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Employee Profiles
Frank
Tax Examiner (Job Series 0592)
SB/SE
8 Years
Background:
HS Graduate
Currently taking college courses in Criminal Justice, and Child and Family Studies
My job responsibilities include responding to taxpayer inquiries on our 1-800 line. It's a professional environment, and offers an opportunity to have a career, not just a job. The pay's not shabby, and there's room for advancement.
I like my job because I feel like I'm actually helping people. I think people are scared of us when they don't really understand the system, but I like helping them figure out their tax situation and what they need to do so they avoid having to use a tax preparer. I also like it when people come to realize that IRS employees are friendly, understanding and focused on customer satisfaction. My day is really rewarding when I discover that a taxpayer has taken the time to write a note, thanking me for helping them.
I started working as an IRS Data Transcriber as a student intern while a high school senior. Since then, I've appreciated that it's a dependable, secure job. And, I have time for a life outside of work — for example, I'm currently working toward a college degree. I also participate in the IRS golfing club, enjoy snowboarding and have facilitated Director's level meetings.
The best thing I can say about this career choice is that it's a dependable, secure job with good pay and great benefits — it feels like the perfect job.
Jeff
Revenue Officer (Job Series 1169)
SB/SE
16 Years
Background:
BA in Business Administration and Accounting
BA in Health Care Administration and Education
I work a caseload of business accounts, which involves the collection of high-dollar tax returns and unpaid balances of assessments, and also ensuring that taxpayers are educated about their tax obligations. The best part of my job is that my judgment is trusted by IRS, and I'm given the freedom to work independently.
I first came to the IRS after seeing an ad in USAJOBS. I had been looking for stability and something I could count on for the long term. It's the challenge of the job and the opportunity to do so many different things - the things you learn and the people you meet - that has kept me here. Also, the IRS offered me a chance to relocate where I needed to be, and that has meant a great deal to me. The opportunities for steady financial growth, and the feeling of independence on the job are really important to me. This is a real-world job - you really understand you're in a melting pot with so many diverse people.
Outside of work, I'm a musician (keyboardist) and a gospel singer/songwriter. Through my music, I "praise and worship" at my home church, and I'm the Minister of Music at a second church. I'm also currently working on a CD of gospel music.
Something I think students should know about applying at the IRS is to be mindful of their GPA. Applicants should also be focused on sharpening their accounting skills, since an accounting background or credits are helpful in so many of our jobs. Also, for the most part, an IRS job is an eight-hour-a-day job with flexible work schedules that enable you to have a life. Every day, when I wake up, I can honestly say I am happy to go to work.
Laurie
Contact Representative (CSR) (Job Series 0962)
W&I
5 Years
Background:
HS Graduate
My job as a Contact Representative involves assisting taxpayers on the phone, answering general questions, telling them where to find information and providing specific information about their accounts. It's a good feeling knowing that I've helped someone. When they call, they're often scared - but, once you calm them down and show them what they need to do, they're so appreciative.
When I began working for the IRS, it was because my mom and dad already worked for IRS, and my mom suggested I try it. It's been a godsend. It's not just one job - but rather many opportunities. There are so many different jobs in the IRS - you could never get bored.
In my spare time, I volunteer with the employee organization Association for the Improvement of Minorities (AIM -IRS). We do different things, such as fundraisers - "Taste of the Town," for example, at which different restaurants set up booths. These experiences allow me not only to get to know my co-workers, but other people in the community, as well. And the money we raise goes to fund college scholarships for people based on essays they write. I also have time outside of work for hiking, camping and scrapbooking.
One thing others should know about the IRS is that if you don't like your first job, you can always try something else. There are so many opportunities here. Each one can be a stepping stone, and you really can have a career.
Linda
Tax Compliance Officer (Job Series 0526)
SB/SE Call Site
4 Years
Background:
Born in Puerto Rico
BA Finance at the University of Puerto Rico
Pursuing an MBA
Working a caseload of 50-60 cases, I review tax returns and contact and interview taxpayers about their tax situation. This job gives me the opportunity to pursue an area of work I enjoy - tax law. It also gives me the chance to help people and educate them about their tax obligations. The taxpayers I work with are usually very appreciative.
