Lead Revenue Agent 3 – Vancouver

State of Washington; Vancouver (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Revenue is seeking a Revenue Agent 3 in Vancouver, WA, to lead and train agents, review complex cases, and recover delinquent taxes. The role involves both office and field work, with training provided initially and possible telework later.

Strong communication and investigative skills are essential to educate taxpayers and resolve issues. The position emphasizes leadership, strategic case management, and collaboration with supervisors to ensure compliance and

Qualifications

• Proven written and verbal communication skills to compose clear, concise correspondence and educate taxpayers on requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research, analyze, and evaluate complex financial information.
• Progressive experience using investigative research tools, online databases, and third‑party information sources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train new and journey-level agents in mainstream programs while reviewing case work and making recommendations.
• Identify, investigate, and recover taxes not previously known to the department.
• Handle complex delinquent accounts and act as supervisor when needed.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Investigative research

Tax knowledge

Staff training

Case review

Negotiation

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, public administration, or related field

Tools

Online databases

Job description

Attention Revenue! The Compliance Division is looking for an instinctive individual to fill a Revenue Agent 3 (RA3) vacancy in Vancouver, WA.

During the first few months, you will receive hands‑on training in the office, although telework may also be available. The details will be worked out between you and your supervisor.

The ideal candidate will possess the skills necessary to train and lead new and journey‑level agents in mainstream programs while reviewing case work of all staff and making recommendations for action. Duties also include identification, investigation, and recovery of taxes not previously known to the department. The Lead Agents will work complex delinquent accounts that commonly involve taxpayers who are reluctant to furnish information and may conceal or undervalue assets, income, and tax liabilities. In the absence of the supervisor, this position will become the acting supervisor. In this role, you will gain experience in assisting with the hiring of new staff, carrying out training plans as provided by your supervisor, and evaluating the progression of training.

Proven written and verbal communication skills to compose clear, concise correspondence, appeal responses, and legal style summaries, and to educate taxpayers who may be confused, upset or uncooperative on their filing requirements, payment obligations, and departmental processes – with a strong emphasis on effective professional telephone communication.

Demonstrated ability to independently research, analyze, and evaluate complex financial information to determine tax liability, assess a taxpayer’s ability to pay, and recommend resolution options - supported by progressive experience conducting credit analysis, reviewing financial records, or performing investigative work involving financial data.

Progressive experience using investigative research tools, online databases, and third‑party information sources to locate individuals and assets, validate taxpayer information, and support compliance actions such as warrants, seizures, and summonses.

Proven ability to interpret and apply complex state tax laws, rules, policies, and legal documents (such as RCWs, WACs, ETAs, WTDs, and orders of determination) when resolving compliance issues, negotiating payment plans, and educating taxpayers on their registration and reporting requirements.

Demonstrated skill in conducting structured interviews and gathering information from individuals who may be uncooperative, evasive, or distressed, including the ability to ask direct, logically ordered questions and document findings accurately.

Demonstrated ability to negotiate payment plans and resolve delinquent accounts by evaluating repayment options, using persuasive communication techniques, and collaborating with supervisors when settlements or escalated actions are required.

Demonstrated ability to work independently under general supervision while organizing and prioritizing a high-volume workload, managing competing deadlines, and maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in case histories, documentation, and taxpayer interactions.

Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, attorneys, CPAs, law enforcement, other agencies, and internal partners, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, accountability and tact in challenging or sensitive situations while remaining approachable and open to constructive feedback.

Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in both office and field environments, including the ability to conduct in‑person visits, carry out tasks in varied physical settings, and communicate clearly in person and by phone for extended periods.

Progressive experience using computer systems and technology to update case histories, document actions, research taxpayer accounts, and manage workflow in a fast‑paced compliance environment.

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and support others—through training, coaching, mentoring, or guiding teams—gained through progressive experience in roles requiring staff development, accountability, and ethical judgment, including maintaining confidentiality while managing shifting priorities.

Proven ability to lead organizational or operational change by setting strategic goals, acting as a change agent, communicating effectively, resolving conflict, and helping employees adapt to evolving work expectations, supported by experience in environments undergoing process, policy, or system transitions.

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.

Leadership and Operational Expertise in Revenue Collection.

Progressive experience applying advanced leadership and technical expertise in revenue collection operations, including the ability to manage complex cases, exercise sound judgment, ensure compliance with tax laws and department policies, and support team performance through effective communication, conflict resolution and problem‑solving.

Preference may be granted to candidates with one of the following:

• Two years of experience as a Revenue Agent with at least one year of those at the journey level within the Department of Revenue.
• A Bachelor's degree involving major studies in business administration, accounting, public administration, political science, economics, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, law or, closely related field AND two years of experience in the field of personal or business finance, tax auditing, law, law enforcement, adjustment of claims, examination and analysis of business tax records, collection of civil debts, or other related field. Additional qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference by attaching your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

For current Department of Revenue employees and union members of the WPEA, current promotion rules will apply if selected.

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.