Internal Revenue Service Logo
Position Title
Internal Revenue Agent (Employment Tax Specialist)
Agency
Internal Revenue Service
Announcement Number
22-11565336P-SBX-0512-7T12 Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, July 14, 2022 to Thursday, August 25, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. IRS CTAP Candidate - Are you a current displaced or surplus IRS employee and:
 
  • you are located either within or outside the local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
3. Treasury CTAP Candidate - Are you a current displaced or surplus Department of Treasury (non-IRS) employee and:
 
  • you are located within the same local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal AND a copy of your latest SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
4. ICTAP Candidate - Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position and:
 
  • you are located within the same local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form.
 
For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
5. Military Spouse (EO 13832) Candidate - Are you the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces -OR- the spouse of a retired/separated member of the Armed Forces with a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs -OR- the un-married widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while on active duty status?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit the following:
  • Verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage), AND
 
  • If based on member's Active Duty status: proof of active duty status, i.e. spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Active Duty military orders, or official documentation from the Armed Forces branch that verifies spouse's active status.
  • If based on member's 100% disability: verification of the member's retirement or release/discharge from active duty AND verification of spouse's 100% service-connected disability (DD-214 and/or VA letter).
  • If based on member's death: verification of the member's active duty status at the time of death (DD-214) AND verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300).
    • You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
    • By selecting "Yes" below you are certifying that you were married to the veteran at the time of death and have not since remarried.

For more information, review FedsHireVets.gov.
  (limit characters)
6. Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?

 (limit characters)
7. U.S. Citizen Candidate - Are you a U.S. citizen (either by birth or naturalization) or national of the United States? (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. Employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must demonstrate the highest level of ethics and integrity. Former employees will be subject to a screening of their prior performance and conduct with the Service, and all other applicants may be subject to reference checks of prior employment. Your responses to the following questions will be verified; Applicants providing false information may be made ineligible and will be subject to debarment for future employment opportunities with the IRS.

Please select the response that best describes your current or prior employment with the IRS. If you never worked for the Internal Revenue Service, you must select the last response "Not applicable." (limit characters)
3. Employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must demonstrate the highest level of ethics and integrity, and must be in compliance with all Federal Tax requirements. Applicants being considered for employment with the IRS will be subject to a tax check. You can "Get Your Tax Record" at http://www.irs.gov/ (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) and check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. Applicants not in compliance will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS. Your responses to the following questions will be verified; Applicants providing false information may be made ineligible and will be subject to debarment for future employment opportunities with the IRS.

Please select the response that best describes your compliance with all Federal Tax requirements. You will be subject to a tax check that will verify your response to this question. (limit characters)
4. The following question is regarding your Selective Service status. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. If you are required to register but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for appointment by executive agencies of the Federal Government (5 CFR 300.704). Visit http://www.sss.gov/ for additional information. (limit characters)
5. If you are a current Federal employee, by what agency and organization are you employed? (limit characters)
6. If you selected "Other", please enter the agency and organization. (limit characters)
7. If you are a current Federal employee, what is your duty station? [City, State] (limit characters)
8. If you are a Federal employee, under what type of appointment are you currently serving? (limit characters)
9. If you are, or ever were a Federal civilian employee, please provide your current or last pay plan, series, and grade level or pay band. For example: GS-0303-05, IR-0343-02, WG-5400-04. (limit 250 characters)
10. If you are, or ever were a Federal civilian employee, indicate the pay plan and grade level or pay band of the highest graded position you have ever held. For example: GS-05, IR-02, WG-04. (limit characters)
11. Are you a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility? (limit characters)
12. Are you a retiree receiving a Federal annuity, either military or civilian?

Note: If you are an annuitant, your salary or annuity may be reduced upon employment. (limit characters)
13. Have you accepted a buyout from a Federal agency within the past 5 years? (limit characters)
14. Regarding the effectiveness of our recruitment strategies; how did you first hear about this job? (limit characters)
15. If you answered "Posting on a job board or search agent other than USAJOBS (Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkUp, etc." please indicate the name of the job board or search agent other than USAJOBS you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Social Media posting (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, on-line job fairs, etc.)" please indicate the name of the Social Media platform you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Attended a recruitment event (Job/Career Fair, Open House, Meet & Greet, Meetup, etc.)" please indicate the name and state of the recruiting event.

