Promotion examination open to all qualified employees of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Supervising/Principal Attorney Tax

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before September 10, 2016, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (see "Eligibility For Examination" below) and have had three months of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as follows:

For No. 37-756:

Either A. as an Associate Attorney Tax;

Or B. as an Associate Attorney.

For No. 37-757:

Either A. as a Supervising Attorney Tax;

Or B. as an Associate Attorney Tax or Associate Attorney.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before June 10, 2016, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for these examinations.

Only the titles listed are qualifying for these examinations.

Qualifying Experience for Appointment from the Eligible List

For Number 37-756: After one year of service as an Associate Attorney Tax or Associate Attorney, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

For Number 37-757: After one year of service as a Supervising Attorney Tax or two years of service as an Associate Attorney Tax or Associate Attorney, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

Eligibles who meet the "B" qualifications, and who are subsequently appointed to an "A" title, may request to have their name added to the "A" list, once they have completed the one year of service in the "A" title. The request should be submitted in writing to the NYS Department of Civil Service, Albany, NY 12239; Attention: S1JBH.

Order of Certification

The order of certification of this eligible list will be:

1. "A" eligibles
2. "All" eligibles

Important: As the processing fee is non-refundable, verify that you entered the correct examination number and title on your online application prior to submitting. When you apply online, you should immediately review your email confirmation notice to verify that you applied for the correct examination. If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT received by the Department of Civil Service. No late applications will be accepted after the filing deadline has passed.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION: Approved applicants will have an opportunity to complete an online education and experience questionnaire that will be used for all titles on this announcement. Information provided on the questionnaire is subject to verification and may be used to qualify candidates for positions requiring specific education and experience beyond the minimum qualifications. Approved applicants will receive, via email, information about the process of completing the online questionnaire and when it will be available. It is very important that you provide an up-to-date email address on your application as you will receive important communication via email. All approved candidates are encouraged to complete the questionnaire to maximize opportunities for appointment; only candidates who complete the questionnaire and receive a passing score on the written examination will be considered for positions being filled through the use of selective certification. This questionnaire will NOT be scored and must be completed within the required time period specified in the email. Late responses will not be considered. Your final score for the Supervising Attorney Tax and/or Principal Attorney Tax examination is based only on the written test. Names of candidates who pass the examination, but do not complete this questionnaire, will appear on the general eligible list only.

CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE LISTS: When filling vacancies the agency will have two options. One option is to request a general certification of the eligible list which will include all candidates, by score, in the order of certification: (1) within promotion units or (2) within entire Departments. Or, if it is determined that specific education and experience, beyond the minimum qualifications, are required for a position, the agency will have the option to request a selective certification of the eligible list (see above). The selective certification will filter the results of the written test based on the responses to the online questionnaire. The selective certification will contain only the names of candidates who meet the specialized requirements, ranked by score, in the same order of certification described above. Final scores are based on the results of the written test only.

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Subject of Examination

There will be a written test which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:

1. Analyzing information in text, data, images, or symbols - These questions test for the ability to analyze, interpret, and draw reasonable conclusions from information presented in text, data, images, or symbols. Analysis may involve identifying a significant problem or issue; focusing on relevant data and text; identifying trends, relationships, and significant features; assessing relevant alternatives; and suggesting or evaluating possible conclusions. Sample test material for Analyzing information in text, data, images, or symbols is available.
2. Logical reasoning - These questions test for the ability to reason logically by interpreting statements in an accurate and reasonable manner; identifying the logical relationships between related statements; determining the conclusions that can correctly be drawn as a result of information presented; distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information; and applying principles of logic to information provided. Sample test material for Logical reasoningis available.
3. Effectively interacting with agency staff and members of the public - These questions test candidates��� knowledge of techniques used to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups, to provide information about topics of concern, to publicize or clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Sample test material for Effectively interacting with agency staff and members of the public is available.
4. Writing skills for managers - These questions test for the writing skills that managers use in composing their own reports and correspondence as well as in reviewing documents produced by others. Both sentence skills and paragraph skills are addressed. The specific points tested include grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, appropriate and correct content, editing, and organizing sentences into well-constructed paragraphs. Sample test material for Writing skills for managers is available.
5. Administrative supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and his/her subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections. Sample test material for Administrative supervision is available.
6. Administrative principles for managers - These questions test for knowledge of the managerial functions involved in directing an organization or an organizational segment. These questions cover such areas as: developing objectives and formulating policies; making decisions based on the context of the administrator's position and authority; forecasting and planning; organizing; developing personnel; coordinating and informing; guiding and leading organizational units; as well as the delegation of authority and responsibility. Sample test material for Administrative principles for managers is available.

If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score. Rank on the eligible list will be determined after adding any wartime veterans' credits to your final passing score.

Credit for Seniority

Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service.

The Positions

Supervising Attorney Tax and Principal Attorney Tax positions are located at the Department of Taxation and Finance throughout New York State.

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Duties

As a Supervising Attorney (Tax), you would supervise, coordinate, and manage activities and major initiatives conducted by a team of Associate Attorneys (Tax) and Senior Attorneys; serve as lead attorney for major initiatives; serve as a consultant for Department representatives on legal questions and initiatives within assigned tax/service areas; and draft new or revised legislation.

As a Principal Attorney (Tax), you would oversee a major legal division within the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) or serve as second-in-command of a legal division within the DTF; and supervise and manage the work of attorneys including Supervising Attorneys (Tax) and Associate Attorneys (Tax) and other staff. Principal Attorneys (Tax) serve as the highest level legal specialist in an area of tax law recognized for its difficulty, complexity, or potential impact, in addition to supervising attorneys.

Important: The Department of Civil Service and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance may communicate with you through email correspondence. This may include the notification of your examination results and canvassing you for interest in appointment. It will be important for you to keep your email address, phone number and mailing address current by logging into https://www.cs.ny.gov/home/myaccount.

TEST GUIDE & SAMPLE TEST MATERIAL: A General Guide to Written Tests is available at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/statetestguides.cfm. Sample Test Material for the subject areas described above is also available where indicated and at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/sampletestmat.cfm.

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How To Apply

If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT processed.

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Religious Accommodation

Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

It is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Administration Unit of the Department of Civil Service. In the Albany area, call 518-457-2487. Outside of the Albany area, call toll free at 1-877-697-5627. For TDD services, call NY Relay at 711 (requires a fee) or 1-800-662-1220.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, call 518-474 6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627.

Multiple Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm

Eligibility for Examination

To be eligible to compete in this examination, you must be employed in, or on leave from, the specified department or agency on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class, or in the non-competitive class or labor class if specifically noted on this announcement (or be on an appropriate preferred list), and have the specified time in the specified title or salary grade. You may not compete in a test for a title if you are permanently employed in that title (unless you are still on probation) or in a higher direct line of promotion.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

Do not bring cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices to the test site. The use of such devices at the test site in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas could result in your disqualification.

Issued: 6/24/2016
S1/TC1 MME-vla

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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