Tax Auditor

Job Details

Tax Auditor
City of Covington, KY
Finance Department
Location: City Hall
Full-time, 40 hours per week
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Tax Auditor, your work will directly shape that future. We attract the bold and the best — people who are ready to make an impact—innovators, changemakers, and problem-solvers who want to be part of something bigger. Your work in the Finance Department will play a key role in shaping and maintaining the financial stability and growth of our City.

Covington is all about celebrating what makes us unique. Our rainbow crosswalks, locally owned businesses, and the warm Kentucky hospitality reflect the spirit of our city. It’s where timelessness meets the ventures of tomorrow. With the most diverse and accessible city government in the region, we believe that everyone can contribute to our collective success. Most importantly, we are a city that values its people—because around here, y’all really does mean all.

If you want to be part of shaping the future of the city, Covington could be the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a difference.

Role Overview

The Tax Auditor reports to the Revenue/Collections Manager and is responsible for overseeing and auditing business licenses and tax compliance within the City of Covington. This position ensures that the City receives the correct tax revenue from businesses, ensuring that taxes are properly calculated, supported, and paid on time. The Tax Auditor plays a key role in maintaining the City’s financial integrity and assists in the improvement of processes related to business tax administration. Strong attention to detail, independent judgment, and excellent organizational skills are critical to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Tax Compliance: Audit business license tax returns and financial records to ensure compliance with City tax ordinances and policies.
• Business Outreach & Education: Engage with businesses to provide guidance on tax obligations, ensuring they are properly registered, comply with tax laws, and receive clear instructions regarding tax payments.
• Audit & Analysis: Review, audit, and verify business tax returns, identifying discrepancies and providing recommendations for resolution.
• Data Research & Investigation: Research and analyze tax records, transactions, and other financial documents to identify non-compliance and enforce compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare clear and accurate reports on audit findings and compliance status, presenting results to the Revenue/Collections Manager and City leadership.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development of policies and procedures for the collection of taxes, ensuring alignment with best practices and compliance with legal requirements.
• Taxpayer Education: Develop and maintain educational materials for taxpayers, such as tax guidelines, notices, and updates to be published on the Finance Department website.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with other departments and provide training as necessary to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.
• Special Projects: Lead or contribute to special projects related to tax audits, compliance improvements, and process enhancements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of tax regulations and auditing principles.
• Understanding of business tax practices and financial systems.
• Familiarity with the principles of municipal finance and accounting.

Skills:

• Proficient in analyzing financial documents and identifying discrepancies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical proficiency in office software, including spreadsheets and financial management tools.

Abilities:

• Ability to independently manage audit projects and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to communicate complex tax information clearly to business owners and other stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, ensuring compliance and timely resolution of issues.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in accounting, auditing, or tax compliance, with at least 2 years of experience in revenue auditing or tax-related work.
• Experience with municipal tax laws and procedures is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar certification.
• Experience working with State of Kentucky tax programs and/or municipal Occupational License tax.
• Experience in data analysis or financial investigation.

Language, Math, and Reasoning Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and analyze business financial reports and tax documents. Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with business owners and presenting audit findings clearly.
• Mathematical Skills: Competent in performing financial calculations, including percentages, ratios, and tax computations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to identify discrepancies, interpret complex tax data, and provide actionable recommendations. Adept at solving problems with limited supervision and adapting to changing circumstances.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and 12 paid holidays.
• Impactful Work: Your efforts directly impact the City’s financial health and ensure fairness and compliance across Covington’s business community.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a team-oriented culture that values your contributions and promotes continuous improvement.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the City’s Finance Department.

EEO Statement

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.