Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training (Multiple Positions)
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
State of Washington’s Revenue Department seeks an Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training in Tumwater. The role involves examining tax returns, communicating with taxpayers, and applying tax laws to determine accurate liabilities. Training leads to advancement within the excise tax program.
Remote work is supported part of the time, with in-person office duties and structured onboarding. The position offers benefits and long-term career growth in a public service environment.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to conduct full-scope financial examinations of tax returns, business records, audit reports, and assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to perform research and analytical review of taxpayer accounts, including background research and issue analysis.
- Proven ability to interpret and apply complex tax statutes, rules, and policies.
- Proven ability to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill in using Department of Revenue systems and applications (ATLAS, My DOR).
- Progressive experience providing effective customer service and technical guidance to taxpayers and internal partners.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate business activities and records to determine tax liability.
- Educate taxpayers, representatives, and government entities.
- Answer customer calls and web messages regarding tax topics.
- Use independent judgment to accomplish assignments.
- Perform technical support of online filing and payment applications.
- Analyze and update taxpayer data based on department reports.
Skills
Tools
Job description
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.
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.
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.
An 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.
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.
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.
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.
Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training $3,653 - $6,075
Excise Tax Examiner 2 $4,517 - $6,075
8:00am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday, flexible scheduling options are available after training is complete.
The positions listed in this job have an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.
To qualify as an ETE2 in-training (ETE1 while in Training)
- 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.
An individual applying for this position should demonstrate all of the competencies of an ETE2 in training and have also demonstrated the following competencies:
- Penalty waivers.
- Stale dated refunds.
- Returned refund warrants.
- Reseller permit applications.
- Nonresident refunds.
- Frequency Change requests.
- Litter Tax.
- 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.
- Leadership, which includes promoting cooperation and communication within groups and shared ownership of goals. Also includes helping others grow and develop.
- Understanding of the legislative process.
Human Resources may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
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.
These positions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
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.
If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave, and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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