Entry Level Economic Development Jobs in Riverside, CA

Company Overview

The HdL Companies help cities, counties and special districts maximize revenues through research and discovery efforts, financial and economic analysis, and provision of software that supports local government operations in a variety of important ways. We are regarded as a leader, occupying a specific niche in the financial services sector and serving over 600 local governments nationwide. Leveraging our talented team of professionals, along with leading edge software and database systems, HdL discovery efforts have recovered over $3 billion for our local government partners.

Core Values

HdL team members individually and collectively aspire to the following core values:

Deliver Excellence In Everything – We anticipate needs and believe that delivering extraordinary service, inside and outside our organization, is key to our success. We passionately pursue excellence in everything we do.

Do The Right Thing – We always act in the best interests of our company and our clients. We are respectful, have high integrity, and are accountable for our actions.

Foster Relationships – We build lasting relationships based on trust with our teams and our clients. We value collaboration toward our common goals and inspire each other to improve and progress.

Give Generously – We give generously of our time and resources with our teammates, clients and communities. We impart information for best practices, encourage professional development, and support charitable community organizations.

Enjoy The Journey – We enjoy our journey and enthusiastically celebrate our successes. We have fun and find fulfillment working with our colleagues and clients.

Be Authentic, Grateful, and Humble – We are thankful for the success we have achieved individually and as a company and never take it for granted.

Location Profile

We offer a flexible work environment that allows our employees to collaborate across offices and remote teams. All new hires must complete an introductory period after which 2 days per week are required in the office, other days may be remote. This role is based in our Brea, CA location.

Position Overview

The Tax Specialist I is an entry-level role responsible for assisting with generating sales and use tax audit leads. The primary focus is to review sales tax data to verify accuracy and identify opportunities for client revenue recovery or enhancement. This role also conducts field canvasses when onboarding new clients. The position involves working closely with team members and is designed to build foundational knowledge in California sales tax reporting regulations. This is a direct revenue generating position reporting to the Audit Services Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

• Learn basic tools and techniques to identify registration errors and simple sales tax reporting issues.
• Review California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) registration data under the guidance of senior team members to confirm that it accurately reflects where companies are operating and/or engaging in taxable sales activity.
• Cross-reference data from multiple sources including city business license files, telephone directories, individual company websites, business journals, social media, and Google.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of California sales tax reporting regulations and guidelines.
• Develop a strong understanding of the team’s standard operating procedures.
• Performs field canvass of all commercial areas within the boundaries of a new client agency to obtain an accurate, real-time inventory of local business activity.
• Document research and findings within the company’s propriety software application. Clearly and concisely articulate recovery opportunities.
• Meet productivity and accuracy goals while being guided by senior team members.

Skills and Qualifications

• Communication skills: Able to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with team members.

• Research & analytical skills: Capable of conducting basic research to identify inconsistencies between multiple datasets.
• Computer skills: Comfortable using standard office software, including Microsoft Office; capable of learning a variety of software programs including HdL sales and property tax applications.
• Receptiveness to feedback: Open to constructive feedback and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow.
• Teamwork: Works well within a team, taking direction from senior team members and contributing positively to the overall team dynamic.
• Driver record: Clean DMV record, reliable car, current proof of insurance

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate degree or coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in data analysis, research, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in working with financial or business data in a professional setting is advantageous.
• Familiarity with sales and use tax concepts, or experience in a government agency or consulting environment, is advantageous but not required.
• Prior experience conducting field research or canvassing is a plus.

Compensation

The starting base salary for this Brea, CA position is expected to be between $24.00 to $28 per hour. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits

1. Competitive Base Pay
2. Opportunity to participate in 401k
3. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, LTD and Employee Assistance Program
4. Paid time off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays
5. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (learn more about the HdL ESOP at: https://www.hdlcompanies.com/about/careers)