Excise Tax Examiner 4 - Lodging

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teleworking options

Flexible schedules

Growth opportunities

Job summary

State of Washington in Tumwater is seeking an Excise Tax Examiner 4 to autonomously conduct financial examinations of business accounts and tax returns, ensuring correct tax identification, assessment, and distribution under state rules.

The role emphasizes research, accurate determinations, staff training, and leadership with opportunities for growth. Telework options are available with periodic in-office meetings.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to independently research, interpret, and apply Washington excise tax laws and procedures.
• Experience preparing legally supportable determinations and notices.
• Ability to train staff and deliver presentations to groups.
• Experience guiding staff and providing constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork across diverse teams.
• Strong critical thinking and independent judgment within established authority.
• Excellent time management and prioritization across multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Independently resolve financial examinations of business accounts and tax returns.
• Assist local tax programs, review local jurisdiction taxes, and support rate changes.
• Complete monthly testing for local tax distribution and data sharing agreements.
• Interpret local tax questions and provide guidance to division staff.
• Perform math and theory reviews of local tax and division-wide desk examinations.

Skills

Research & interpretation

Written determinations

Training & presentations

Staff guidance

Leadership

Critical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Job description

Description

This recruitment is open to current Washington State Department of Revenue employees only.

Attention Revenue!

Your Taxpayer Account Administration (TAA) division is excited to announce an opportunity for an Excise Tax Examiner 4 (ETE 4) position. 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. We strive to ensure a cooperative and supportive environment. You can expect:

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

Duties

An Excise Tax Examiner 4 in the Taxpayer Account Administration division independently resolves the full scope of financial examinations of business accounts, tax returns, audit reports, or assessments to ensure proper identification, assessment, and distribution of taxes consistent with statutory and administrative requirements. This position has a responsibility for assisting the division in achieving its annual revenue commitment to the legislature through account research, examination, and assessment for tax liability.

This ETE 4 also supports other essential functions related to the administration of specific local tax programs such as:

• Support the Lodging team, Local Sales Tax team, and the Local Finance team.
• Completing thorough reviews of each local jurisdiction’s taxes on an ongoing basis.
• Complete monthly testing for local tax distribution.
• Testing rates, proofreading documents and composing communications to support the local tax quarterly rate change processes.
• Compiling return data in accordance with local jurisdiction data sharing agreements.
• Update data sharing agreements with local jurisdictions.
• Assist with local tax risk mitigation efforts.
• Performs legislative expenditure analysis for local tax bills for the division.
• Assists and provides guidance to division staff with interpretive questions related to local tax.
• Perform math and theory review of local tax and division wide desk examinations.

Telework

- This position has the flexibility to work remotely the majority 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. Details of teleworking considerations will be addressed during the interview process.

Qualifications

The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education. To join our team, you must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:

• Proven ability to independently research, interpret, and apply Washington excise tax laws, rules, policies, and procedures supported by progressive experience gathering and validating information from multiple sources, identifying key questions, evaluating ambiguous or complex situations, assessing legislative and reporting impacts, and providing well-reasoned, authoritative guidance to staff to improve program accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and professionally written determinations, notices, and account actions shown through progressive experience preparing credit/debit notices, amended assessments, Administrative Review responses, and other technical documents requiring clarity, accuracy, and legal supportability.
• Proven ability to deliver effective training and presentations applying verbal communication skills gained through progressive experience such as conducting staff trainings, facilitating workshops, presenting to groups, or providing educational support in professional or organizational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback to staff shown through experience training new examiners, reviewing work for accuracy, answering escalated questions, and offering recommendations to management on policy or procedural issues.
• Proven leadership ability demonstrated through progressive experience providing direction, facilitating teamwork, fostering trust through professionalism, anticipating long-term challenges, and motivating others to align with shared goals and vision, supported by applicable knowledge and skills in leadership and organizational effectiveness.
• Proven ability to apply strong critical thinking, decision-making, and independent judgment within established authority levels, obtained through conducting methodical research, analyzing complex or ambiguous situations, evaluating incomplete or conflicting information, and preparing well-reasoned recommendations while considering procedural gaps, consequences, and established authority levels.
• Proven ability to manage time and organize work effectively demonstrated through independently prioritizing duties, meeting deadlines, balancing multiple assignments, and completing both routine tasks and complex projects despite frequent interruptions, supported by applicable knowledge and skills in workload management and organization.

Equity Competencies

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

Preference may be granted to candidates who possess the following:

• One year as an Excise Tax Examiner 3
• Two years Department of Revenue experience at the journey level in accounting, auditing, compliance or tax administration.
• A bachelor’s degree with major study in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or a closely related field, and one year of professional experience in accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, banking, compliance, or tax administration
• Completion of at least 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of coursework in accounting, business law, money and banking, finance, or closely related subjects.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Understand the local tax distribution process.
• Knowledge of and or experience in supervisory practices.
• Experience completing and delivering work reviews to others.
• Six years of experience in accounting, banking, auditing, tax compliance or tax administration, provided candidate has experience working with the Department’s mission critical systems.
• Has an intermediate understanding of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, principles and practices.
• Actively works to continue to improve job effectiveness and efficiency; accepts personal responsibility to develop talents and knowledge.

Supplemental Information

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.

This position is 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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

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.

Read About Our Benefits

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.

Insurance 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.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

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.

Social Security

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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.

Holidays

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.

Sick 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.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

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.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

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.

Additional 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.

Updated 01-07-2026