Tax Specialist (Bilingual Spanish) (Communications and Liaison)

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Duties

WHAT IS THE COMMUNICATION AND LIAISON (C&L) DIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

Vacancies will be filled in the following specialty areas:
Communications and Liaison, Stakeholder Liaison, Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, Area 4, Area 5, and Area 6

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Utilizes an expert knowledge of Tax law Identifies, develops and grows relationships with external stakeholders located within the territory and serves as their point of contact to address issues and concerns. Forwards issues, as appropriate for burden reduction consideration. Identifies, contacts and develops external relationships with governmental agencies, civic associations, trade associations, small business organizations and other stakeholder relationships. Serves as an internal communications link to other IRS functions. Provides support to customer service activities primarily during the filing season, but also throughout the year, in the areas of technical tax law and accounting guidance to taxpayers or practitioners who visit the Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) or through the R-Mail and/or Electronic Tax Law Accounting (ETLA) systems. Also provides tax law and e-file and pay information via seminars and speeches. These efforts highlight IRS programs and pertinent tax law and other modifications to targeted audiences including the small business owner, tax practitioners, trade associations, industry groups, government agencies, etc. As needed, provides assistance to taxpayers residing in federally designated disaster areas.

2. Works within designated work plans and program direction to plan, coordinate and conduct customized marketing events and other non-enforcement activities for issues with an impact on compliance, including but not limited to, complex trusts, abusive schemes, unreported income, non-filing, voluntary agreements and burden reduction. Develops new marketing plans, proposes activities, recommends timelines as well as dissemination vehicles to both internal and external partners and stakeholders, in both English and Spanish to promote the effective and efficient use of IRS products and services. Recommends use of resources and milestone dates to achieve Program goals and objectives. Provides support and feedback to the product and development staff and Centers of Excellence and Operational Priority Leads. Coordinates, via Stakeholder engagement and through other means, with such functions as Compliance, Counsel, the Stakeholder Partnership Education and Communication (SPEC), Return Preparer's Office, Communication and Liaison Division, LMSB, TE/GE, Field Assistance and other components of the operating division to publicize programs, ensure consistent delivery of corporate message, and promote effectiveness. Creates original news releases, newsletters, flyers, bulletins, media events, web pages, product lines, or other marketing promotions. Maintains extensive expertise in the multi-media communication field to ensure effective dissemination of IRS messages. Performs or directs analysis of taxpayer and/or practitioner data derived from various sources to recommend educational and outreach treatments. Develops and implements innovative methods, techniques and approaches to complex marketing plans using market research and analysis. Performs analysis of taxpayer and/or practitioner data to recommend educational and outreach treatments. Develops and implements overall tax assistance marketing plans using market research and analysis. Develops marketing strategies including targeted key messages, information dissemination methods, and communication vehicles. Designs marketing plans and products to address filing, reporting and payment compliance. Develops, coordinates and provides complex pre and post filing tax law and tax related accounting educational assistance to both internal and external customers through speeches, presentations, trade shows, articles, media and use of leveraged resources.

3. Works with management to measure program effectiveness based on established measures and designated performance indicators. Tracks historical, statistical, and demographic data to develop effective marketing plans for products and messages. Analyzes and evaluates data; and facilitates group meetings, surveys, etc. to design new marketing strategies or revise existing ones. Coordinates responses to Area and Headquarters requests. Provides extensive feedback and recommendations to management regarding marketing events, marketing program effectiveness and additional needs for marketing products and/or communication vehicles. Coordinates activities to plan and resolve unusual or controversial issues regarding marketing/promotional ideas and to share best practices. Develops marketing and communication plans with partners and stakeholders to promote the effective and efficient use of IRS assistance and education.

4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary

• $103,409 - $167,336/year

Conditions of Employment

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTIONS (SPD):
PD24422
Visit the IRS SPD Library to access the position descriptions.

• Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (All grade levels) You must have education;

Undergraduate Education: Major study -- any field.

Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, auditing, taxation, business administration, law, or other related fields.

