Lead Auditor (Revenue Auditor 3) - Tacoma

State of Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Revenue seeks a Lead Auditor (RA3) in Tacoma to audit large, diverse business organizations and ensure tax compliance. You will rely on your deep knowledge of electronic accounting software to test systems, perform sampling, and support complex conclusions.

Responsibilities include training new auditors, mentoring staff, and presenting findings to taxpayers with clear, professional communication. Strong leadership and GAAP expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• Progressive experience leading complex, large-scale audits.
• Ability to mentor staff and manage training plans.
• Knowledge of GAAP and professional auditing principles.
• Experience evaluating electronic accounting systems and data flows.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly to taxpayers and staff.
• Experience planning and organizing multiple audits simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, large-scale audits and establish scope, milestones, and documentation standards.
• Train and mentor auditors; act as a technical resource for the team.
• Communicate findings and interpretations to taxpayers and representatives.
• Plan, execute, and adjust audit strategies and sampling methods.
• Manage multiple concurrent audits and coordinate with taxpayer counterparts.

Skills

Audit leadership

Engagement management

Independent judgment

Audit reporting

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

GAAP knowledge

Excel advanced

Job description

This opportunity is only open to current WA State Department of Revenue employees.

Attention Revenue! The Audit Division is now hiring one Lead Auditor (RA3) in Tacoma, 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 22, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

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:

Progressive experience leading complex, large-scale audits shown through:

• 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-scaleaudits to accurate, defensible conclusions while managing scope, schedule, and stakeholders.

Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and tools, including:

• 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.

Proven ability to research and apply tax law demonstrated by:

• 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.

Demonstrated ability to assess risk and apply internal controls, including:

• 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.

Proven ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively, both written and verbally, shown through:

• 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.

Demonstrated experience in planning and organization, including:

• 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.

Progressive experience providing mentoring and technical support shown through:

• 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.

Demonstrated skill in tax discovery and investigative acumen shown by:

• Identifying registered and unregistered businesses; confirming nexus using interviews, internet research, and official questionnaires—supporting compliance and deterring evasion.

Progressive experience in technology and work setting readiness, including:

• 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.

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.

Learn about our Core Equity Competencies to understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce.

Preference may be granted to candidates with any combination of professional experience or education, such as:

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.

Advanced knowledge of:

• 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.

To be considered:

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.

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.