Arletha Butler

Retired Appeals Officer at the IRS with a strong background in legal analysis and conflict resolution. Expert in evidence evaluation and committed to fair adjudication. Proven success in managing complex caseloads and conducting thorough legal research. Litigation and negotiation experience as an Appeals Officer. Also, I possess experience in federal income tax auditing. Excellent interpersonal communication skills complement analytical expertise.

My previous position with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) an Appeals Officer. My experience consist of verbal and written communication with business professionals as well as individual taxpayers with tax disputes. I conducted in person, video and telephone conferences to try and settled disputes.

As an Appeals Officer I am knowledgeable in accounting processes for maintaining business books and records, such as general ledgers, journals, Profit and loss reports and Balance Sheets. Also, as an Appeals Officer I have prepared Excel spreadsheets, written Appeals case memorandums for court cases.

My experience as an Accountant with the Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has prepared me for this position. As an accountant I prepared and maintained the budge fund accounts, approved accounting transactions, resolved accounting issues, reviewed all financial transactions, and ensured correct funding. I also performed end-of-the-month reconciliation transactions, internal controls review as well as other accounting reports.

I was the primary liaison between other accounting functions and performed collection actions associated with aged Accounts Receivables.

My experience as a former manager with the IRS, I supervised seven technical and one administrative team members. Communicating goals, policies and procedures to address the current fiscal year action plans. Providing leadership and guidance to meet the goals of our division. Communicating with business professionals and individuals to address concerns associated with audit procedures.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Appeals Officer, Internal Revenue Service, (IRS), Sep 2021 – Jan 2026, Jackson, MS

• Conduct conferences for settlement of disputed IRS tax determinations.
• Managed caseload effectively, ensuring timely resolution of matters. 
• Developed expertise in specific areas of law pertinent to administrative adjudication. 
• Ensured fair treatment of all parties during appeal process.
• Reviewed and analyzed legal documents and evidence for case preparation.
• Resolved administrative appeals through detailed analysis and factual review. 
• Conducted research on precedents relating to cases under review.

Accountant, Department Of Veterans Benefits Administration, Aug 2020 – Sep 2021, Jackson, MS

• Executed tasks related to accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial statement preparation and cash flow analysis. 
• Entered data into accounting software accurately to prepare journal entry information. 
• Identified and resolved accounting discrepancies and investigated apparent irregularities. 
• Reviewed budget transfers submitted for approval and distribution.
• Reviewed annual expenses by category to assist preparation of annual operating budgets.
• Assisted with collections by identifying aged accounts and preparing correspondence to collect debts. 

Internal Revenue Agent, Internal Revenue Service, (IRS), Aug 2013 – Sep 2019, Baton Rouge, LA

• Analyzed complex tax return information to determine the correct amount of tax owed.
• Verified the accuracy of deductions claimed on tax returns against supporting documentation.
• Analyzed financial documents, such as income statements and balance sheets, for auditing purposes. 
• Coordinated with legal departments for cases requiring litigation over disputed assessments.
• Utilized computer software to track and record taxpayer information and audit findings.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in tax legislation and regulations.
• Performed field visits to businesses for audits.
• Prepared detailed reports summarizing audit processes, findings, and recommendations. 
• Reviewed and processed tax returns for accuracy and compliance with federal laws.
• Examined tax documentation submitted by individuals, companies and organizations to assess accuracy and completeness of filings.

Supervisor, Internal Revenue Service, (IRS), Aug 2012 – Aug 2013, New Orleans, LA

• Participated in planning meetings to evaluate barriers and provide recommendations for work planning. 
• Communicated with taxpayers regarding complaints and issues.
• Utilized company policies and guidelines to solve work problems.
• Observed team members performance to provide feedback and performance evaluations.
• Assigned cases to team members based on individual strengths and promoted teamwork-driven environment to meet goals.
• Gave technical guidance and interpreted policies and procedures to assist employees in performing functional tasks. 
• Motivated team members through recognition programs and constructive feedback.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices for management efficiency.
• Conducted regular performance evaluations to motivate and develop staff.
• Managed inventory levels to reduce overage cases.
• Improved employee skills and increased team value with new training opportunities and empowering leadership.

Internal Revenue Agent, Internal Revenue Service, (IRS), Jan 2005 – Aug 2012, Baton Rouge, LA.

• Investigated cases of suspected tax fraud or evasion and prepared reports on findings.
• Analyzed complex tax return information to determine the correct amount of tax owed. 
• Verified the accuracy of deductions claimed on tax returns against supporting documentation.
• Analyzed financial documents, such as income statements and balance sheets, for auditing purposes.
• Advised taxpayers on how to avoid future errors and or penalties on their returns.
• Assisted taxpayers who were unable to pay their taxes in full of payment options.
• Conducted audits on individual, corporate, partnership federal income tax returns.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in tax legislation and regulations. 
• Performed field visits to business for audits.
• Issued notices of assessment, refunds, and penalties based on audit findings.
• Prepared detailed reports summarizing audit findings.

Senior Tax Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, (IRS), Aug 2001 – Jan 2005, Baton Rouge, LA

• Provided tax information to small businesses, non-profit organizations, and specialty industries.
• Conducted small business tax workshops, federal tax seminars, speaking engagements and participated in business panels.
• Educated and advised taxpayers about tax law responsibilities to foster compliance through workshops sponsored by Capital Small Business.
• Negotiated Tip Income agreements between the IRS and various restaurants, bars, and hotels.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Business Management

Mississippi State University – Starkville, MS

Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, LA

• Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Cost Analysis and Control
• Auditing
• Business Law
• Commercial Transactions for Accountant

University of New Orleans – New Orleans, LA

• Intermediate Accounting I
• Tax Accounting II