I chose to work for the IRS when I saw an ad in USAJOBS. I had been looking for stability and something I could count on for the long term. And, the IRS was a solid place to start and build a career. I feel I'm developing my knowledge of tax law and enforcement, and there's something new to learn every day. One added benefit is that my position enables me to help friends and families with their taxes.
When I'm not at work, I have plenty of time to be a parent for my 3-year-old daughter. I also participate in activities with Hispanic Internal Revenue Employees (HIRE) - we get involved in events such as the CFC Campaign, a golf tournament, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites for the local Hispanic community, and the HIRE Conference.
What I'd like potential applicants to know about the IRS is that the career opportunities here are virtually unlimited.
Matthew
Criminal Investigator, Special Agent
Criminal Investigation
7 Years
Background:
I attended a mid-size state university and received my bachelor's degree in accounting. I later received my Certified Public Accountant designation by successfully completing a rigorous examination. For two years I worked for a small tax firm which specialized in complex individual taxpayer returns and smaller privately owned businesses. Before I received my appointment as an IRS special agent, I worked as a tax accountant for a large investment brokerage company. In this position, I worked on compliance related matters and conducted tax research for complex investment arrangements or transactions. For several years I also served as an enlisted soldier in the Army Reserve and National Guard assigned to infantry or cavalry units.
I chose employment with IRS Criminal Investigation after determining that I wanted a career in federal law enforcement with a focus in accounting, tax and related financial crimes. While there are many federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ICE and ATF, none but IRS Criminal Investigation provides the exclusive opportunity to investigate financial crimes. Furthermore, because financial schemes differ so greatly, IRS Criminal Investigation offers tremendous variety in the nature and type of investigations you conduct. It's common to be assigned tax or money laundering schemes that involve different industries, varying degrees of complexity and sophistication, and violations of other criminal offenses. As an IRS special agent, it is your duty to conduct the financial investigation, find the money, and prove the crime.
I have been an IRS special agent for seven years and have truly enjoyed the experience. I enjoy the challenge of unraveling a sophisticated scheme in an effort to solve a financial crime. This pursuit has involved questioning witnesses at all levels of society, examining offshore records, conducting search warrants, performing surveillances, analyzing tax returns and bank records, travelling to foreign countries, reconstructing shredded documents, and conducting trash runs. Another satisfying part of the job relates to relationships that you build as a federal agent. The commitment toward a common cause, hard work, dedication, and camaraderie you develop with other IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, other law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and members of the public is another very satisfying aspect of the job.
However, the most personally and professionally satisfying aspect of being an IRS Criminal Investigation special agent is the service you perform for others. You do this job not for personal gain or reward, but for the privilege of serving the United States and its citizens. The job permits those fortunate enough to possess it, the opportunity to serve and be part of “something big.”
Kim
Case Advocate (Job Series 0501)
Taxpayer Advocate Service
5 Years
Background:
BS Degree in Education
I have worked for the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) for five years. My job as a case advocate involves assisting taxpayers with problems they have not been able to get resolved through normal IRS channels. A big part of my job involves helping taxpayers who are facing financial hardships and need my immediate assistance. For example, I was able to help a young single mother get her refund expedited so she could avoid eviction from her apartment.
I think the best thing TAS has to offer is one-on-one service to taxpayers. I like my job because I can really make a difference in someone’s life. Before coming to TAS, I worked for a private tax preparer and during my time there, I had the opportunity to work with TAS. I was impressed with their ability to cut through the red tape and quickly resolve a messy situation.
When I see a problem in the IRS, I have a voice in trying to get it fixed. This includes the potential to recommend changes to the tax laws! This makes me a part of the bigger solution.
When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my three children and gardening. I also volunteer at the local agency that delivers meals to the elderly.
There are many different career opportunities at the IRS. Working for TAS allows me to help taxpayers, and also provides stability, great benefits, and career advancement.
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