In addition to meeting the Positive Educational requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the Basic Requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Accounting Knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting. Candidates can demonstrate this knowledge either through successful completion of 12 semester hours / 18 quarter hours of college level accounting (with at least 6 semester / 9 quarter hours at the intermediate level) and/or experience. Applicants qualifying based on education must submit transcripts with their application.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience that demonstrates a substantive knowledge of business practices, basic accounting principles, and Federal tax laws and regulations; and that required the ability to audit tax records, analyze systems and bookkeeping, use factfinding techniques, and develop interpersonal skills. Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work such as:

• Office auditing of various types of tax returns to determine tax liability of individual taxpayers, businesses, or corporations.
• Applying pertinent parts of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and procedures to: (1) conduct comprehensive analytical examinations, (2) use creative in-office factfinding techniques, and (3) develop effective public contact skills.
• Determination and redetermination, or audit, on liability for Federal taxes.
• Program evaluation, internal audit or administrative management of the assessment and collection of Federal taxes (other than alcohol and tobacco).
• Investigating alleged criminal violations of Federal tax statutes and making recommendations for criminal prosecution and assertion of civil penalties.
• Collecting delinquent Federal taxes (other than alcohol and tobacco), including canvassing for unreported taxes due, and securing delinquent returns.

Demonstrates experience and in-depth knowledge of the principles, practices and method of intermediate accounting, tax laws and IRS procedures to determine and deliver programs, products and services to both internal and external stakeholders (such as promoting an event or service and delivering key IRS messages). Experience in defining legal and factual issues in federal tax law (such as providing guidance to tax professional or representatives). Experience using a variety of communication and marketing principles, skills, methods and techniques to plan, coordinate and execute long-term liaison and communication programs (such as a practitioner or industry outreach). Experience delivering verbal presentations and developing or creating written products that adhere to professional style guidelines (such as delivering operational review and writing white papers). Experience applying analytical methods in order to evaluate a program's effectiveness.

AND

MEET TIME IN GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT: You must meet applicable TIG requirements to be considered eligible. To meet TIG for positions above the GS-05 grade level, you must have served at least one year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade (or equivalent) in the normal line of progression for the position you are applying to. Advancement to positions up to GS-05 is permitted if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade held within the preceding 52 weeks.

AND

TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT: By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".

AND

THIS IS A BILINGUAL POSITION: Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish. You must be able to speak, read and write the selected language in order to be considered proficient in that language. If you indicate language proficiency, you may be tested at some point in the hiring process to determine if you possess the required level of proficiency. If you are unable to demonstrate proficiency, you will not be qualified for these positions.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. If the position has specific education requirements and you currently hold, or have previously held, a position in the same job series with the IRS, there is no need to submit a transcript or equivalent at this time. Applicants are encouraged, but are not required, to submit an SF-50 documenting experience in a specific series. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions. CONTINUATION OF MAJOR DUTIES: Determines what tax advice is needed and explains probable consequences of various courses of action open to taxpayers for current, future, and past tax years. Independently reviews tax liability issues, reviews data, perceives and isolates potential tax issues; explores issues to determine nature, scope and direction of inquiries, evaluates alternative courses of action to resolve issues/problems. Reviews taxpayer's books and records to gain an understanding of the taxpayer's methods of accounting or tax treatment of various items. Addresses complex issues such as, determination of active/passive loss, i.e., active participation issues applicability of at-risk rules, and furtherance of objectives established for operational priorities. Develops, coordinates and provides training and guidance in both English and Spanish to practitioners, volunteers, and other internal and external stakeholders with respect to complex technical tax law and accounting policies, practices, and principles. Gathers feedback and responds to concerns related to policy, practices and procedures. Develops, recommends and implements innovative methods, techniques and non-enforcement approaches to complex and unusual marketing plans using various interrelated external data sources. Recommends overall utilization of resources considering work plan, program guidance and direction, and other information. Introduces unique projects and facilitates pilots. Considers use of leveraged resources in developing and delivering education and outreach programs. Assists management in developing key messages and materials for seminars, speeches, workshops and feedback sessions that highlight IRS benefits to various targeted internal and external audiences. Also provides complex tax law messages based on Operational Priorities and program direction including e-file and pay information via seminars, speeches, generation of written product and one-on-one, as appropriate. Highlights IRS programs and pertinent tax law and other modifications to targeted audiences, including the small business owner, tax practitioners, trade associations, industry groups, government agencies, and internal stakeholders. Other Information

