[jw_83]

I am currently in public accounting at a small firm in Illinois. I work in governmental and non for profit auditing for most of the year. I also work in tax: individual, partnership, trust, and small corporations, during tax season. I have been kind of looking at other job opportunities, as I don’t really like doing taxes. Today, I saw a job opening for an Employment Security Tax Auditor II. I was just wondering if anyone works in state auditing and could tell me what they like and don’t like about their job. My main concern is that it is an hour commute for me. I also wonder about flexibility, as I have 2 young children. Any advice or opinions would be helpful.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[taxgeek83]

I can't tell you about the flexibility of your job in particular, but mine is extremely flexible. As long as it's consistent, I can basically make my own schedule, and if I have to run out for an emergency or a quick errand, it's not a huge deal. Benefits are awesome – though I probably don't need to tell you that! 🙂

The biggest drawback – lack of upward mobility. I started years ago as a temp and have worked my way up to where I am now (a step below management), but am essentially stuck. And I'm getting really bored, really quickly. 🙂 The work was interesting for a while – and still can be in certain situations – but I'm definitely looking for more of a challenge. If that isn't a concern for you though, it might be worth a shot.

[Anonymous]

I am a sales and use tax auditor. My department is fairly flexible with schedules. A lot of people here work a schedule with four 9-hour days with one 8 hour day every two weeks. (I work 9 hours T-F and have every other Monday off). Hours are very stable, as usually there is no overtime. We also are allowed a certain amount of telecommuting as well. Otherwise, the pros and cons are pretty similar to what taxgeek83 said. Benefits and job security are good, advancement is not as good. I don't know how the department you are considering is set up, but the one I work for has the main office downtown, but also has several suburban offices that most people don't know about. If you are in a major metropolitan area, it could be that they have a small office closer to your home.

[jw_83]

I went ahead and applied for it. I will just have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for the information.

ajones19 – I do not live in a major metropolitan area, but the application did ask what counties I would want to work in. So I put the county that the opening is in, and the county I live in. Like you said, there may be a smaller office closer to me and I could eventually transfer there.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[Author]

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