Tax Auditor
At a glance
Mid-level Audit & Controls role at City of Boulder. Boulder · full-time · $69,118–$100,297 base.
financeroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Examine taxpayer records and test controls to check compliance with Boulder tax rules
- Calculate tax, penalties and interest from audit errors, then explain findings and issue assessments
- Review construction tax reconciliations and declarations, and audit contractors and projects
- Prepare audit reports and provide case evidence or testimony in legal proceedings
- Guide taxpayers on correcting filing and payment problems, escalating delinquent accounts when needed
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field, or eight years of related experience instead
- Zero to two years of experience
- Strong written and spoken communication, plus the ability to manage work independently
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Documents, and a valid driver’s license
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits someone comfortable reviewing financial records, explaining tax issues to the public and working independently. You’ll work under a Tax Audit Manager with no direct reports, on a hybrid weekday schedule in Boulder. Local and out-of-state travel is required as audits call for it.
From the employer
It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
November 3, 2026Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range69,118.40 - 100,297.60Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40Benefit Eligibility Group:
Non Union (30+ Hours)Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under the general direction, the Tax Auditor performs tax compliance reviews of taxpayer records. The position operates as a lead on assigned audit cases, verifying the accuracy of reporting of taxes and fees, licensing assistance, and taxpayer education in support of the city’s provision of governmental services.Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts audits of taxpayer financial records for compliance with the Boulder Revised Code.
- Utilizes accepted audit methodologies, examines taxpayer financial records including journals, ledgers, financial statements, invoices and sales agreements, tax returns, and other taxpayer-provided verbal, written, and system-generated information to test effectiveness of internal controls.
- Identifies and quantifies errors, prepares standard work papers calculating any tax, penalty, and interest owed from identified errors.
- Presents audit findings to taxpayers, issues notices of assessment and collects total tax liabilities.
- Provides education and feedback to taxpayers regarding tax deficiencies and identifies reporting, filing, or payment issues, and steps for corrective action.
- Reviews construction use tax reconciliations, construction equipment declarations, and performs construction contractor and project audits.
- Prepares all final audit reports for review and retention per established schedules.
- Provides expert testimony and audit case reports in legal proceedings
- Performs industry research to identify potential for noncompliance and candidates for audit.
- Provides recommendations regarding the basis for tax fraud or other violations per the B.R.C.
- Takes appropriate, escalating actions as provided by the B.R.C to move delinquent taxpayer accounts into compliance in coordination with the Tax and Regulatory Licensing divisions, City Attorney’s Office and City Manager’s Office.
- Assists in drafting and updating tax guides, rules, and regulations.
- Develops and maintains knowledge of local tax codes, state statutes, and emerging tax issues at the local, state, and federal levels and audit best practices.
- Answers phones, emails, and addresses walk-in customer needs related to local tax administration.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Knows and complies with all city and department policies and participates in professional training and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills with all levels of internal staff, business, and citizens.
- Ability to foster and contribute to a cohesive team culture, one of mutual assistance and help, of respect, of good humor, of inclusion, of rapid conflict resolution, of honest and courageous communication, and of overall professionalism.
- Ability to learn and apply the tax laws of the City of Boulder.
- Ability to perform work independently with effective time management skills.
- Knowledge of and proficient experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Power Point), Google Documents, and similar.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
- Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of and experience in the application of basic and intermediate auditing methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of and experience with sales and use tax reporting, tax auditing, or related education and work experience.
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field as determined by the City.
- Three (3) of tax accounting or tax audit experience in a municipal or state government setting.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Colorado or CPA candidate. If certified, must maintain.
- Certified Internal Auditor.
- Certified Fraud Examiner.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field as determined by the City; or equivalent of eight (8) years’ related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- Zero (0) to Two (2) years’ experience.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Tax Audit Manager
Supervision Exercised: None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to lift and move large boxes of documents. Ability to demonstrate sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Ability to demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computers and other office equipment. Ability to demonstrate sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Ability to perform under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.
- Work Environment: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Ability to work a hybrid in-office/remote schedule Monday through Friday from 8AM – 5PM. Travels as needed to conduct audits both locally and out-of-state.
- Machines and Equipment Used: Computers, telephones, calculators, and multi-function printers.
As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.