EXAMINER UNEMPLOYMENT TAX
Examiner Unemployment Tax is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $56,253 to $81,897, and state payroll currently lists about 54 people in the title, most of them at Labor.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Labor and Workforce Development's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 54 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $61,382. The agencies employing the most are:
- Labor (54)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a Principal Examiner, Unemployment Tax or other supervisory official in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, makes tax computations and legal/financial analyses and determinations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Assists in analyzing legal documents, financial reports, and related material to determine whether the activities of an entity constitute employment reportable to New Jersey as defined under the terms of New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, as administered and interpreted through legal precedent and investigatory hearings. Assists in determining, establishing, and/or verifying the tax liability of employers. Analyzes less-complicated accounts to determine and initiate proper procedures for the resolution of delinquent accounts, to identify fraudulent reporting, and to establish contribution experience rates. Analyzes an employer's records and accounting transactions to determine the present reporting or financial status of an account; contacts employers and their representatives and initiates action to ensure the employer's conformity with New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law. Assists in preparing, verifying, and/or processing forms of various types of legal documents including Certificates of Debt, Writs of Execution, Warrants for Satisfaction, Claims in Bankruptcy, Certificates of Indebtedness, Foreclosure and Condemnation Proceedings, and Criminal Complaints. Organizes work activities to ensure proper/efficient flow of material while maintaining security and confidentiality. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Establishes and maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, and unemployment laws of neighboring states. Knowledge of mathematics, including arithmetic functions and familiarity with statistical methodology. Knowledge of record keeping methods and their application to auditing and accounting work. Knowledge of the various organizational structures under which an employer may operate. Knowledge of the procedures and requirements of various state and federal government agencies whose regulations impact unit operations. Ability to establish priorities and organize workflow. Ability to analyze the various aspects of a situation, identify possible problems, and develop feasible solutions. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply provisions of New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, and the unemployment laws of neighboring states. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department and its subdivisions and pertinent sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Ability to comprehend and apply the provisions of law defining covered employment, excluded employment, and taxable remuneration. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply pertinent sections of state and federal bankruptcy laws. Ability to analyze material submitted by employing units and/or other sources to ensure that status determinations rendered are correct as to subject dates and applicable law, and that appropriate contribution rates have been assigned. Ability to analyze and evaluate the preparation, processing, and maintenance of financial and/or legal records on a large scale. Ability to prepare, verify, and process financial reports, tax forms, billing forms, and other documents in conformance with regulations and laws. Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with others. Ability to prepare reports and summaries containing findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in the examination of records and reports involved in the determination, establishment, and/or verification of tax liability of employers. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.