License and Tax Administrator

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.

• 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.

• CPA, master’s degree, or JD preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Washington Municipal B&O tax.
• Strong practitioner relationships statewide.

• Relationship building.
• Equity-aligned leadership.
• Legislative communication.
• Strong analysis and problem-solving.
• Independent enforcement oversight.

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.

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

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…