Why the IRS

Take some time to get to know some of our IRS National Recruiters. Find out what they love about their jobs, what benefits have made them want to stay, and what they're really looking for in a job applicant. Our recruiters are available to assist you in your career search at recruiting/hiring events around the country.

Barry Recruiting Area: Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Northern Delaware IRS Career: 27 Years

For Barry personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"When applicants ask me what I like best about an IRS career, I tell them that the Service provides great training, and that you receive your full salary even while you're training. However, working difficult and challenging Revenue Agent cases is the best part of the job for me. In public sector accounting work, your sequence is to work from the source documents, to the books and records, and then finish by completing the tax returns. I find it much more interesting from the Revenue Agent standpoint, where almost like a detective I start from the individual or corporate tax return, move to the books and records, and then move on to the source documents.”

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?
The 40-hour work week is a great benefit! Even during peak tax filing season each year, I still don’t have to work 80-hour work weeks as do many of my CPA colleagues. 

Who does Barry try to recruit to IRS?
Barry looks for a candidate who is professional, confident, and knowledgeable about the IRS and the job he/she is looking for. Also, computer skills are more important than ever as IRS helps more and more taxpayers move away from a paper process to an electronic tax system.

Barry earned a B.B.A (Bachelor of Business Administration) with a major in accounting from Temple University, a Master’s Degree in taxation from Widener University, and a CPA certificate.

Bob Recruiting Area: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont IRS Career: 31 Years

For Bob personally, what's best about an IRS job?
What attracted me to IRS was the opportunity to have a career that would involve challenging situations, interaction with the public, promotional opportunities and public service. My IRS Career has enabled me to meet these objectives.

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?
"The IRS has allowed me to have a rewarding career and a personal life. I have been able to balance my job responsibilities with personal family activities. Also, I have never worried about being laid off or downsized — the job security is excellent." 

Who does Bob try to recruit to IRS?
In Bob's opinion, the best IRS job applicants are well organized, have good communications skills and have a desire to learn and take on challenging assignments. “Accounting majors are always in high demand but a number of positions are available for other types of majors. IRS hires for all types of occupations from all types of backgrounds."

Carole Recruiting Area: Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin IRS Career: 20 Years

For Carole personally, what's best about an IRS job?
When recruits ask her, "Have you enjoyed working for the IRS?," she tells them that "each day is a new challenge, which keeps it interesting for me - I can hardly believe how fast the time has moved during my career."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
"Fair pay and opportunities for growth are great benefits of working for the IRS."

Who does Carole try to recruit to IRS?
Carole's looking for applicants with "the ability to adapt to change while staying positively focused."

Cassandra Recruiting Area: South Texas IRS Career: 25 Years

For Cassandra personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"I think the best part of working for the IRS is the wide range of career opportunities. IRS is composed of over 100,000 people doing many different jobs - we have a greater diversity of people and careers than most large private-sector corporations."

Who does Cassandra try to recruit to IRS?
Cassandra is looking for candidates who have a lively interest in learning new things and who, rather than always taking things at face value, are not afraid to ask, “Why?” She also believes that our jobs demand people who can learn to manage their time effectively.

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“‘Work-life balance’ is a great benefit. With IRS you’re going to be working a 40-hour week and if you do end up working overtime, you’ll be compensated for it, either in overtime pay, or with credit hours or compensatory time (which you can use just like vacation leave for time off).”

Charles Recruiting Area: Southern California IRS Career: 30 Years

For Charles personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"What attracted me to the IRS was the wide range of career opportunities. You can have several different careers without ever leaving the IRS."

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?
“The factors that have kept me here have been the job security coupled with the opportunity to strike a healthy balance between my work and my personal life.”

Who does Charles try to recruit to IRS?
Charles is looking for candidates who are comfortable and adaptable when meeting and dealing with people. He looks closely at how well people are able to communicate and express themselves.

Chris Recruiting Area: Michigan, Northern Ohio IRS Career: 20 Years

For Chris personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"My job makes me feel that I'm having an impact and doing something important. Applicants often ask me what kinds of cases I work on as a Revenue Agent. I explain that there are literally all kinds - from athletes, artists and entertainers to law firms, manufacturers and entrepreneurs. I get to develop an in-depth knowledge of so many different businesses and occupations. One day I'm talking to an inventor whose product is available at stores all over, and the next day a taxpayer whose business is about to go public. And every case is different - so you're always learning new things and new skills."

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?

“IRS affords me with a great balance between my personal life and my career. I have a 40-hour work week that allows me to dedicate my evenings and weekends to my family, friends and personal interests.” 

