Job Posting: Tax AID Advocate
Who We Are
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.
We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.
Program Description
Tax AID is a DABC program that partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file income taxes for current and previous years. In addition to simple tax filing, we help with self-employment income, outstanding amounts owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), applying for other tax related government programs/benefits, and matters related to financial literacy.
Job Description
DABC is seeking an advocate who is passionate about community work to join our Tax AID program. Under the supervision of the Tax AID Director, the Advocate will work one-on-one to assist people with disabilities with their income taxes and raise awareness about the program through strategic partnership and community outreach. The successful candidate will have other administrative responsibilities related to the program’s operations including developing and conducting workshops and participating in team meetings and training on an as needed basis.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and file accurate tax returns for current and previous years in compliance with CRA standards
- Liaise with clients and the CRA on specific issues related personal taxes
- Manage multiple client files simultaneously
- Report any questions or concerns to the Director
- Compile and organize client records
- Attend trainings to further develop accounting taxation knowledge as part of an ongoing professional development program
A successful applicant must
- Have more than 2 years of proven experience for clients using income tax preparation software (e.g., UFile) to prepare income tax returns
- Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities
- Possess a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience
- Meet the requirements to be a tax filer through CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (CVITP) program
- Be self-motivated and adaptable and able to work effectively with a team
- Be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills
- Have strong verbal and written communication skills
- Understand the importance of preserving the confidentiality of sensitive client information
- Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software, including the Microsoft Office Suite
- Be comfortable working in the office and remotely
- Be available for occasional travel to communities across Lower Mainland
The following are not required but would be assets to the position:
- Knowledge of tax law
- Volunteer or coordination experience with the Canadian Revenue Agency’s CVITP Program
- Working knowledge of income tax programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
- Completion of an accounting or tax certificate or diploma/degree
Compensation
This position is for 32 hours (4 days) per week.
Based on experience, the salary will be between $43,200 to $44,800 per year (depending on experience), based on 32 hours (4 days per week) with the possibility of increasing to 40 hours per week (5 days per week) based on future funding.
This position offers the following benefits after the successful completion of a three-month probationary period:
- 12 days of paid vacation annually
- 14 days of paid sick leave annually
- An hour paid lunch break each workday
- 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums, with additional mental health coverage
- A generous Health Spending Account program
- 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December (this is in addition to paid vacation time).
Working hours: The office hours at DABC are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The position is located in Vancouver, on the Unceded, Traditional, and Ancestral Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Peoples.
This position offers a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may be required to work at the office (located in downtown Vancouver) one or two days a week, and at home the rest of the time. The position may also require occasional travel to other BC communities.
DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply!
Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to assist people with disabilities.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter addressed to Cynthia Minh (Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP at cynthia@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Tax AID Advocate.” No phone calls please.
Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 8, 2024. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
