What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tax Auditor I/II/Senior position at City of Thornton?
If you want to learn sales and use tax auditing, have strong analytical and communication skills, and enjoy engaging with community members, you could be the next member of the city of Thornton’s dedicated revenue team. Our diverse business community provides our Tax Auditors with the ability to sharpen their audit skills and learn about a variety of industries.
About Our Revenue Division
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience.
Tax Auditor I:
Under general supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Tax Auditor series. Incumbents in this class typically have limited related work experience and may be considered to be in a training capacity. The Tax Auditor I class is distinguished from level II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to level II. Incumbents are expected to exercise more independence and initiative as processes and procedures of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Tax Auditor II:
Under general supervision, this is the journey-level class in the Tax Auditor series and is distinguished from level I by the ability to perform the full range of duties including audits with only occasional instruction or assistance as needed. Incumbents in this class must be able to work with independence and initiative.
Senior Tax Auditor:
Under general direction, this is the advanced-level class in the Tax Auditor series and is distinguished from level II by the ability to perform the full range of duties, including complex audits, with little to no instruction or assistance. Incumbents in this class are expected to be fully knowledgeable about the City tax code and regulations, and be able to perform necessary research and make recommendations regarding taxation issues.
About Our Revenue Division
- Sales/use tax is a primary driver of the city’s financial stability and growth.
- Thornton tax team regulates and enforces the following revenue sources: Sales, use, construction, lodging and marijuana taxes, and telephone and E911 fees
- Education and outreach is vital to success. Work with both large and small businesses in varied industries, including retail, construction, telecommunications, recreation, and more.
- Become a part of an experienced, successful & long-tenured team.
- The level the successful candidate will be hired at depends on their experience, education, and qualifications. The 2025 salary ranges for each level are:
- Tax Auditor I: $79,742 - $105,259
- Tax Auditor II: $85,329 - $112,634
- Senior Tax Auditor: $91,308 - $120,526
- The City of Thornton offers an excellent benefits package, generous time off accruals, and a comprehensive wellness program.
- Hybrid working options and flexible schedules are available as approved.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience.
Tax Auditor I:
Under general supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Tax Auditor series. Incumbents in this class typically have limited related work experience and may be considered to be in a training capacity. The Tax Auditor I class is distinguished from level II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to level II. Incumbents are expected to exercise more independence and initiative as processes and procedures of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Tax Auditor II:
Under general supervision, this is the journey-level class in the Tax Auditor series and is distinguished from level I by the ability to perform the full range of duties including audits with only occasional instruction or assistance as needed. Incumbents in this class must be able to work with independence and initiative.
Senior Tax Auditor:
Under general direction, this is the advanced-level class in the Tax Auditor series and is distinguished from level II by the ability to perform the full range of duties, including complex audits, with little to no instruction or assistance. Incumbents in this class are expected to be fully knowledgeable about the City tax code and regulations, and be able to perform necessary research and make recommendations regarding taxation issues.
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Performs a variety of sales and use tax collection functions.
Represents the City in tax audits. Schedules, plans, and performs sales and use tax compliance audits; examines taxpayer records at the places of business. Reviews audit work papers and represents the City at hearings and appeal proceedings as an expert witness in taxation.
Assists in the administration of delinquent tax collection processes.
Works with legal staff to resolve tax issues, enters financial data in computer; prepares spreadsheets and documents information including sales receipts, deposits, tax returns, and payments. Analyzes data to determine compliance with sales and use tax code.
Determines taxes, interest, and penalties owed; writes audit reports detailing and summarizing findings.
Assists in the administration of the business tax incentive payment program and intergovernmental revenue sharing agreements.
Issues tax assessments; assists taxpayers and their representatives in person or on the telephone, answering questions and interpreting sales and use tax code; provides information on sales and use tax collection and reporting requirements.
Researches other municipal, state, and federal tax collection policies and procedures.
Serves as City of Thornton representative in court proceedings relating to disputed tax assessments.
Assists in reviewing, drafting and revising tax codes and regulations.
Audits financial records of contractors performing major construction projects within the City.
Reviews and makes recommendations to update sales and use tax ordinances and regulations.
Educates the local business community regarding tax code. Assists with questions, concerns or issues.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Performs a variety of sales and use tax collection functions.