Who does Chris try to recruit to the IRS?

“I meet over a thousand job applicants each year, and I tend to focus on people who have demonstrated that they’re able to organize their work, work independently, make sound decisions, and then communicate those decisions clearly. Above all, IRS needs good communicators who can develop positive professional relationships with people based on respect and trust.”

For Chris personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"My employment at IRS has offered the best of both worlds. I have been fortunate to hold a variety of positions with IRS that have provided me with increasing technical knowledge along with the training necessary for those positions. I enjoy meeting and interacting with people, both internally and externally, and dealing with the public sector on a daily basis. I have been able to work independently and on teams and have had the opportunity to conduct training internally and externally while also serving on details, task forces and pilots. IRS also affords me the opportunity to balance my work and family life.

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“The benefits that have made me stay have been many: flexible work weeks and days, the ability to accrue annual and sick leave, medical and life insurance are but a few. Another benefit is that we are well-trained by the IRS to perform our duties. The opportunity to travel on a limited basis, along with the many positions I have held never makes work dull. The years have actually flown by.”

Who does Chris try to recruit to the IRS?
“An ideal candidate to work for IRS would be one who is flexible, willing to learn and has a desire to use their creativity while maintaining a strong work ethic. The Internal Revenue Code changes frequently and one must be willing to stay abreast of the changes so that he/she can understand the tax law and interact with taxpayers and their representatives (CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Attorneys and other practitioners). Strong communication skills are a must.”

Elissa Recruiting Area: New York IRS Career: 31 years

For Elissa personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"What initially attracted me to the job was the financial stability that the government offered, especially IRS. I also wanted the opportunity to experience different jobs within the IRS (I've had at least seven not including temporary assignments). The opportunity to vary my daily routine by taking on new assignments helped me advance in the organization to where I want to be. This is a terrific time to start a career with the IRS. Many higher graded employees and managers are about to retire within the next few years, which will create great opportunities for career advancement."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“There are so many benefits in working for the government! There is the Thrift Savings Plan, the ability to open a Flexible Spending Account, annual and sick leave, and religious compensatory time. There is also the job stability, promotional potential, and, in many cases, the ability to work flexible work hours, so you can work the hours that suit you (once you are out of training status).”

Who does Elissa try to recruit to the IRS?
Elissa seeks candidates who are motivated to move up in the organization. Also, she looks for people with good organizational skills, who have leadership and “meet and deal” qualities.

Greg Recruiting Area: Northern California and Northern Nevada IRS Career: 19 Years

For Greg personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"The pay is competitive. You have to look at the dollars per hour. Although you may earn a higher annual salary in the private sector, compared to the hours you have to put in during weeknights and weekends, the IRS is very competitive." Greg says another great aspect about a job with the IRS is flexibility of location: "We are the largest financial institution in the U.S. and have offices all across the country."

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?
“For me, the best benefit of working for the IRS is that I can balance my work and personal life. I'm home at a decent time every day and, with my ‘Alternative Work Schedule,’ I'm able to have a three-day weekend every other week!” 

Who does Greg try to recruit to the IRS?
Greg's looking for job applicants who have good communication skills.

Kathy Recruiting Area: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota IRS Career: 26 Years

For Kathy personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"The best part of working for the IRS is the variety of career opportunities and work experiences that are available. I have held a number of different positions in my career, and each one presented new challenges and unique opportunities. I (and my family) have also appreciated the generous vacation package and the flexibility to set my own work schedule after I had worked here a few years."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“Recruits often ask me first about money, saying they’ve heard the government can’t really compete with the private sector in terms of salary. I explain how that’s a common misconception. While our starting salaries are lower than some of our competitors’ starting pay, after 2 or 3 years in a career ladder with our regular promotions, your salary is quickly equal to or even exceeding other employers. When you compare our 40-hour work week to their 50 - 60 hour work weeks or more, for example, at large accounting firms - then IRS’s hourly wage looks very good, indeed. And when you factor in that now you’ve got time to actually enjoy what you’re earning – well, it all adds up!”

Who does Kathy try to recruit to the IRS?
Kathy’s looking for candidates who have good “people” skills, because most IRS positions require you to deal with a wide range of situations and people from all walks of life.

Kurt Recruiting Area: New Jersey IRS Career: 15 Years

For Kurt personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"For me, the opportunities for career advancement along with the ability to balance my work and family life are the best things the IRS offers. Also, there are so many different fields to work in at the IRS. Though most of our new hires are accounting majors, it's actually amazing how many different choices the Service offers. We have careers in Customer Service, IT, and many other fields as well. One of our largest occupations, Revenue Officer, where I began, requires a four-year degree but is "major-neutral," meaning a degree in any subject will qualify you." All these careers can lead to management and executive positions. I was hired as a Revenue Officer right out of college under the Outstanding Scholars program. Since then, I've held a variety of interesting positions including Senior Analyst, Group Manager and Section Manager."

