Excise Tax Examiner; ETE

Excise Tax Examiner

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Prorate and Fuel Tax (PRFT) Services Section within our Business & Professions Division (BPD) is currently recruiting for three (3) Excise Tax Examiners (ETE2). These positions will provide expertise in tax review, customer service and education within our Motor Carrier Services or Fuel Tax & Unlicensed Refunds units. Washington's infrastructure requires considerable investment to ensure residents and visitors have safety, comfort, and simplicity as they move around the state.

PRFT administers the state's fuel tax collection programs, as well as the International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), collecting almost $2 billion in annual revenue for the state's transportation programs to ensure investment continues in state roadways.

If you enjoy digging into the details, using your analytical skills to uncover answers, and taking initiative to help a team achieve its goals, we encourage you to read on.

As an Excise Tax Examiner, you will independently examine and evaluate applications, tax returns, refund requests, financial records, and account activity to determine eligibility, accuracy, compliance, and the appropriate tax. You will interpret and apply state laws, administrative rules, interstate agreements, and program requirements while exercising delegated authority to approve routine licensing, registration, and refund actions. This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys focused, detail-oriented work, including from routine processing to longer-term research that requires a deep dive into records and data.

You will also communicate with customers and partner organizations to gather information, explain requirements, and resolve discrepancies. Success in this hybrid team requires sound judgment, initiative, curiosity, and clear communication across online channels.

Some of what you will do:

• Examine tax returns and refund requests to verify eligibility, supporting documentation, and the appropriate tax liability or refund amount.
• Review and process license applications and commercial vehicle registrations using state and federal systems to confirm accuracy and determine eligibility.
• Research and reconcile financial records, account activity, and large data sets to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate reporting and revenue distribution.
• Provide customers with guidance and individualized assistance related to applications, tax filings, refunds, and program requirements by phone, email, mail, or in person.
• Prepare supporting analysis and recommendations for complex or high-impact matters requiring management review and final determination.
• Coordinate with internal teams, partner agencies, other jurisdictions, and licensees to gather information and resolve account issues.

What you will bring to the role:

• Two (2) years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, compliance, or tax administration.
OR
• One (1) year as an Excise Tax Examiner 1.

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of education (business or public administration, law, public health, health administration or closely allied field) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience Must Include:

• One (1) year of performing intermediate to complex accounting, data and analysis; this includes compiling, reconciling, and analyzing large quantities of data.
• Two (2) years of listening attentively, identifying issues, fulfilling services, or exercising knowledge of laws and regulations to provide technical assistance or resolution to stakeholders.
• Two (2) years of using computer programs to write documents, send emails, edit spreadsheets, share presentations, take notes, and meet with people virtually.
• The ability to:
• Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
• Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
• Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
• Take action to learn and grow.
• Take action to meet the needs of others.

What may help set you apart:

• Experience communicating complex information to others to help them learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information.
• Understanding of the legislative and political environments and processes including working on legislative and rule making efforts while interpreting and assessing impacts.
• Completion of at least 12 semester (or 18 quarter) hours of college-level accounting, auditing, finance, or economics.
• Experience…