Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training (Multiple Positions)

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Remote; USD 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Revenue is seeking Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training in Tumwater, WA. Training leads to promotion after meeting graduation requirements; remote work options available with occasional in-office meetings.

You will examine tax returns, discuss issues with taxpayers, and support multiple excise tax programs, with comprehensive training through the first year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or closely allied field is required.
• Accounting, auditing, or tax administration coursework is preferred.
• One year of experience as an Excise Tax Examiner 1 is required or demonstrated equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate business activities and records to determine tax liability.
• Educate taxpayers and government entities on tax requirements.
• Answer calls and web inquiries on tax topics.
• Use independent judgement to complete assignments and analyses.
• Support electronic filing and payment applications and tax data updates.
• Draft determinations, notices, and other technical documents.

Skills

Financial examinations

Tax knowledge

Research & analysis

Independent judgment

Written communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Accounting coursework

Job description

The Department of Revenue, Taxpayer Account Administration (TAA) division in Tumwater, WA, is filling several Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training positions. Make a difference, join our team!

Taxpayer Account Administration (TAA) is a division of Revenue that administers many programs including forest excise tax, fish tax, cigarette and other tobacco products taxes, local sales tax, tax incentives, and reseller permits. Additionally, the division is responsible for the distribution of state and local taxes, ensuring compliance with the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, and returning unclaimed property (UCP) to the rightful owners. This is an opportunity to work with supportive teams: we value the open exchange of ideas and information, work together to solve problems, and continuously seek ways to enhance usability and improve customer service. At our core, TAA values above all:

• Getting work done accurately.
• Working efficiently.
• Sharing new ideas.
• Being kind.

We believe the success of one is key to the success of all and strive to ensure a cooperative and supportive environment. You can expect:

• Work that is challenging.
• Enough tasks you will never run out of work to do.
• Variance from day to day and the ability to do multiple activities each day.
• Comprehensive paid training through your first year of employment.
• Opportunity for growth and development.
• Teleworking options and flexible work schedules.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training analyzes state tax returns filed by businesses. They contact taxpayers to discuss problems on their returns and inform them if they have overpaid or underpaid. Examiners also allocate and distribute local taxes to the cities, counties, and other jurisdictions. Some of what you will do includes:

• Evaluate business activities and records to determine tax liability.
• Educate taxpayers, their representatives, and government entities.
• Answer customer phone calls and reply to web messages regarding a variety of tax topics.
• Use independent judgement to accomplish assignments.
• Perform technical support of the Department’s electronic filing and payment applications.
• Analyze and update taxpayer data based on Department reports and requests.
• Research tax issues through the interpretation of tax laws, rules, and policies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

Training Conclusion

Excise Tax Examiner 2s – In-training are paid at the range of the Excise Tax Examiner 1 during training. Once they finish their training, they must meet graduation requirements of quality and quantity. Once they meet graduation requirements and complete their training plan, they promote to an Excise Tax Examiner 2.

Interviews

Please be aware interviews may be conducted virtually using a webcam teleconferencing method or in person. Interviews will be conducted sometime between October 26th and November 6th.

Telework

This position has the flexibility to work remotely most of the time, however the duty station is in Tumwater, Washington and the successful candidate must agree to travel to the office for key scheduled meetings or as operational needs dictate. During the training period, you can expect to come in to the office more frequently.

On-the-job Training for Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training positions

Our training program provides virtual or in-person classroom trainings on excise tax laws and rules, Department of Revenue systems, tax programs, customer service skills, and account examination procedures and techniques. Once fully trained and graduation standards have been met, examiners are assigned to a team of experienced examiners. Each team in TAA performs the core functions of assisting taxpayers and reconciling accounts, in addition to administering one or more excise tax programs.

Salary

• Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training: $3,653 - $6,075
• Excise Tax Examiner 2: $4,517 - $6,075

Typical Work Schedule

8:00am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday, flexible scheduling options are available after training is complete.

Start Date

The positions listed in this job have an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.

To qualify as an ETE2 in-training

An individual applying for this position should have demonstrated the following competencies:

Demonstrated ability to conduct full-scope financial examinations of tax returns, business records, audit reports, and assessments, applying Washington excise tax laws, rules, and policies to determine accurate tax liability and taxpayer compliance.

Demonstrated ability to perform research and analytical review of taxpayer accounts, including background research, industry-specific issue analysis, verification of reporting classifications, historical account review, and preparation of audit-related adjustments.

Proven ability to interpret and apply complex tax statutes, administrative rules, and Department policies, including the ability to analyze ambiguous situations, evaluate all available information, and use sound judgment to determine the appropriate course of action.

Proven ability to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment, meeting established timelines, self-assigning work items, and responding promptly to internal and external inquiries.

Demonstrated knowledge and skill in using Department of Revenue systems and applications, including accurate navigation of ATLAS, My DOR, and related tools to research accounts, process adjustments, self-assign work items, and resolve taxpayer inquiries.

Progressive experience providing effective customer service and technical guidance to taxpayers, representatives, and internal partners, including drafting clear written correspondence, explaining taxability and reporting requirements, and assisting with electronic filing and payment issues while maintaining confidentiality standards.

Proven ability to prepare accurate and professionally written determinations, notices, and account actions such as credit/debit notices, amended assessments, Administrative Review responses, and other technical documents requiring clarity, accuracy, and legal supportability.

Demonstrated critical-thinking and independent decision-making skills within established authority levels, including the ability to evaluate incomplete or conflicting information and resolve complex tax issues under general supervision.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with taxpayers, colleagues, other divisions, and external entities to resolve account matters and support unit and division goals.

Demonstrated adaptability and commitment to continuous learning, including participating in special projects, contributing to process improvements, engaging in training opportunities, and supporting initiatives that enhance unit operations.

Proven ability to independently adapt to shifting work priorities and manage time effectively, ensuring timely completion of tasks across multiple tax programs, business requests, and examination activities.

To qualify as an ETE 2

An individual applying for this position should demonstrate all of the competencies of an ETE2 in training and have also demonstrated the following competencies:

Knowledge and Application of Excise Tax Examiner 1 functions, including processing:

• Penalty waivers.
• Stale dated refunds.
• Returned refund warrants.
• Reseller permit applications.
• Nonresident refunds.
• Frequency Change requests.
• Litter Tax.

Desired Qualifications

Additional experience and/or education:

• One year as an Excise Tax Examiner 1.
• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business or public administration or closely allied field and one year of accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, banking, compliance, or tax administration experience.
• Four years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, banking, compliance, or tax administration.
• 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of accounting, business law, money and banking, or finance coursework.
• understanding and application of Washington State Excise Tax laws and rules.

Demonstration the following competencies at a basic level

• Leadership, which includes promoting cooperation and communication within groups and shared ownership of goals. Also includes helping others grow and develop.

Other knowledge desired

• Understanding of the legislative process.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Thesepositions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).