What “benefits” made him want to stay?
“Career advancement and variety, and the work-life balance that IRS affords me have definitely kept me here. It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years already – but I haven’t even thought about leaving!” 

Who does Kurt try to recruit to the IRS?
Kurt says the best job applicants have “flexibility and a willingness to adapt to change. Good investigative skills and the ability to quickly absorb new information are also important.”

LaNita Recruiting Area: North Florida IRS Career: 15 Years

For LaNita personally what's best about an IRS job?
LaNita feels the best thing about an IRS job is helping the public and making a difference: "I have had several different positions while employed with IRS, and each one has given me an opportunity to interface with the public daily. I've learned new skills every step of the way and have had the opportunity to work independently, and also on teams. I enjoy what I'm doing and so I wake up each day excited that I've got another chance to make a difference!"

What “benefits” made her want to stay?
“There are many benefits I enjoy working at the IRS. In addition to generous annual leave (you accrue more leave for vacation the longer you work for the IRS), we get 10 paid federal holidays! I also really appreciate my health insurance coverage – IRS participates in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) – one of the best healthcare insurance programs in the world. I can choose from a variety of healthcare plans – on of the widest selection of plans in the country!” 

Who does LaNita try to recruit to the IRS?
LaNita's looking for candidates who possess "the following three elements: great adaptability, superior communications skills, and the ability to effectively learn and interpret the Internal Revenue Code. Tax law changes occur frequently and we must maintain the technical knowledge that allows us to work effectively with tax practitioners and tax attorneys, as well as taxpayers."

Li-Hua Recruiting Area: Southern California - Greater Los Angeles IRS Career: 22 years

For Li-Hua personally what's best about an IRS job?
"In my career, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with all kinds of people and businesses, and the challenges of my job keep it interesting. When I was a Revenue Agent, I enjoyed meeting and dealing with the taxpayers. Auditing is very challenging because it is not the same accounting routing month after month. As an auditor I learned that every business and taxpayer is different, which makes the job fascinating.

What “benefits” made her want to stay?
“I think IRS offers great benefits to its employees. In my career experience the IRS has the best on the job training programs. With its nationwide locations, the IRS provides its employees with the best career advancement opportunities in locations across the country. There are many health plans to select from, and you are able to change your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution whenever you want. Also, the generous annual leave IRS provides gives me the opportunity to travel often, which I love."

Who does Li-Hua try to recruit to the IRS?
Li-Hua says the ideal recruit for the IRS is a person that enjoys working with and serving the public.

Minnie Recruiting Area: Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas IRS Career: 24 Years

For Minnie personally, what's best about an IRS job?
Minnie says she was first attracted to IRS because of its stability and the importance of its mission. "I also enjoy the training, the variety of assignments, and the fact that you're actually helping people as part of the job. When I was a Revenue Agent, it was always very gratifying to receive telephone calls from taxpayers after an examination thanking me for resolving their issues, or asking for my advice on a tax question. A career with the Service is anything but mundane. The great training the IRS has given me lets me perform a variety of challenging work assignments in many different parts of the organization, and has enabled me to keep learning and growing."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“One of my favorite benefits of working for the IRS is what we call ‘work-life balance.’ I have a life besides my career, and this is important to me. I work a 40-hour week, and this gives me the time to enjoy it. This balance in my life has kept me with the Service. Another key benefit of working for the IRS is that we have jobs all over the country so you can often select the area of the country in which you are really interested in working.

Who does Minnie try to recruit to IRS?
Minnie says she looks for people who are eager to learn, flexible and not afraid to deal with the public every day. She is also careful to explain that our careers require a high level of personal integrity.

Miranda Recruiting Area: Upstate New York IRS Career: 2 Years

For Miranda personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"The question I get most often from potential job applicants is, 'Why did you decide to work for the IRS?' My answer is - because I wanted a life! I wanted a job that I could be proud of, a job that benefits the country, and one that lets me live a full, rounded life. I enjoy meeting new people when conducting these examinations, and learning all about their businesses - putting all the pieces together."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“I love the flexibility of the job and the work-life balance it gives me. For example, I schedule my own appointments, and I’m able to take time off from work when I need to. I work hard for 40 hours per week, I get 3 weeks vacation per year, and the workload is full but manageable – compare that to a private sector career!”