If you answered "School/University announcement/career counselor" please indicate the name of the school/university of the announcement where you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Third party referral, such as diversity or community organization, or employment office (Federal, state or local)" please indicate the name of the third party referral and the state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Newspaper (print/online)" please indicate the name of the newspaper and the state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Radio" please indicate the name of the radio station and state you heard the advertisement.

If you answered "Transit/Bus Advertisement" please indicate the city and state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Banner Advertisement - Major News Websites" please indicate the website.

If you answered "Banner Advertisement - Movie Theater Websites" please indicate the website.

If you answered "Classified Advertisement Website (Craigslist, Angie's List, etc.)" please indicate the name of the website, city and state.

If you answered "Other" please specify. (limit characters)
16. Were you referred by a current IRS employee to this job announcement? (limit characters)
17. Please provide the name of the current IRS employee that referred you to this announcement. If not applicable type N/A. (limit characters)
18. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. You may only select up to 3 location(s). (limit characters)
  • No matches found
19. In the preference question above that states "Select the locations you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location." you selected the location(s) you prefer to be considered for.

Below, please prioritize the locations you selected above by selecting the 1st location you would like to be considered for.
  • The following list includes ALL IRS locations but not all locations are available for this announcement.
  • Only locations listed on the announcement and in the above question are available.
  • Do NOT select locations you did not choose in the question above.
  • Applicants will NOT be considered for locations that are not included on the announcement and in the question above.
 (limit characters)
20. In the preference question above that states "Select the locations you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location." you selected the location(s) you prefer to be considered for.

Below, please prioritize the locations you selected above by selecting the 2nd location you would like to be considered for. If you selected more than one location, use the following questions to prioritize each location.
· The following list includes ALL IRS locations but not all locations are available for this announcement.
· Only locations listed on the announcement and in the above question are available.
· Do NOT select locations you did not choose in the question above.
· If you do NOT have a 2nd priority, select "No additional priority location".
· Applicants will NOT be considered for locations that are not included on the announcement and in the question above. (limit characters)
21. In the preference question above that states "Select the locations you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location." you selected the location(s) you prefer to be considered for.

Below, please prioritize the locations you selected above by selecting the 3rd location you would like to be considered for. If you selected more than one location, use the following questions to prioritize each location.
· The following list includes ALL IRS locations but not all locations are available for this announcement.
· Only locations listed on the announcement and in the above question are available.
· Do NOT select locations you did not choose in the question above.
· If you do NOT have a 3rd priority, select "No additional priority location".
· Applicants will NOT be considered for locations that are not included on the announcement and in the question above. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in applying for this position. Your responses to the following questions supplement the information provided in your resume. (limit characters)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS All GRADES:
A Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a 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 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.
AND
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In addition to meeting the requirements outlined above, you must be able to demonstrate knowledge (through education or experience) in the following: principles of accounting, intermediate accounting, auditing, and two areas of advanced accounting. Knowledge of cost accounting is acceptable as one of the areas of advanced accounting.

Minimum Qualifications GS-07:  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.

Minimum Qualifications GS-09:  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.

Minimum Qualifications  GS-11:
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.

Minimum Qualifications GS-12:
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.

