IRS Government Jobs

The IRS is often viewed as only an accounting organization. While this is what the majority of employees specialize in, there are many other career opportunities within the accounting, budget and finance division. The IRS serves both to collect taxes and to help taxpayers understand their obligations. It collects trillions of dollars annually and has the power to enforce tax negligence penalties. As in all government agencies, working in any position with the IRS will provide you with excellent benefits.

Internal Revenue Officer

The main task of an internal revenue officer is collecting late taxes. Before they can begin working, internal revenue officers go through specialized training. They perform a variety of duties, such as research, investigation and analyzing financial statements. Most internal revenue officers are field workers employed in field offices across the country. Successful internal revenue officers can work their way into specialized career paths beyond this entry position based upon their strengths and preferences.

Tax Specialist

Requirements for the tax specialist position include at least six credit hours of accounting experience or successful completion of an accounting proficiency test. Additionally, most successful candidates have an undergraduate business degree. Those with more than 12 credit hours of accounting experience---typically those with an accounting degree---are eligible to become senior tax specialists. Tax specialists help people file their taxes and ensure tax returns are filed correctly. They also work with focus groups and perform surveys to measure the effectiveness of current IRS services and products. The beginning pay range for the tax specialist position is anywhere from a G-5 to a G-9 and the senior tax specialists' starting pay ranges anywhere from a G-9 to a G-13.

Tax Compliance and Appeals

Tax compliance officers ensure taxes are paid on time. In doing this, they investigate and audit taxpayers. They also act as liaisons and advisors to taxpayers, helping them understand personal or corporate tax laws and proper methods of accounting for taxes. Six credit hours of accounting or successful completion of an accounting proficiency test are required for tax compliance officers. The beginning pay scale ranges from a G-5 to G-9. The appeals officer position requires previous experience and offers a pay scale ranging from a G-11 to G-15. Appeals officers handle cases in which taxpayers are petitioning or appealing IRS rulings and sanctions. Appeals officers act as a third party between the IRS and the taxpayer, mediating cases and ultimately approving a result that serves both parties.

Pay Scales

Government pay scales are determined by a pay grade and then steps within that pay grade. Grades range from G-1 to G-15. The G-5 pay scale is $27,000 to $35,000; G-7 ranges from $34,000 to $44,000; G-9 varies from $41,000 to $54,000; G-11 ranges from $50,000 to $65,000; and G-15, the highest pay grade, begins at just under $100,000 and tops out at $129,000.

References

• IRS: Opportunities