Who does Miranda try to recruit to IRS?
In Miranda’s opinion, the ideal IRS candidate should be well-organized, have good communication skills, and have the interest and desire to keep learning new skills.

Oliverio Recruiting Area: Oklahoma and North Texas IRS Career: 27 Years

For Oliverio personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"There are so many different types of jobs available at the IRS - it is likely there is a position that fits your interests and skill sets. 'What type of jobs does the IRS have?' is a popular question that recruits ask me. And, I tell them, 'look at any job available at a private company with more than 100,000 employees and you will find a similar position at IRS.' I've enjoyed the opportunity to work in most of our operating divisions (LMSB, SBSE, TEGE) and to apply my auditing skills in the examination of some of the largest corporations and non-profit government entities in America. The IRS has also provided me the vehicle to work and develop leadership skills by allowing me to accept some challenging assignments."

What “benefits” have made him want to stay?
Oliverio made the commitment to stay with the Service primarily because of the benefits offered by the IRS (competitive salaries, generous paid time-off for vacation, holidays, and sick leave, a pension plan, an affordable health plan, flexible work schedules, and job security). 

Who does Oliverio try to recruit to IRS?
Oliverio looks for job applicants who have "positive attitudes with the desire to learn; a 'can do' attitude, without being afraid of making decisions; openness to other people's opinions; and who are comfortable with change."

Reina Recruiting Area: Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Utah and Southern Nevada IRS Career: 27 years

For Reina personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"What appeals to me most about working with the IRS is job security and the opportunity to work just about anywhere in the country." Reina was a Revenue Officer, and believes it is a true community service position. "As a Revenue Officer, I felt satisfied because I was actually really helping individuals and businesses resolve their tax issues. Every day was different, and I loved that I got to plan my own schedule - I decided each day whether I wanted to work in the office or out in the field."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“The benefits of an IRS career that have motivated me to stay with the Service include the retirement system, the leave opportunities (e.g., vacation, sick leave bank and the leave donations program). The IRS also paid for all of the additional accounting/business courses that I needed to improve my skills on the job.”

Who does Reina try to recruit to IRS?
Reina looks for a candidate who is very independent, flexible, with good interpersonal skills and excellent communication and negotiation abilities. Organization, motivation, and a positive attitude are a must.

Rose Recruiting Area: South Florida IRS Career: 18 Years

For Rose personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"I enjoy the day-to-day challenges and the stability of the job. I am continually learning because the IRS offers great training for its employees. I also really like the community service aspect - I am helping people, and that is satisfying."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
The benefits and security that government jobs offer were big draws for her. "For me, the work-life balance is at the top of my list. I have a family and wanted time to spend with them. I knew that the IRS offered 40-hour work weeks in addition to excellent training."

Who does Rose try to recruit to IRS?
Rose seeks out job applicants with “excellent communications skills, in addition to knowledge of the job for which they are applying.”

Shannon Recruiting Area: Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Northern VA IRS Career: 15 years

For Shannon personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"One of the most appealing things to me about my career with the IRS is all of the different job opportunities and training available. The IRS trains you for whatever position you hold. I love having flexibility in my daily activities; I am always doing something different. As a Revenue Agent, I was very independent and appreciated having control over my workload. In complex cases, I enjoyed fitting together pieces of a puzzle in order to obtain an end result. In my experience, the opportunity for career advancement is great."(Shannon came into the Service as a high-school co-op. She then became a secretary, a tax compliance officer, and once she completed her accounting degree, became a Revenue Agent and was one for the past nine years.)

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“With the IRS I really have a life outside of my job. During tax season I still only worked 40 hours a week; there are not the same pressures as the private sector. More importantly is the wonderful opportunity of meeting and dealing with many different people on a daily basis. It does all add up… the job itself, the training, the health benefits, annual and sick leave, and the flexibility to have a nice balance of home and work life.” 

Who does Shannon try to recruit to IRS?
Shannon thinks an ideal candidate for the Internal Revenue Service is someone who has very good communications skills, is enthusiastic and eager to learn new skills.

Sheri Recruiting Area: Delaware, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. IRS Career: 14 Years

For Sheri personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"I tell job applicants that I like the fact that every day of my job is different. As a Revenue Officer, a lot of my time is spent investigating, negotiating and interpreting information. I like that my job is never boring because there is no 'typical' day."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“I appreciate the quality-of-life benefits that IRS offers, like flexible work schedules, paid federal holidays and family leave - in addition to the stability of federal employment.”

Who does Sheri try to recruit to IRS?
Sheri's looking for job applicants with “excellent oral and written communications skills.” She knows that to succeed at the IRS, recruits need to use these skills to work with their fellow employees and manager - as well as with taxpayers.

