Excise Tax Examiner (ETE2)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Licensing in Olympia seeks an Excise Tax Examiner (ETE2) to review tax returns, refunds, and licensing actions with accuracy and compliance. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret state laws and program requirements.

Hybrid/onsite collaboration is essential to serve customers and stakeholders. You will work on motor carrier and fuel tax programs, gather information, and provide clear guidance by phone, email, or in person while

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, compliance, or tax administration.
• Two (2) years of listening attentively, identifying issues, fulfilling services, or exercising knowledge of laws and regulations to provide technical assistance or resolution to stakeholders.
• One (1) year as an Excise Tax Examiner 1.
• A Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Examine tax returns and refund requests to verify eligibility, supporting documentation, and the appropriate tax liability or refund amount.
• Review and process license applications and commercial vehicle registrations using state and federal systems to confirm accuracy and determine eligibility.
• Research and reconcile financial records, account activity, and large data sets to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate reporting and revenue distribution.
• Provide customers with guidance and individualized assistance related to applications, tax filings, refunds, and program requirements by phone, email, mail, or in person.
• Prepare supporting analysis and recommendations for complex or high-impact matters requiring management review and final determination.
• Coordinate with internal teams, partner agencies, other jurisdictions, and licensees to gather information and resolve account issues.

Skills

Accounting

Auditing

Compliance

Tax administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, law, public health, health administration or closely allied field

Tools

Word processing

Email

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Job description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL),we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Prorate and Fuel Tax (PRFT) Services Section within our Business & Professions Division (BPD) is currently recruiting for three (3) Excise Tax Examiners (ETE2). These positions will provide expertise in tax review, customer service and education within our Motor Carrier Services or Fuel Tax & Unlicensed Refunds units.

Washington’s infrastructure requires considerable investment to ensure residents and visitors have safety, comfort, and simplicity as they move around the state. PRFT administers the state’s fuel tax collection programs, as well as the International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), collecting almost $2 billion in annual revenue for the state roadways.

If you enjoy digging into the details, using your analytical skills to uncover answers, and taking initiative to help a team achieve its goals, we encourage you to read on.

As an Excise Tax Examiner, you will independently examine and evaluate applications, tax returns, refund requests, financial records, and account activity to determine eligibility, accuracy, compliance, and the appropriate tax. You will interpret and apply state laws, administrative rules, interstate agreements, and program requirements while exercising delegated authority to approve routine licensing, registration, and refund actions. This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys focused, detail-oriented work, including from routine processing to longer-term research that requires a deep dive into records and data. You will also communicate with customers and partner organizations to gather information, explain requirements, and resolve discrepancies. Success in this hybrid team requires sound judgment, initiative, curiosity, and clear communication across online channels.

Some of what you will do:

• Examine tax returns and refund requests to verify eligibility, supporting documentation, and the appropriate tax liability or refund amount.
• Review and process license applications and commercial vehicle registrations using state and federal systems to confirm accuracy and determine eligibility.
• Research and reconcile financial records, account activity, and large data sets to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate reporting and revenue distribution.
• Provide customers with guidance and individualized assistance related to applications, tax filings, refunds, and program requirements by phone, email, mail, or in person.
• Prepare supporting analysis and recommendations for complex or high-impact matters requiring management review and final determination.
• Coordinate with internal teams, partner agencies, other jurisdictions, and licensees to gather information and resolve account issues.

What you will bring to the role:

• Two (2) years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, compliance, or tax administration.

OR

• One (1) year as an Excise Tax Examiner 1.

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of education (business or public administration, law, public health, health administration or closely allied field) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience Must Include:

• One (1) year of performing intermediate to complex accounting, data and analysis; this includes compiling, reconciling, and analyzing large quantities of data.
• Two (2) years of listening attentively, identifying issues, fulfilling services, or exercising knowledge of laws and regulations to provide technical assistance or resolution to stakeholders.
• Two (2) years of using computer programs to write documents, send emails, edit spreadsheets, share presentations, take notes, and meet with people virtually.
• The ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

Experience may be obtained concurrently.

What may help set you apart:

• Experience communicating complex information to others to help them learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information.
• Understanding of the legislative and political environments and processes including working on legislative and rulemaking efforts while interpreting and assessing impacts.
• Completion of at least 12 semester (or 18 quarter) hours of college-level accounting, auditing, finance, or economics.
• Experience applying federal and state laws in the release of public records within specific timeframes including record retention and archiving with existing records management.

Additional conditions of employment:

• This position requires in-office work every Wednesday and Thursday. Additional in-office time will be required during initial training. Depending on the assigned business area, employees may also be required to work additional in-office days on a rotating basis to meet business and customer service needs.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the pre-employment check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Kyle Odell.

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions, are completed in full.

Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition Team.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.

The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.

We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.