Tax Auditor Trainee

Job Requisition ID: 52781
Closing Date: 01/30/2026
​Agency: Department of Employment Security
Class Title: ACCTNG FISCAL ADMIN CAREER TRN
Skill Option: UMP Credential 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary - $4,586 monthly; Full range $4,586 - $6,228 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: LaSalle
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Targeted title for this position is Staff Tax Auditor (ES Tax Auditor I) Req.# 52782

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as a Tax Auditor Trainee. This position will participate in an agency training program to develop knowledge, skills, and expertise in auditing employers' original books and records for compliance with the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Act. Responsibilities include successfully completing classroom-based training and assessments and traveling to employer worksites to receive on-the-job training in performing audits. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who has a background in accounting, payroll administration, or auditing. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of employer tax laws, and experience performing detailed and thorough analysis of financial documents. IDES offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of Illinois employers and job seekers. During the internal IDES training program there are up to 3 tests that will be given and must be passed, in order to continue within the Accounting and Fiscal Administration Career Trainee program.

• Under immediate supervision, for a period of time not to exceed twelve months, participates in an agency sponsored training program as a Tax Auditor Trainee for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
• Accepts and completes assignments of increasing difficulty utilizing an agency supplied PC and/or laptop and software
• Participates in meetings with employers and/or their legal representatives
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences, workshops, and other activities which will provide meaningful learning experience
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or an allied field

Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program may complete combinations of specific proficiency test and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the educational requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting
• Fifteen (15) credit hours in accounting classes, including at least one audit class
• One (1) year of experience utilizing knowledge of accounting and auditing theories, methods and procedures, including laws, rules, and regulations relating to Government accounting and auditing procedures
• One (1) year of experience examining financial records for discrepancies, including accounting and payroll records
• One (1) year of experience working with financial software systems to review and investigate tax information
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience preparing and presenting comprehensive financial, accounting and/or audit reports
• Experience speaking to various groups to convey policy and procedures in a manner easily understood by diverse audiences

• Requires an Illinois State Police background check and self-disclosure of any criminal history.
• Requires ability to successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license and access to an automobile
• This position is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. This job may require a good deal of walking or standing, or involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security's (IDES) mission is to serve Illinois workers and employers to the best of our ability and to use our knowledge of the Illinois workforce to inform sound policy decision making. IDES encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing vital Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating actionable Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Headquarter Location: 1550 1st Ave, Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Work County: LaSalle
Agency Contact: Don Motley
Email:
Posting Group: Fiscal, Finance & Procurement

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles.  To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the  homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on  – click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

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