License and Tax Administrator

Seattle Office of City Finance; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Seattle's Office of City Finance seeks an equity‑driven leader to head the License & Tax Administration Division. You will set the strategic vision and oversee policy, compliance, audits, and modernization of tax systems.

This executive, full‑time role offers a hybrid schedule with a salary range of $90–$105 per hour after pay equity analysis, and requires a bachelor's degree plus 5–10 years in tax or public administration leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field.
• 5–10 years relevant experience with Washington tax experience preferred.
• 5–10 years supervisory or leadership experience.
• CPA, master’s degree, or JD preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Washington Municipal B&O tax.
• Strong practitioner relationships statewide.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for City License & Tax Administration, including policy setting, execution, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and execute taxpayer outreach and education strategies; represent LTA in high-visibility internal and external forums.
• Lead taxpayer compliance strategies and operations (discovery, audit, delinquency management) and ensure effective, timely tax enforcement.
• Oversee taxpayer and licensee account management; improve filing processes, forms, instructions, training, and materials.
• Serve as business owner for tax administration systems; guide the modernization and migration to an integrated tax system.
• Partner with the City Attorney’s Office on tax rulemaking and litigation; oversee legal support tied to policy and audit findings.
• Collaborate with the Association of Washington Cities to help manage implementation/administration of the Municipal Model B&O tax ordinance across Washington municipal jurisdictions.
• Manage strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and operations for the division; cultivate a culture of fairness, equity, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Engage with legislative staff on tax policy issues during regular sessions and coordinate with the City Finance Director’s office as needed.

Skills

Relationship building

Equity-aligned leadership

Legislative communication

Analysis and problem-solving

Independent enforcement oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CPA / MBA / JD preferred

Job description

Position Description

The Office of City Finance (OCF). OCF is responsible for the City licenses and tax administration for the City of Seattle. OCF oversees the City’s financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities and supports the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council by providing financial information OCF seeks an innovative, equity-driven leader to head the License & Tax Administration (LTA) Division.

The Office of City Finance champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City’s vison of racial equity by participating in the Race and Social Justice (RSJ), which require fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skill through an equity lens. The Director of License and Tax Administration sets the strategic vision and leads the administration, assessment, and collection of City tax revenue—ensuring Seattle’s tax laws are implemented accurately, fairly, consistently, and efficiently, while helping taxpayers understand their business license and tax obligations. This includes the administration of the Seattle Business License Tax Certificate, the business license (B&O) tax, payroll expense tax, social housing tax, utility user taxes and other business excise taxes. LTA collects over $1B annually, manages multiple tax programs, oversees audit and policy functions, and leads tax system modernization.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for City License & Tax Administration, including policy setting, execution, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and execute taxpayer outreach and education strategies; represent LTA in high-visibility internal and external forums.
• Lead taxpayer compliance strategies and operations (discovery, audit, delinquency management) and ensure effective, timely tax enforcement.
• Oversee taxpayer and licensee account management; improve filing processes, forms, instructions, training, and materials.
• Serve as business owner for tax administration systems; guide the modernization and migration to an integrated tax system.
• Partner with the City Attorney’s Office on tax rulemaking and litigation; oversee legal support tied to policy and audit findings.
• Collaborate with the Association of Washington Cities to help manage implementation/administration of the Municipal Model B&O tax ordinance across Washington municipal jurisdictions.
• Manage strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and operations for the division; cultivate a culture of fairness, equity, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Engage with legislative staff on tax policy issues during regular sessions and coordinate with the City Finance Director’s office as needed.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field.
• 5–10 years relevant experience with Washington tax experience preferred.
• 5–10 years supervisory or leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, master’s degree, or JD preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Washington Municipal B&O tax.
• Strong practitioner relationships statewide.

A successful candidate will also Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Relationship building.
• Equity-aligned leadership.
• Legislative communication.
• Strong analysis and problem-solving.
• Independent enforcement oversight.

Additional Information

PAY

This full-time position is classified as Executive 2. It is not covered under the Civil Service System and is FLSA-exempt (not eligible for overtime pay). The full salary range for this position is $66.88 - $110.35 per hour. After a pay equity and budget analysis, the salary range for this role has been identified as $90-105 per hour.

Workplace Schedule/Environment

Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. Work is performed both in an office environment. Collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Background Check

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will begiven a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Employer

City of Seattle

Address

Seattle Municipal Tower 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500 Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website

http://www.seattle.gov/jobs

Why work at the City of Seattle?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

BENEFITS

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

The Seattle Fire Department is looking to create a diverse team of hardworking, committed individuals with a passion for public service and who are deeply aligned with our City's values of Race and Social Justice. The City of Seattle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, gender identity, political ideology, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The city encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.