Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training (Multiple Positions)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Account Administration (TAA) division is hiring multiple Excise Tax Examiner 2, In-training positions based in Tumwater, Washington. TAA administers programs including forest excise tax, fish tax, cigarette and other tobacco products taxes, local sales tax, tax incentives, and reseller permits. The division also distributes state and local taxes, ensures compliance with the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, and returns unclaimed property to rightful owners. The examiner analyzes business tax returns and records, determines tax liability, contacts taxpayers about return problems and overpayments or underpayments, and allocates and distributes local taxes to jurisdictions. The role also involves customer service, account research and updates, interpretation of tax laws and policies, and technical support for electronic filing and payment applications. The position includes comprehensive paid training during the first year. Trainees are paid at the Excise Tax Examiner 1 range and, after completing the training plan and meeting quality and quantity graduation requirements, promote to Excise Tax Examiner 2. Training includes excise tax laws and rules, Department systems, tax programs, customer service, and account examination procedures and techniques. After training, examiners are assigned to a team of experienced examiners. The duty station is Tumwater, Washington. The position can be performed remotely most of the time, but employees must travel to the office for scheduled meetings or operational needs. More frequent office attendance is expected during training. The typical schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; flexible scheduling options are available after training. The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to conduct full-scope financial examinations of tax returns, business records, audit reports, and assessments, applying Washington excise tax laws, rules, and policies to determine tax liability and taxpayer compliance.
Ability to research and analytically review taxpayer accounts, including background research, industry-specific issue analysis, verification of reporting classifications, historical account review, and preparation of audit-related adjustments.
Ability to interpret and apply complex tax statutes, administrative rules, and Department policies; analyze ambiguous situations; evaluate available information; and use sound judgment.
Ability to manage workload in a fast-paced environment, meet timelines, self-assign work items, and respond promptly to inquiries.
Knowledge and skill in using Department of Revenue systems and applications, including ATLAS, My DOR, and related tools, to research accounts, process adjustments, self-assign work, and resolve taxpayer inquiries.
Progressive experience providing customer service and technical guidance to taxpayers, representatives, and internal partners, including drafting correspondence, explaining taxability and reporting requirements, and assisting with electronic filing and payment issues while maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to prepare accurate, professional determinations, notices, and account actions that are clear, accurate, and legally supportable.
Critical-thinking and independent decision-making skills within established authority levels, including evaluating incomplete or conflicting information and resolving complex tax issues under general supervision.
Ability to collaborate and maintain effective working relationships with taxpayers, colleagues, other divisions, and external entities.
Adaptability and commitment to continuous learning, including participation in special projects, process improvements, training, and initiatives that enhance operations.
Ability to adapt independently to changing priorities and manage time effectively to complete tasks across multiple tax programs, business requests, and examinations.
For the Excise Tax Examiner 2 level: knowledge and application of Excise Tax Examiner 1 functions, including penalty waivers, stale-dated refunds, returned refund warrants, reseller permit applications, nonresident refunds, frequency change requests, and Litter Tax.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as an Excise Tax Examiner 1.
A bachelor’s degree involving major study in business or public administration or a closely allied field, plus one year of accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, banking, compliance, or tax administration experience.
Four years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, banking, compliance, or tax administration.
Six semester (nine quarter) hours of coursework in accounting, business law, money and banking, or finance.
Understanding and application of Washington State excise tax laws and rules.
Basic-level leadership competencies, including promoting cooperation and communication, shared ownership of goals, and helping others grow and develop.
Understanding of the legislative process.

Responsibilities

Evaluate business activities and records to determine tax liability.
Educate taxpayers, their representatives, and government entities.
Answer customer phone calls and respond to web messages about tax topics.
Use independent judgment to complete assignments.
Provide technical support for the Department’s electronic filing and payment applications.
Analyze and update taxpayer data based on Department reports and requests.
Research tax issues by interpreting tax laws, rules, and policies.
Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.
Conduct research and analytical reviews of taxpayer accounts, including background research, industry-specific issue analysis, reporting classification verification, historical account review, and preparation of audit-related adjustments.
Prepare accurate written determinations, notices, and account actions, including credit/debit notices, amended assessments, and Administrative Review responses.
Manage and prioritize workload across tax programs and examination activities, and respond to internal and external inquiries.
Collaborate with taxpayers, colleagues, other divisions, and external entities to resolve account matters and support unit and division goals.
Participate in training, special projects, process improvements, and initiatives that enhance unit operations.
After meeting training graduation requirements, administer assigned excise tax programs as part of a team of experienced examiners.