• We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
• The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
• This is a Bargaining unit position.
• Tour of Duty: Day Shift - Start and stop times between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
• In the event that a building is closed due to rent management, new hires may be placed in a local commuting location.
• Telework Eligible Positions: Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD)) and supervisor's approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder - If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
• Relocation expenses - No
• The employment of any candidate selected for this position, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns.
• Pay retention may be offered based on applicable laws and regulations.
• If this position is covered by a formal development plan, pay retention will be offered where applicable based on law and regulation.

For more information regarding Union Representation click here
National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

1. Resume - Your resume MUST contain dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or present). To ensure you receive full credit for relevant experience, include the hours worked per week. We recommend that your resume not exceed 5 pages. If including Federal service experience, you MUST provide the pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. If the pay plan, series, and grade are not provided, it may result in an ineligible determination.
   Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or links to social media such as LinkedIn, or other inappropriate material or content. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. (Cover letters are optional.) Please view Resume Tips. It is also recommended that your resume not include personal information such as age, gender, religion, race, disability, etc.
2. Online Application - Questionnaire responses
3. Education - See Education Section above
4. Performance Appraisal/Awards (if applicable) - You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating and copies of any incentive/performance awards you received. If a revalidated appraisal is used for merit promotion, the supervisor must prepare a narrative for each critical job element that does not have a narrative describing the performance in the appraisal period covered by the rating. Note: If you are a manager or management official, your most recent annual performance appraisal must be used for the overall rating identified.
5. Registration/License (if applicable) - active, current registration/license
6. IRS Reassignment Preference Program (RPP)(if applicable) - You MUST meet the requirements in your RPP notice. Submit a copy of your RPP Notice along with a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal. Your performance appraisal must have a fully successful or higher overall rating.
7. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)(if applicable) - You MUST submit the required documentation as outlined at: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). If you are an IRS CTAP eligible, you can apply for jobs within and outside the commuting area. If you are a Treasury CTAP eligible can apply for jobs within the commuting area.

NOTE:

• DO NOT copy the specialized experience statement or position description into your resume for experience as this is not a demonstration of your experience and could result in an ineligible determination.
• If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, your application will be determined incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

How to Apply

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 11/20/2024 and/or cut-off dates in this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on 11/20/2024.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12599648

• To begin the application process, click the "Apply Online" button.
• You will be re-directed to USASTAFFING to complete your application process; answer the online questions and submit all required documents. (To submit supporting documents, import documents from USAJOBS to the appropriate document types. If the document you need was not imported from USAJOBS, you may upload it directly into this application. To protect your privacy, we suggest you first remove your SSN).
• To complete, you must click the "Submit Application" button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/20/2024.
• After submitting an online application, you will be notified via email whether or not you are required to complete additional online or telephone assessments from ALTA Language Services and will be provided any necessary instructions at that time. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
• Current IRS employees who permanently occupy a bilingual position and achieved a "Fully Successful/Met" or above rating on their most current performance appraisal may not be required to take additional assessments.
• If you are asked to take the ALTA Bilingual Assessment, you will be presented with a unique link to the online portal (online tests) and/or phone number, access code, and PIN (telephone-based tests).
  • The Reading Test and Business Writing Test are taken online and require internet access in order to complete these two tests, which may be completed from your home, at your local library, or any other location where internet access is available.
  • The Oral (Speaking and Listening) Test requires access to a telephone.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://secure.login.gov/). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: Welcome | Login.gov. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Are you unsure how to write your federal resume? We are here to help. The Treasury Recruitment Service regularly offers Writing Your Federal Resume training sessions, and other career-related information sessions, to assist you in your career search journey. To register for a session, click here to go to our Career Information Sessions webpage.

Benefits

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