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Employee Profiles
Follow the links below to learn about some of our employees whose diversity strengthens the IRS workforce — as well as the depth of their careers.
Joseph
IT Specialist
(Job Series 2210)
Modernization & Information Technology Services (MITS) — Oracle Database Administrator
18 Years
Background:
BS in Computer Science
I started working at the IRS as a GS-2 Data Transcriber, then a GS-4 Tax Examiner; then got into the IT field as an Oracle programmer, then a Unix systems administrator. Now I'm a Team Leader. Today, I monitor and ensure that databases are up and available, as well as troubleshoot problems. Which is great, because I enjoy the challenges of my position. We were the first IRS office that used Oracle Project Manager — taking some risks and the lead role in the field. I also had the opportunity to work in our National Office for several years and learned a lot there. And, the most satisfying part of my job has been the many chances I've had to learn new skills and be on the leading edge of new technologies.
I like being able to work in a friendly, laid-back environment, and I've been lucky working in good offices with good people throughout my whole career. When I initially joined the IRS, I had a degree in computer science, but there were very few entry-level opportunities anywhere. So, I decided to get my foot in the door as a Grade 2 Data Transcriber, with the thought of eventually moving into the computer field, which I was able to do. Now I'm a Grade 13.
I have stayed at the IRS throughout my career because it would be hard to leave. If you start with IRS in the IT field early in your career, you can really enhance your skills. The work is challenging, and the combination of salary and great benefits is hard to beat. It's very hard to match five weeks of vacation time every year.
Outside the office, I love music — and I have time for playing my piano and guitar. I'm actually also a founder of Asian Pacific Internal Revenue Employees (ASPIRE), an employee organization. I'm still active in that group organizing conferences as a local vice-president.
Potential IRS job applicants should really investigate the many job opportunities we have. We're a large organization with many positions that go beyond tax collection. We do have many positions for people with accounting and business backgrounds, but also information systems, communications, publishing, law enforcement… The list of opportunities is very long.
Kaya
Tax Examiner Manager (Job Series 0592)
SB/SE
15 Years
Background:
HS Graduate
In my IRS career, I manage people who are working AUR (Automated Underreporter) cases that involve underreported income. It's a great job because the work is challenging, and the people I work with are great.
I started working for IRS as a "seasonal" employee in Code & Edit, and I was looking for a permanent job and job security. I'm still not done climbing and exploring yet — IRS offers me a lot of different places to go. And, I enjoy the management challenge of getting a lot of different personalities to work together. In fact, I received an EEO Award for promoting diversity. I'm very proud of my heritage, and I help plan events for our Native American Week observance.
Once you're part of the IRS, you learn that it's a lot different than the public's perception of it. It's rewarding to know that we help make the government work by funding it. I also like the solid, good benefits and stable environment.
Neerja
Budget Analyst (Job Series 0560)
3 Years
Background:
MBA in Finance & Investment Technology
BA in Economics; BS in Biology
My work involves producing analytical reports for senior IRS management and it takes a combination of numerical and narrative analysis of budget and performance data for the various IRS Divisions. I enjoy the challenge of constantly learning new things, along with the sense of responsibility and accountability. I also work with a highly educated and professional staff, and we have developed a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Right after 9/11, I was applying for jobs — and the IRS was the only government agency I applied for. This was because of two IRS recruiters I met at a job fair. They had impressed me with their education and enthusiasm. My parents were born in India, but I was born in the US, and I was also attracted to a government job because it appealed to my sense of patriotism. And, I know that this government experience will be very useful to me later, even if I go to the private sector.
Outside of the office, I play softball and go bowling with my friends from work. I also enjoy having time for hiking, cooking, pottery-making and tennis.
Once I was inside the IRS, I found that the negative stereotypes about the organization just aren't true. It's a sophisticated, modernized and diverse workforce, and opportunities are growing every day because of the new challenges we face. It's actually a dynamic environment that is recognized as the benchmark organization among the world's tax administration systems.
Todd
Telecommunications Specialist (Job Series 0301)
W & I Call Site
7 Years
Background:
US Army — 3 Years
Microsoft Certification
I monitor performance in one of our Collection call sites where Contact Representatives' activities are evaluated, operational measures are developed and reports are run. I think the most satisfying part of my job is being able to help system users when they're having a problem.
I first came to work at the IRS after being recruited at a job fair at Fort Drum, NY while I was still in the Army. And, I have come to enjoy the job stability and advancement opportunities — plus the pay, vacation time and the fact that I can work my eight hours and go home at the end of the day. That leaves me time outside of work to enjoy golf and travel. I also am a member of AIM (Association for Improvement of Minorities), and we do various things such as serving as officials at the track meets hosted by our local School for the Blind.
Personally, I think this is the best job I've ever had — I would never leave. The pay is good, benefits great. There is zero stress in my job. I get to work with great people in a great place, and I also get to do a lot of different things in my personal life.
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