Tawana Recruiting Area: Southern OH, Kentucky and West Virginia IRS Career: 4 years

For Tawana personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"The most appealing aspect of an IRS career is job security and the ability to pursue numerous career opportunities." When Tawana was a Revenue Agent, she says she really enjoyed scheduling her own appointments, interacting with a variety of taxpayers and learning about their businesses.

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“A great benefit of an IRS career is alternative work schedules. I love the flexibility to pick a work schedule that suits me. (This is not available in all offices, and it is only an option after one year of training.) Also, work-life programs are a great benefit. For example, IRS offers expanded use of sick leave for family care purposes.” 

Who does Tawana try to recruit to IRS?
Tawana says an ideal recruit is someone who is energetic, self-motivated and possesses the skills to work both independently and in team environments.

Teri Recruiting Area: Colorado, Montana, Northern Utah, and Wyoming IRS Career: 18 Years

For Teri personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"The best part of working for the IRS for me has been the interesting work combined with the ability to strike a healthy balance between my work life and my personal life. Also, something I think is great about IRS is the wide variety of the positions offered. The question I hear most often from recruits is, 'Do you have to have an accounting degree to work for the IRS?' I tell them that you do need 30 semester hours in accounting to qualify to be a Revenue Agent and some accounting or business coursework is useful in several of our other occupations. However, I stress that we have other careers that don't require accounting courses. For example, to be a Revenue Officer, one of our largest occupations in fact, you can have a Bachelor's degree in any field."

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“I really love the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) the IRS provides its employees. Comparable to the best private-sector 401(k)-type plans, you can save up to 11% of your salary before taxes towards your retirement. Also, the IRS provides great training programs to help its employees advance in their career, or switch careers if they want. It is really nice to have the opportunity to improve my skills, and that the it is paid for by the IRS.” 

Who does Teri try to recruit to IRS?
In Teri's opinion, the best IRS job applicants are people who are "flexible, self-confident and highly motivated, and who also possess good communication skills."

Tom Recruiting Area: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington IRS Career: 17 Years

For Tom personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"By nature, I am a very inquisitive person. The IRS allows me utilize my accounting skills and provides me the opportunity to ask questions. For me, this is the perfect career. Although most taxpayers are honest, some taxpayers like to play 'audit roulette' or even worse, enjoy finding ways to cheat the government. The greatest reward for me is auditing a company that engages in this type of activity. In doing so, it gives me a sense of purpose and provides recognition that my efforts contribute to the overall success of our country."

What benefits have made him want to stay?
"There are two benefits at IRS that I really enjoy. 1) The first is the ability to change careers within the same organization. Because IRS is so large, the opportunities to do something other than ‘audit’ are endless. I have been a Project Lead, a Corporate Group Manager, a Training Manager, an Instructor, an LMSB Auditor and now a Recruiter. If I was working for a private company or a smaller CPA firm, changing a career would likely involve taking a position in another company, thus losing my seniority and benefits.  IRS provides ‘security’, but still allows you to take risks by making a career change. 2) I like the fact that IRS has offices throughout the country, including smaller cities like Medford, Oregon and Yakima, Washington. During my career, I have worked in 4 different locations."

Who does Tom try to recruit to IRS?
There are several qualities that Tom looks for in a potential candidate, but the three most important qualities include commitment to public service, excellent communication skills, and a strong background in accounting and business principles.  "Holding an enforcement position at IRS is a huge responsibility, so it is vital that we recruit and hire the best possible candidates." 

The most common question Tom gets?
Did you always want to be a Revenue Agent with the IRS? “Yes, it all started when I was 5 years old......” is usually Tom's first response. He then quickly adds that he actually became aware of the position during his senior year in college.

Yolanda Recruiting Area: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Southern Virginia IRS Career: 20 years

For Yolanda personally, what's best about an IRS job?
"What I like best about my IRS job is the chance to meet many people who are passionate about what they have to offer an employer, and the time to enjoy the salary I earn!"

What “benefits” have made her want to stay?
“I love the variety of IRS office locations, opportunity for advancement, the job stability, and the pay is good!”

Who does Yolanda try to recruit to IRS?
The job candidates Yolanda looks for "have the ability to plan, organize, manage and prioritize a workload, as well as to communicate effectively with people." She believes that "being able to analyze facts, circumstances or information is also important.” Her recruits want to know, “Do I have to be really good at math?" She says, “If you can add, subtract, multiply and divide, that's part of what you need. The other part is being able to understand the what, when, where and why of a particular tax situation - that's what makes the difference.”