Lead Auditor (Revenue Auditor 3) - Tacoma

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Revenue is hiring a Lead Auditor (Revenue Auditor 3) in Tacoma. This opportunity is open only to current Washington State Department of Revenue employees. Lead Auditors audit large and technically diverse business organizations to determine whether taxpayers comply with applicable tax laws and correctly report their tax liability. The role involves extensive use of electronic accounting software to test and evaluate taxpayer accounting systems, as well as advanced sample planning with taxpayer information systems personnel and/or the department’s Computer Audit Specialist. Lead Auditors train new auditors by developing, assigning, and managing training plans. They also mentor and coach office staff, serve as technical resources on complex matters, and support taxpayer education. The role requires managing concurrent audits, communicating findings and legal interpretations, and maintaining confidentiality and personal safety while working onsite or remotely and traveling frequently as required. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association. The Human Resource Division may use recruitment referrals to fill similar vacancies for up to six months.

Requirements

Progressive experience leading complex, large-scale audits, including national or multinational and technically diverse audits.
Experience serving as auditor in charge and establishing audit scope, milestones, and documentation standards.
Ability to manage audit portfolios, coordinate with taxpayer representatives, and meet deadlines under general direction.
Ability to exercise independent judgment on high-impact or sensitive matters and escalate policy or risk issues appropriately.
Knowledge of accounting principles and tools, including applying GAAP and professional auditing principles to financial statements, ledgers, subledgers, and journal entries.
Experience evaluating electronic accounting systems such as general ledger, POS/ERP, and ecommerce systems, tracing data flows, and identifying system integrity risks.
Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas and functions, pivot tables, joins/lookups, data validation, and analysis of large datasets.
Experience designing and executing statistical and nonstatistical sampling.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply Washington statutes (RCW), administrative code (WAC), department policy, and relevant court decisions.
Ability to establish physical and economic nexus and document reasoning clearly in workpapers and reports.
Experience assessing systems, procedures, and internal controls and reconciling source documents such as bank statements, sales and purchase records, and inventory.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing comprehensive audit reports and explaining findings and unfavorable outcomes professionally.
Experience drafting precise written guidance and responses for petitions or reviews, tailored to the audience.
Strong planning and organizational skills, including managing concurrent audits and adjusting priorities, timelines, and approaches.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and personal safety while working onsite or remotely and traveling frequently as required.
Progressive experience mentoring and providing technical support to auditors, including reviewing work and giving actionable feedback.
Ability to work cooperatively, offer constructive feedback, and facilitate respectful and inclusive exchange of ideas.
Experience identifying businesses and confirming nexus through interviews, internet research, and official questionnaires.
Experience using auditing and analytical software, word processing tools, databases, and spreadsheets for sustained analytical work.
Readiness to work in varied environments, handle audit materials and equipment, and perform extended computer-based work across frequent travel requirements.
Equity competencies: willingness to learn and grow, ability to meet the needs of others, and use of an equitable and inclusive approach.

Nice To Haves

Two 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 listed competencies, or a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting.
Twenty-four semester or 36 quarter hours of college-level accounting.
Advanced knowledge of theoretical principles and practices of auditing and accounting (GAAP).
Advanced knowledge of the Washington Revenue Act of 1935, as amended.
Advanced knowledge of court decisions and regulatory advisories applicable to taxpayers.
Advanced knowledge of Department of Revenue rules, policies, and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of Excel and Word functions and applications.
Advanced knowledge of internet research.

Responsibilities

Lead complex, large-scale audits, including establishing engagement scope, milestones, and documentation standards.
Manage a portfolio of audits, coordinate with taxpayer representatives, monitor progress, and adjust plans to meet deadlines.
Evaluate taxpayer business activities and accounting records to determine compliance with tax laws and the accuracy of reported tax liability.
Test, analyze, and evaluate electronic accounting systems and trace data flows to identify system integrity risks.
Plan and conduct statistical and nonstatistical sampling, collaborating with taxpayer information systems personnel and audit specialists.
Research, interpret, and apply Washington statutes, administrative rules, department policy, and relevant court decisions to determine tax liabilities.
Assess business activities and documentation to establish physical and economic nexus, documenting the rationale in workpapers and reports.
Evaluate systems, procedures, and internal controls; reconcile source documents and identify irregularities, control gaps, and exposure areas.
Prepare clear audit reports, supporting schedules, future reporting instructions, and written responses for petitions or reviews.
Present and explain audit findings, methodologies, and legal interpretations to taxpayers and their representatives.
Train new auditors by developing, assigning, and managing training plans.
Coach, mentor, and review auditors’ work, providing actionable feedback on workpapers, accounting systems, sampling, and methodology.
Serve as a technical resource on complex law and rule applications, support team audits, and act for the Field Audit Manager when needed.
Identify registered and unregistered businesses and confirm nexus through interviews, internet research, and official questionnaires.
Manage multiple concurrent audits, reprioritize work, and adjust timelines and approaches to meet deadlines and quality standards.
Maintain confidentiality and personal safety while working onsite or remotely and traveling as required.
Contribute to respectful, inclusive teamwork and support the exchange of ideas and information.