Represents the City in tax audits. Schedules, plans, and performs sales and use tax compliance audits; examines taxpayer records at the places of business. Reviews audit work papers and represents the City at hearings and appeal proceedings as an expert witness in taxation.
Assists in the administration of delinquent tax collection processes.
Works with legal staff to resolve tax issues, enters financial data in computer; prepares spreadsheets and documents information including sales receipts, deposits, tax returns, and payments. Analyzes data to determine compliance with sales and use tax code.
Determines taxes, interest, and penalties owed; writes audit reports detailing and summarizing findings.
Assists in the administration of the business tax incentive payment program and intergovernmental revenue sharing agreements.
Issues tax assessments; assists taxpayers and their representatives in person or on the telephone, answering questions and interpreting sales and use tax code; provides information on sales and use tax collection and reporting requirements.
Researches other municipal, state, and federal tax collection policies and procedures.
Serves as City of Thornton representative in court proceedings relating to disputed tax assessments.
Assists in reviewing, drafting and revising tax codes and regulations.
Audits financial records of contractors performing major construction projects within the City.
Reviews and makes recommendations to update sales and use tax ordinances and regulations.
Educates the local business community regarding tax code. Assists with questions, concerns or issues.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
Tax Auditor I:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; one year of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Tax Auditor II:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; two years of auditing experience and at least one year of sales and use tax audit experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Senior Tax Auditor:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; four years of auditing experience and at least two years of sales and use tax audit experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
A Certified Public Accountant designation is preferred.
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Tax Auditor I:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the practices, principles and theories of accounting including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.
Knowledge of City of Thornton tax auditing policies, goals and procedures.
Skill in entering accurate financial data and tax information into database.
Skill in overseeing tax licensing and collection processes.
Skill in collecting delinquent tax accounts.
Skill in utilizing and evaluated automated sales tax systems.
Skill in performing complex mathematical computations accurately.
Ability to develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures pertaining to tax collection.
Ability to review, select, and assign tax accounts for audit.
Ability to develop audit strategies and conduct tax audits.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, business owners, and the general public.
Tax Auditor II:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of state statutes, local statutes, ordinances, and charter relating to municipal finance, tax collection, and tax auditing.
Ability to review and make recommendations on tax ordinances and regulations.
Ability to use automated financial systems.
Ability to plan, schedule, and perform sales and use tax audits.
Ability to perform general accounting, tax licensing and collection processes.
Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex laws, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines relating to taxation.
Senior Tax Auditor:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of the practices and procedures of sales tax auditing including General Accepted Auditing Standards.
Ability to perform complex audits in predominately any industry independently, and with little to no instruction or assistance.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Tax Auditor I:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; one year of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Tax Auditor II:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; two years of auditing experience and at least one year of sales and use tax audit experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Senior Tax Auditor:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; four years of auditing experience and at least two years of sales and use tax audit experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
A Certified Public Accountant designation is preferred.
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Tax Auditor I:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the practices, principles and theories of accounting including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.
Knowledge of City of Thornton tax auditing policies, goals and procedures.
Skill in entering accurate financial data and tax information into database.
Skill in overseeing tax licensing and collection processes.
Skill in collecting delinquent tax accounts.
Skill in utilizing and evaluated automated sales tax systems.
Skill in performing complex mathematical computations accurately.
Ability to develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures pertaining to tax collection.
Ability to review, select, and assign tax accounts for audit.
Ability to develop audit strategies and conduct tax audits.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, business owners, and the general public.
Tax Auditor II:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of state statutes, local statutes, ordinances, and charter relating to municipal finance, tax collection, and tax auditing.
Ability to review and make recommendations on tax ordinances and regulations.
Ability to use automated financial systems.
Ability to plan, schedule, and perform sales and use tax audits.
Ability to perform general accounting, tax licensing and collection processes.
Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex laws, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines relating to taxation.
Senior Tax Auditor:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of the practices and procedures of sales tax auditing including General Accepted Auditing Standards.
Ability to perform complex audits in predominately any industry independently, and with little to no instruction or assistance.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to kneel, crouch, reach, lift, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
Salary : $79,742 - $120,526
