Revenue Auditor 2 (in-training) - Spokane

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Revenue’s Audit Division is seeking a detail-oriented auditor to work with businesses to ensure they understand the tax laws applicable to their operations and accurately remit their tax liability to Washington State. The auditor travels throughout a designated region to meet with businesses, observe and understand their operations, evaluate activities and accounting records, and provide education on tax laws and compliance. The work includes researching Washington sales nexus, determining compliance with tax laws, planning efficient audits, and preparing audit workbooks in Excel using advanced functions. The role involves independent work and travel as needed, along with collaboration, training, and information sharing with a professional team. Team audits may be conducted for large or complex businesses across a wide range of industries. Candidates may be hired as a Revenue Auditor 2 or as a Revenue Auditor 2 In-Training at the Revenue Auditor 1 level. Employees hired in-training complete a two-year training plan, including three weeks of new auditor training, training audits with senior auditors, and team audits. Training covers auditing standards, processes, techniques, and documenting findings, with support as employees begin conducting audits independently. Advancement to the professional level follows acquisition of field experience and demonstration of the required knowledge. The position contributes to collecting tax revenue that funds Washington State programs and services. The agency describes its workplace as collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on work-life balance and equitable, respectful interactions.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to independently conduct comprehensive audits of small to mid-sized businesses, including reviewing financial records, reconciling accounting data, and determining tax compliance.
Ability to analyze complex financial data and systems, assess accounting systems and internal controls, identify audit risk, perform advanced sampling, and draw accurate conclusions about tax liability under Washington excise tax laws.
Progressive experience researching and interpreting federal and state tax laws, administrative rules, and policies, and applying findings to complex tax issues, taxpayer guidance, audit determinations, or appeal responses.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing technically accurate audit reports and explaining audit findings and tax implications to taxpayers and business owners in person and virtually.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple audits and competing deadlines, adapt work plans, and maintain productivity in a changing work environment involving onsite work and independent travel.
Ability to educate and advise taxpayers and representatives on taxability, reporting requirements, and business activities through consultations, outreach, and responses to inquiries.
Investigative and problem-solving skills, including identifying potential non-compliance, evaluating evidence, and applying appropriate penalties using sound judgment and analytical reasoning.
Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, work under general direction, adapt communication to varied audiences, and maintain professionalism in challenging or sensitive situations.
Proficiency with auditing and accounting software, Excel, and data-analysis tools, including extracting, converting, analyzing, and evaluating electronic accounting data.
Progressive experience contributing to team learning and organizational effectiveness, including supporting organizational initiatives, training entry-level auditors, participating in committees, and sharing knowledge.
Equity competencies: ability to learn and grow, ability to meet the needs of others, and use of an equitable and inclusive approach.
Submit a detailed online application, resume, and cover letter explaining relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, and interest in the position.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, tax compliance, or tax administration.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
24 semester or 36 quarter hours of college-level accounting.
Professional experience in the listed required competencies.
Unofficial transcript showing accounting credits is recommended but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive audits of businesses and assess compliance with Washington tax laws.
Retrieve and review financial records, reconcile accounting data, and evaluate taxpayer accounting systems, internal controls, source documents, and electronic data.
Research and interpret tax laws and administrative rules, including matters involving Washington sales nexus, and resolve complex tax issues.
Identify audit risks, conduct statistical and non-statistical sampling, and determine tax liability using established methods and accounting principles.
Plan and manage audits, multiple assignments, and competing deadlines; adjust work plans as needed.
Prepare audit workbooks, reports, schedules, and correspondence, including Excel workbooks using advanced functions.
Meet with businesses, observe and evaluate their operations, and educate taxpayers and representatives about taxability, reporting requirements, and compliance.
Identify potential non-compliance, evaluate evidence in tax discovery investigations, and apply appropriate penalties when warranted.
Work independently and travel to taxpayer locations throughout a designated region; participate in team audits as appropriate.
Collaborate with taxpayers, representatives, team members, and internal specialists, and contribute to consistent interpretation and application of the law.
For in-training hires, complete the two-year training plan, attend training classes, participate in training and team audits, and document audit findings.
Support organizational learning by training entry-level auditors, participating in committees, and sharing knowledge.