 (limit characters)
Throughout the online application process, you will be asked a series of questions that will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and rating and ranking for this position.  Your responses to these questions will be further verified against the information provided in your resume, transcripts, and/or any other documents provided. The level and quality of your knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated throughout the hiring process.
  (limit characters)
1. Please confirm that you understand your responses will be verified against the information provided in your resume, transcripts, and/or other documents provided during the application process? (limit characters)
You must submit a copy of all of your college transcripts by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date or date stipulated in this announcement. Failure to submit all the transcripts, clearly showing the accounting courses required, by the closing date or date stipulated in this announcement may result in a determination of "Not Qualified."  These copies do not have to be official/certified copies at this point, though official/certified copies will be necessary if selected.
  (limit characters)
2. Do you understand that you must submit all college transcripts by the closing date or date stipulated in this announcement, and that failure to provide all the transcripts may result in a "Not Qualified" determination? (limit characters)
3. ALL GRADES
Which of the following responses best describes your education and/or experience? (limit characters)
4. Which of the following responses best describes your accounting knowledge in: principles of accounting, intermediate accounting, auditing, and two areas of advanced accounting. Knowledge of cost accounting is acceptable as one of the areas of advanced accounting?
 (limit characters)
5. GS-07
Which of the following responses best describes your education related to this position? (limit characters)
6. GS-07
Applicants who selected responses A, B, C, D or E in the question above must select response A or B to the following question. All other applicants please select one of the following responses that best describes your experience.

Which of the following responses best describes your experience related to this position? (limit characters)
7. GS-09
Which of the following responses best describes your education related to this position? (limit characters)
8. GS-09
Applicants who selected responses A, B or C in the question above must select response A or B to the following question. All other applicants please select the response that best describes your accounting and business knowledge gained through experience.

Which of the following responses best describes your experience related to this position? (limit characters)
9. GS-11
Which of the following responses best describes your education related to this position? (limit characters)
10.

GS-11
Applicants who selected responses A, B or C in the question above must select response A or B to the following question. All other applicants please select the response that best describes your accounting and business knowledge gained through experience.

Which of the following responses best describes your experience related to this position?

 (limit characters)
11. GS-12
Have you worked in a professional accounting, auditing, or legal environment performing accounting or auditing work that required the application of professional accounting principles, theories, 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? (limit characters)
12. GS-12
Have you worked in a professional accounting, auditing, or legal environment whereby you interpreted and applied Federal tax law for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations? (limit characters)
13. GS-12
Have you worked in a professional accounting, auditing, or legal environment whereby you worked with business and trade practices to advise on tax issues based on analysis and evaluation of overall business operations and financial condition? (limit characters)
14. GS-12
Do you have at least one year of experience working in a professional accounting, auditing, or legal environment where you authored legal opinions, decisions, determinations, or proposals on matters involving the application of federal tax laws, rules, and/or regulations? (limit characters)
15. Select the response that most accurately reflects your highest level of experience working in a professional tax, accounting or auditing environment.
 (limit characters)
16. Select all of the following which relate to your experience(s) working in a professional tax environment. (limit characters)
17. Which or the following best describes your experience working in a professional accounting/auditing environment? (limit characters)
18. Which of the following have you successfully prepared or assisted with preparing in a professional business environment?
 (limit characters)
19. Which of the following audit techniques do you use in determining unreported income?
 (limit characters)
20. Which of the following statements best describe your auditing and accounting experience? (limit characters)
21. Which of the following best describes your accounting knowledge and/or auditing capabilities?
 (limit characters)
22. Which of the following actions have you taken in conducting an audit, working a case, or preparing a tax return? (limit characters)
23. Which of the following research tools have you used to resolve tax issues?
 (limit characters)
24. Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience related to researching and interpreting tax laws?
 (limit characters)
25. Which of the following tax-related experience(s) do you have? (limit characters)
26. Are you proficient using any of the following accounting software programs: Intuit QuickBooks, Quicken, FreshBooks, Oracle NetSuite, Zoho Books, GoDaddy Online Bookkeeping, Plooto, ZarMoney, Wave Financial, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, Xero, Melio, and/or Other? (limit characters)
27. Please indicate which accounting software program(s), identified in the previous question, are you most proficient in using? (limit 50 characters)
28. Which of the following courses have you successfully completed? These may have been completed in an educational or professional work environment.
 (limit characters)
29. Which of the following methods of accounting, or books and records have you used in examining a case or supporting your client? (limit characters)
30. Which of the following specialized issues have you addressed and/or audited?
 (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
31. To qualify for this position and receive full credit for your relevant experience you must list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the questions. Do you understand that failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified determination?
 (limit characters)
32. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
Failure to agree or respond to the statement below will disqualify you from further consideration for the position. Select the most appropriate response below.
 (limit characters)
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