience as described in paragraphs above.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 LEVEL: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience that required 1)Knowledge of and skill in applying professional accounting principles, concepts and methodology in the examination of accounting books, records and systems 2) skill in interpreting and applying tax law for individuals and business and/or exempt organizations; 3) knowledge of business and trade practices to analyze business operations and financial conditions; and 4) skill in interacting effectively in a wide range of situations with a broad range of individuals.Examples of experience qualifying as specialized include: (This list is not inclusive) Experience in interpreting and applying professional accounting and auditing techniques and practices to examine various tax returns of individuals and/or business organizations. Examining accounting systems and records including computerized accounting and financial information systems which reflect a variety of complex financial operations. Gathering and researching data from a variety of sources, and/or specialized accounting practices unique to a particular trade or industry. The interpretation and application of Federal tax law for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations.
OR
EDUCATION: A course of study that includes 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in accounting or related field of business, finance, law, economics, management, statistical/quantitative methods or computer science.
OR
An equivalent amount of combined education and experience as described in paragraphs above.

****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION SECTION****

Education

****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED FROM QUALIFICATIONS SECTION****

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience with progressively responsible and diversified professional accounting or auditing work that required the application of professional accounting principles, theory, and practices to analyze and interpret accounting books, records, or systems specifically to determine their effect on Federal tax liabilities and their adequacy for recording transactions affecting tax liabilities; Experience with the interpretation and application of Federal tax law for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations; Experience with business and trade practices to develop tax issues based on analysis and evaluation of overall business operations and financial condition; Experience in corporate financial transactions and financial management principles and practices; Experience interacting effectively with a broad range of individuals and negotiating with specialists in accounting, legal, tax, and other similar business related professions. Experience preparing written reports and analyses, and articulating and communicating results and analyses orally and in writing.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM’s Qualifications Standards.

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Additional information

  • A 1-year probationary period is required.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
  • The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
  • This is a bargaining unit position.
  • Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, Day shift.
  • Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
  • A recruitment incentive has been authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants. A service agreement will be provided to new employees prior to entrance on duty. This monetary incentive will be disbursed as outlined in the service agreement.
  • In the event that a building is closed due to rent management, new hires may be placed in a local commuting location.
  • Relocation expenses: No
  • Some vacancies within this announcement will require the applicant to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
  • Vacancies within this announcement include varying Position Sensitivity and Risk levels (e.g., Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk, High Risk (HR)).
  • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • If this position is designated as hard to fill and you were referred by an IRS employee, the employee may be eligible to receive a bonus for referring you under The Employee Referral Bonus Program (ERBP), recruiting strategy.
  • The employment of any candidate, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns.
  • Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application.

Though many locations may be listed, you will be limited to a maximum of 5 location choices. Please consider each location carefully when applying. If you are selected for a position at one of your location selections, that location will become your official post of duty.

This is an open continuous announcement which allows applicants to apply up to the closing date of the announcement, 01/09/2025. This announcement will establish an inventory of applicants. Contingent upon funding and space requirements, one or more vacancies may be filled at the locations listed in this announcement as they come available. Applicants must apply and/or update their applications by 11:59 pm ET at the close of the following cut-off dates to be considered: Cut-off date(s): 04/12/2024. This announcement may be amended to include additional cut-off dates within the 12 month period if needed, not later than 3 days prior to the additional cut-off date(s).

**This announcement has been amended to update the cut-off date.**

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  • Benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans’ preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Your application must include your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a “not qualified” determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices). We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced Federal employee (eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be found “well qualified” for the position. Well qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, demonstrated by meeting all the competencies for this position.

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Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

  1. Resume – Your resume MUST contain dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or present). To ensure you receive full credit for relevant experience, include the hours worked per week. We recommend that your resume not exceed 5 pages. If including Federal service experience, you MUST provide the pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. If the pay plan, series, and grade are not provided, it may result in an ineligible determination.
    Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or other inappropriate material or content. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. (Cover letters are optional.) Please view Resume Tips.
    It is also recommended that your resume not include personal information such as age, gender, religion, race, disability, etc.
  2. Online Application – Questionnaire
  3. Education – See Education Section above
  4. Registration/License (If Applicable) – active, current registration/license
  5. Veterans’ Preference (if applicable) – You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. If you are serving under active duty, provide certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of certification. The certification must indicate your dates of service, rank and that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
    10-point preference eligible – Submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15. Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the percentage of the service-connected disability or disabilities (including the “combined” percentage if you have more than one disability). Refer to FedsHireVets for additional information on veterans’ preference.
  6. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) (If Applicable) – IRS CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within and outside the commuting area. Treasury CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within the commuting area. Find required documentation at: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP).
  7. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) (If Applicable) – If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
  8. High School Diploma (or equivalent) – If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you MUST submit documentation of graduation from high school (or equivalent); OR completion of a formal vocational training program; OR statement from school authorities agreeing with your decision to pursue employment rather than continuing your education.

Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

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How to Apply

This Direct Hire Public Notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection. Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Applicants will be referred on a first in, first out basis. Those applicants who are applying earlier in the process will stand a much better chance of being referred for consideration in the selection process.

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 01/09/2025 in this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on 01/09/2025. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12367482

  • To begin the application process, click the “Apply Online” button.
  • You will be re-directed to USA STAFFING to complete your application process; answer the online questions and submit all required documents. (To submit supporting documents, import documents from USAJOBS to the appropriate document types. If the document you need was not imported from USAJOBS, you may upload it directly into this application. To protect your privacy, we suggest you first remove your SSN).
  • To complete, you must click the “Submit Application” button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/09/2025.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login . All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

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Agency contact information

 IRS Philadelphia ExternalEmailHco.phl.ext@irs.govAddressInternal Revenue Service – IRS
1111 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20224
US

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