TAX SPECIALIST

Date: Jan 26, 2026

Req ID: 55380

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72209

Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $43,088.03

Position Summary

The Tax Specialist will be primarily responsible for processing payments received by UI Contributions and benefit overpayments, open and process all UI Contributions mail and audit employers’ financial records to determine compliance with unemployment insurance laws. This position is also responsible for assisting with INA ACH payment research and /or adjustments. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily mail sorting for all UI mail. This position will assist management with unprocessed deposits, change fund verifications and processing payment via Regions. Success in this position will be based on teamwork; meeting assigned deadlines and professionalism when assisting Arkansan employers and/ or internal customers. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

The role requires a high level of accountability in delivering an efficient work product by ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and agency policies. Success in this position depends on strong communication skills to effectively engage with employers and internal customers and a focus on efficiency in coordinating services and managing workload to support timely reemployment outcomes.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years of specialized experience in tax preparation or compliance, with hands-on experience in filing returns and handling tax documentation. Advanced credentials such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong understanding of tax software, digital financial systems, and advanced Excel skills.
Ability to adapt to new tax research tools and government reporting systems.
Excellent analytical capabilities to interpret financial data and extract relevant tax implications.
Aptitude for problem-solving and foreseeing potential tax issues before they arise.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective personnel interactions.
Ability to translate complex tax codes into actionable advice.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

Assist with keying 209B reports into the Tax 21 system.
Research INA ACH payments and/or complete adjustments.
Make deposits into Regions via check scanner.
Generate Tax Deposits.
Assists Payment Processing unit during all four designated rush periods with batching, block stamping, opening mail, check scanner operations and any other duties needed to meet guidelines set by DOL.
Assist POM with unprocessed deposits
Provide updates to POM with streamlined processes for better efficiency
Backup assistance to POM during absences.
Develop training manuals and handbooks
Process UI Tax and BPC payments promptly and accurately while adhering to regulations and protocol.
Research financial data related to payment processing, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Research payment information and verify payment details and reconcile any discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
Assist in Webex system as needed and on scheduled days provided by management/supervisory staff.
Adhere to all regulatory requirements related to payment processing and data entry.
Work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisory/managerial staff to support the team and organization.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Commerce Programs

Classification: Tax Specialist

Class Code: PCO05P

Pay Grade: SGS04

Salary Range: $43,088 – $63,770

Job Summary

The Tax Specialist is an hardened professional whose primary role is to oversee, plan, and execute tax-related tasks for individuals or organizations. Tasked with ensuring tax compliance, the Tax Specialist applies in‐depth knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations to prepare tax returns, advise on tax-saving strategies, and mitigate potential financial risks. This role demands strong analytical skills and an eye for detail, enabling the specialist to interpret evolving tax codes and implement procedures that minimize liabilities while ensuring adherence to legal standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Prepare and file accurate tax returns for individuals, agencies, or other entities. Ensure that all tax filings meet current regulatory standards and deadlines. Maintain and update the agency’s tax records and databases. Evaluate current financial statements and transactions to identify potential tax benefits. Guide clients or internal teams on tax-efficient financial strategies. Develop recommendations aimed at minimizing tax liabilities through proactive tax planning. Continuously monitor changes in tax laws, regulations, and industry trends. Conduct comprehensive tax research to resolve inconsistencies or disputes. Prepare detailed reports on tax positions, deductions, and credits for review by management or auditors. Assist during tax audits, addressing inquiries from tax authorities and resolving discrepancies. Support investigations into tax disputes or potential non-compliance issues. Work closely with internal accounting teams and external personnel in an attempt to synchronize tax strategies. Present clear and concise tax advisory reports to senior management. Provide training or support to junior personnel on complex tax-related matters.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of tax software, digital financial systems, and advanced Excel skills. Ability to adapt to new tax research tools and government reporting systems. Excellent analytical capabilities to interpret financial data and extract relevant tax implications. Aptitude for problem-solving and foreseeing potential tax issues before they arise. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective personnel interactions. Ability to translate complex tax codes into actionable advice.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 2 years of specialized experience in tax preparation or compliance, with hands-on experience in filing returns and handling tax documentation.

Advanced credentials such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation may be required.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.