Job Information
State of Minnesota Assistant Taxpayer Rights Advocate in St. Paul, Minnesota
Working Title: Assistant Taxpayer Rights Advocate
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Revenue Dept
Job ID : 76344
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/10/2024.
Date Posted : 05/03/2024
Closing Date : 05/23/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Revenue Dept / Revenue (inc Assessors)-MAPE
Division/Unit : Commissioner's Office / Taxpayer Rights Advocate Off
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
Job Class Option : Revenue
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Assist with some of the most interesting and challenging tax controversies that Revenue encounters, while delivering equity-first results for Minnesota taxpayers!
The Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office is an independent office within the Department of Revenue. The Advocate reports directly to the commissioner of Revenue. If one has trouble resolving a tax issue with the Department of Revenue and has exhausted all other administrative remedies, the Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office may be able to help explain the options available.
As an Assistant Advocate (AA), you will skillfully balance technical knowledge with a deep understanding of tax laws and department policies.
This role is critical because it handles sensitive taxpayer cases with exceptional customer service. Acting as both a mediator and an advocate, the AA ensures fairness and consistency in the application of tax laws.
Effective collaboration and clear communication are key, as the AA liaises with a variety of stakeholders, fostering trust and maintaining transparency. Creativity is also essential, as the role often requires innovative solutions in situations where existing guidelines may not apply.
Ultimately, the AA helps to shape the TRA Office's work as a fair and independent voice for taxpayers, contributing to the Department of Revenue's mission to apply tax laws with impartiality and transparency.
Telework is available and negotiated at the time of hire. There may be periodic in office requirements as directed by management. The employee will be required to complete a telework agreement.
Teleworking employees are required to live in Minnesota or in a state bordering Minnesota.
Minimum Qualifications
• Three (3) years of professional experience representing taxpayers, preparing tax returns, or working in tax compliance or administration.*
- Bachelor's degree in a closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; juris doctor, an enrolled agent, or a certificate in public accounting substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
• Prior demonstrated experience advocating in underrepresented populations in a professional or volunteer capacity.
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated at interview based on the following:
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve critical issues.
• Strong teamwork skills, including willingness and ability to consult with subject matter experts from operational teams within the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural competency, embracing open-mindedness and maintaining neutrality.
• Ability to articulate intricate tax-related concerns to diverse stakeholders, translating intricate statutory language into lay terms suitable for both professionals and the general populace.
• Experience exhibiting judgment on complex and ambiguous issues, fostering collaboration among leaders, teams, and stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and work with individuals from all background, with the experience of creating a work environment where differences are valued, encouraged, and supported.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer. Candidate must be able to ascend/descend stairs and occasionally move various items such as boxes, accounting records, and other miscellaneous items that may weigh up to 50 pounds.
Additional Requirements
Prior to an offer of employment, a background check will be conducted. This will include, but is not limited to checking degrees and licensures, criminal history, and tax filing and payment history. All individual income tax filing and payment obligations must be current prior to interviewing for this position.
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.