Investigator

Are you a strong communicator with a background in investigations? Do you have knowledge of accounting theories, practices, policies and audit standards? If so, then consider these exciting opportunities with the Ministry of Finance.

Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $1,593.14 to $2,045.58 per week in compliance with OPSEU Unified Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:
• plan, lead, and conduct investigations, search and seizure actions, and obtain evidence by ensuring proper collection, custody, control and identification
• interview or interrogate informants, third-party witnesses, suspected violators and/or their legal/financial representatives
• examine and analyze all evidence, including tax returns, books and records by, researching the organization, business policies and practices, and accounting systems, reviewing ministry records and files, as well as information from other tax jurisdictions, or other sources (i.e. banks, customers, third parties) to obtain proof of tax evasion and/or fraud
• participate in Joint Forces Operations with other tax jurisdictions, e.g. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), police agencies, etc.
• research tax legislation, and case law/summaries/decisions
• assess and interpret findings, consolidate data, and prepare reports and prosecution briefs
• recommend further investigative or prosecution action
• retrieve, decipher and analyze data from electronic media

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that s/he has a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You are able to travel extensively throughout Ontario.
• You are able to work irregular hours.
• You are able to pass colour vision screening (being able to distinguish hues and colour markings).

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You have the ability to interview and/or interrogate informants, third-party witnesses, suspected violators and/or their legal/financial representatives, who may be unwilling or evasive.
• You can provide expert testimony and be subject to cross-examination in a court of law.
• You can prepare concise and thorough reports and prepare documents for court proceedings.
• You can assist legal counsel in legal proceedings and prepare and deliver presentations.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• You have in-depth knowledge of investigative techniques, judicial process, rules of evidence, court procedures and surveillance techniques.
• You have working knowledge of accounting theory, practices, policies and audit standards and procedures to understand and analyze complex business accounting systems. This knowledge is normally gained through successful completion of an undergraduate degree/community college diploma in Accounting, Business, Law, or Law and Security, or equivalent work experience.
• You have thorough knowledge of the management, evaluation and analysis of intelligence data and processes.

Analytical and Computer Skills

• You have analytical, judgment, problem solving and organizational skills.
• You can effectively interpret and apply legislation administered by the Tax Compliance and Benefits Division (e.g. Land Transfer Tax Act, Employer Health Tax Act, Retail Sales Tax Act, Tobacco Tax Act, Fuel Tax Act, Gasoline Tax Act, etc.) and related regulations/guidelines.
• You have working knowledge of related legislation, regulations and statutes (i.e. Provincial Offences Act, Ontario and Canada Evidence Act, Charter of Rights and Freedoms).
• You have advanced computer skills and can use software, mainframe systems, and databases to conduct research, and record and access information.
• You have knowledge of computer crime investigative techniques.