Lead Auditor (Revenue Auditor 3) - Bothell
State of Washington
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Job summary
State of Washington, Bothell, is seeking a Lead Auditor to evaluate tax compliance and test accounting systems. You will lead complex audits, plan sampling, and mentor staff while collaborating with taxpayers and specialists.
The role emphasizes training, leadership, and diligence in a dynamic environment, with on-site duties and travel as needed. Strong GAAP knowledge and advanced Excel skills are expected.
Qualifications
- Two years as Revenue Auditor 2 or four years in professional accounting/tax.
- Bachelor’s degree with accounting major or 24 sem/36 qtr hours in accounting.
- Proficient in Excel and accounting systems; GAAP knowledge.
Responsibilities
- Lead audits with engagement scope, milestones, and documentation standards.
- Train, assign, and manage training plans; mentor staff in office.
- Communicate methodologies and findings to taxpayers and reps; ensure accuracy.
- Travel and work on-site as required while maintaining confidentiality.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Attention Revenue! The Audit Division is now hiring one Lead Auditor (RA3) in Bothell, WA. Our Lead Auditors audit the largest and most technically diverse business organizations. You'll evaluate business activities and accounting records to determine if taxpayers are in compliance with applicable tax laws and have correctly reported their tax liability. Additionally, you will rely heavily on your extensive knowledge of electronic accounting software to test, analyze, and evaluate the taxpayer's accounting system. Also, you will conduct advanced sample planning with taxpayer's information systems personnel and/or DOR's Computer Audit Specialist to determine appropriate statistical sampling methods.
The Lead Auditors are also responsible for training new auditors, which includes developing, assigning, and managing training plans. In addition, the Lead Auditor acts as a mentor and coach to staff in the office while serving as an ongoing resource for future taxpayer education.
The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as October 8, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.
The salary listed for this position does not include the 5% premium pay for positions based in King County.
- Leading national or multinational, technically diverse audits; serving as auditor in charge and establishing engagement scope, milestones, and documentation standards.
- Managing a portfolio of audits; coordinating with taxpayer representatives, monitoring progress, and adjusting plans to meet deadlines under general direction.
- Exercising independent judgment on high-impact, sensitive matters; escalating policy or risk issues appropriately.
- Proven outcome: Leading complex, large-scale audits to accurate, defensible conclusions while managing scope, schedule, and stakeholders.
- Applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and professional auditing principles to reconcile financial statements, general ledgers, subledgers, and journal entries across diverse environments; identifying discrepancies and resolving inconsistencies.
- Evaluating and validating electronic accounting systems (GL, POS/ERP, ecommerce), tracing data flows, and identifying system integrity risks.
- Use of advanced Excel (complex formulas/functions, pivot tables, joins/lookups, data validation) to organize, analyze, and summarize large datasets.
- Designing and executing statistical and nonstatistical sampling; collaborating with taxpayer IS staff and audit specialists to support defensible conclusions.
- Researching, interpreting, and applying Washington statutes (RCW), administrative code (WAC), department policy (e.g., ETAs/Special Notices), and relevant court decisions to determine correct tax liabilities under the Revenue Act.
- Establishing physical and economic nexus by analyzing business activities, documentation, and interviews; documenting rationale clearly in workpapers and reports.
- Evaluating systems, procedures, and internal controls to identify irregularities, control gaps, and areas of exposure that inform audit scope and sampling strategies.
- Reconciling source documents (e.g., bank statements, sales and purchase records, inventory) and synthesizing complex data into fundamental issues and manageable components for resolution.
- Producing clear, comprehensive audit reports, including supporting schedules and future reporting instructions; ensuring accuracy, completeness, and accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Presenting and explaining findings, methodologies, and legal interpretations to taxpayers and representatives; delivering unfavorable outcomes professionally while building understanding and agreement.
- Drafting precise written guidance and responses for petitions or reviews; tailoring tone, structure, and content to the intended audience.
- Leading and managing multiple concurrent audits; reprioritizing methods and resources to maintain momentum in dynamic taxpayer environments.
- Evaluating progress continuously and adjusting priorities, timelines, and approaches to meet deadlines and quality standards.
- Maintaining confidentiality and personal safety while working onsite or remotely and traveling frequently as required.
- Offering coaching, review, and mentoring to auditors; delivering actionable feedback on workpapers, accounting systems, sampling, and methodology.
- Working cooperatively with others and contributing to group solutions through constructive feedback, ideas, and suggestions. Facilitating the open exchange of ideas and information in a respectful and inclusive way.
- Serving as a technical resource on complex law and rule applications; supporting team audits and acting for the Field Audit Manager when needed.
- Identifying registered and unregistered businesses; confirming nexus using interviews, internet research, and official questionnaires—supporting compliance and deterring evasion.
- Use of auditing and analytical software, word processing tools, databases, and spreadsheets for sustained analytical work.
- Maintaining readiness to work in varied environments; handling audit materials, equipment, and extended computer-based work across frequent travel requirements.
- 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.
Learn about our Core Equity Competencies to understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce.
Two (2) years of experience as a Revenue Auditor 2
OR
Four years of experience in Professional Accounting, Tax Compliance, or Tax Examination.
Demonstrated professional experience in the above (required) competencies; or
- Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting.
- 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of college-level accounting.
- Theoretical principles and practices of auditing and accounting (GAAP).
- Washington Revenue Act of 1935, as amended.
- Court decisions and regulatory advisories applicable to taxpayers.
- Rules, policies and procedures of the Department of Revenue.
- Excel and Word functions and applications.
- Internet research.
Complete the online application in detail and attach the following:
- A cover letter explaining your qualifications for this position.
- A resume, highlighting your work experience and education.
- A redacted sample of your most challenging audit/work product.
Throughout our selection processes, we will also be evaluating for knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and capacity for effective leadership that aligns with the culture of DOR.
Note - Incomplete applications or applications received without these materials may be disqualified.
To take advantage of veterans' preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please black out social security number and date of birth before attaching.
Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.
Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725.
The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to 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.
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.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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