Tax Specialist (Accountant II)

Requisition ID: 43135

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function
This position manages the City's tax administration and compliance, including analysis, reporting, training, and risk management.

The Tax Specialist is a member of the Accounting Operations team and reports to the Associate Director - Accounting Operations. The position is tasked with a variety of moderate to complex statutory, technical, financial, and analytical tasks. The position plays a key role in performing research on City's complex business transactions that may have various tax impacts, often liaising with tax authorities and professional accounting organizations to further clarify City's tax position and is instrumental in accurate Tax application, reporting and compliance in the organization and performs audits to assure organizational compliance to various statutes and enactments. Key areas of focus are - GST / PST / NRT / Parking Tax / Payroll / Fee for Services / Donations / Sponsorships / Naming Rights / Advertising.

This role is integral to ensuring the organization meets its tax obligations, through various business activities, while optimizing tax efficiencies in complex transactions involving, but not limited to, permitting, engineering, real estate and charitable activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in Canadian tax law, with specific knowledge of the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC). The Tax Specialist will also be adept at navigating the unique tax considerations applicable to public sector organizations and charitable entities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Tax Compliance and Advisory:

• Prepare and file accurate and timely tax returns, applications, and payments for federal and provincial taxes, including GST/HST, and PST, with specific attention to regulations impacting public sector and charitable organizations.
• Prepare and file accurate and timely tax returns for Regulation 105, and Parking Tax, with specific emphasis on transactions attracting such tax provisions.
• Conduct a detailed review of GST/HST, Parking tax and PST paid on sales and / or purchases to ensure accurate tax credits and rebates are claimed.
• Review City's financial transactions and ensures GST / HST / PST / Parking Tax / Regulation 105 Tax is self-assessed in situations where appropriate.
• Prepare and file annual returns in lieu of fee for services (T4A, T4A-NR, etc.), and reconcile payroll and Tax accounts with Statutory authorities.
• Collaborate with Payroll Supervisor / Manager to review Payroll account assessments issued by tax authorities and take remediate actions.
• Ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC), and other relevant legislation.
• Assess, research, analyze and advise on tax implications of complex real estate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, and development projects.
• Provide tax guidance on charitable donations, grant funding, and other activities specific to the public sector.
• Comply with statutory requirements for reporting and taxation for other ancillary structures established at the City, viz. Trusts, Boards, Committees, etc.
• Perform research on complex tax issues as required and keeps up to date with current tax legislation and assesses impact of changes in tax legislation on City's operations.
• Prepare and submit requests for interpretations, rulings, assessments and / or appeals, as and when required
• Prepare memos detailing City's position on complex tax matters and document the subject tax matter on intricate issues for Management.

Tax Planning and Strategy:

• Develop and implement tax planning strategies that align with the organization's objectives, ensuring tax efficiency while maintaining compliance.
• Analyze financial transactions to determine appropriate tax compliance for City's diverse business activities.
• Maximize credit / rebate claims, minimize tax payable and eliminate City's exposure to interest / penalties.
• Monitor changes in tax legislation affecting public sector bodies and charitable activities, assessing their impact on the organization.
• Provide recommendations on structuring transactions and activities to maximize tax benefits and minimize liabilities.
• Analyze the tax implications of proposed real estate and charitable transactions, providing strategic input to decision-makers.
• Review City's legal contracts and agreements and interprets financial and tax clauses to ensure the application of commodity taxes complies to the applicable legislation.

Audit and Regulatory Support:

• Lead and support tax audits by preparing necessary documentation and responding to inquiries from tax authorities.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, and legal counsel to resolve tax issues and disputes.
• Provide detailed analysis and responses to tax reviews, assessments & audits, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare audit working papers and disclosures for financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with public sector accounting standards.

Process Improvement and Governance:

• Identify and implement improvements in tax processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Review tax master set up within the ERP, and across other Finance systems to determine if appropriate charges, claims and rebates are configured correctly.
• Develop and maintain internal tax policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect current legislation and best practices.
• Ensure governance and internal controls over tax-related activities, are robust and effective.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and compliant reporting of tax-related items.
• Assess business needs and provides training across business units to generate awareness about the relevant tax legislation.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent certification plus considerable relevant experience in tax compliance and analysis, with a focus on Canadian tax laws, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Provincial Sales Tax Act (BC), with specific expertise in public sector and charity-related tax issues. Strong understanding of tax implications related to permitting, engineering, real estate transactions, government funding and charitable activities. Strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret and apply complex tax legislation to real-world scenarios.
• Excellent diligence and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate tax issues to non-tax professionals and senior management.
• High ethical standards and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 - 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Finance & Supply Chain Mgmt (1150)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: April 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: March 2, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.