License and Tax Administrator

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

Job summary

The City of Seattle seeks an innovative, equity-driven leader to head the License & Tax Administration (LTA) Division within the Office of City Finance. You will set the strategic vision for licensing and tax administration, oversee assessment and collection of tax revenue, and guide system modernization while championing Race and Social Justice principles.

This executive level role requires strong leadership, analytical judgment, and collaboration with city 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.

Responsibilities

• Head the License & Tax Administration Division and set strategic vision for tax revenue administration.
• Oversee administration, assessment, and collection of city tax revenue and business licenses.
• Ensure tax laws are implemented accurately, fairly, consistently, and efficiently; modernize tax systems.

Skills

Relationship building

Equity-aligned leadership

Legislative communication

Analysis and problem-solving

Independent enforcement oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field

5–10 years supervisory or leadership experience

Job 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.

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.

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.

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 be given 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.