• Job Description

  Req#: 5312580
  Salary: $41.72 - $48.52 Hourly
  Location : Seattle, WA
  Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-00496
  Department: City Finance
  Opening Date: 04/17/2026
  Closing Date: 5/5/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
  
  Position Description
  The Office of City Finance (OCF) is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. While working closely with the City's Budget Office. 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 and expertise. The Office of City Finance champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the RSJI, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens.
  
  The Tax Audit Unit is part of License Tax Administration () which is the division of the Office of City Finance Department and is responsible for the administration of the City's business taxes. The unit performs tax audits and investigations, refund reviews, develops and publishes tax rules, answers ruling requests, performs tax training for taxpayers and city personnel, and assists customer service with taxpayer questions. The unit dedicated to administering the city's taxes efficiently in support of the city's services and programs while acting with integrity and fairness in its efforts to ensure all taxpayers engaging in business in the city are registered and pay the correct amount of tax owed.
  
  OCF is hiring for an Assistant Tax Auditor. The Assistant Tax Auditor performs limited-scope investigations and tax compliance audits of businesses. This role supports the LTA division by ensuring taxes are properly reported and remitted, including educating taxpayers during audits and refund reviews. The position conducts small compliance audits across multiple City taxes, including B&O, Payroll Expense, Commercial Parking, Admissions, Utility, Social Housing, and Sweetened Beverage taxes. These audit activities promote taxpayer compliance and help fund essential City services.
  Job Responsibilities
  
  
  • Schedule small audits; conduct interviews with taxpayers or representatives; review pertinent documents, records and reports; identify and evaluate internal controls for accuracy of records; identify all activities that produce revenue or taxable gross receipts. Trace data from source documents to taxpayer's general ledger and financial reports; evaluate accuracy and reliability of financial reports.
  • Communicate with taxpayers during the audit to inform them of findings; discuss issues and attempt to resolve disputed findings or taxation issues.
  • Assist Tax Auditors with large or complex audits.
  • Review tax returns, verify accuracy and that revenue has been reported under the appropriate classifications, select returns for audit referral.
  • Review refund requests to determine whether request should be rejected, approved or adjusted.
  • Applying tax laws and rules to a variety of business activities and tax issues, using tax research tools and legal references to support findings and conclusions.
  • Respond to telephone inquiries from taxpayers.
  • Other miscellaneous duties as assigned
  
  Qualifications
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
  Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field including 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of course work in accounting (or combination of education, training and/or experience which provides equivalent background required to perform the work of this class).
  
  Washington Driver's License
  
  You Will Be Most Successful in This Role If You Have:
  
  The Ability to:
  
  • Conduct small audits and tax investigations.
  • Identify and follow up on unlicensed businesses.
  • Review and screen tax returns for accuracy.
  • Calculate tax, penalties, interest, and license fees.
  • Provide support to tax auditors during complex field audits.
  • Problem-solve and resolving tax-related issues.
  • Interpret and apply City tax laws and ordinances.
  
  Experience With:
  
  • Applying accounting principles and procedures.
  • Researching tax codes, ordinances, and rules.
  • Reviewing business records and reports.
  • Summarizing data and drafting reports
  • Delivering customer service and effectively communicating with taxpayers and their representatives.
  
  Skills in:
  • Analyzing financial data and identifying discrepancies.
  • Interpreting and applying codes and rules.
  • Writing and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
  • Managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Microsoft office products such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  
  Additional Information
  PAY
  This civil-service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as an Assistant Tax Auditor. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $41.72 to $48.52 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $41.72 hourly. Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.
  
  Work Environment
  
  This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule . Employees are expected to be in-office three days per week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor and are subject to change. Employee must reside in Washington State. Collaborative, inclusive team environment.
  Application Process:
  
  Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.
  
  1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
  2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
  3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
  
  Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
  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.
  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.
  Why work at the City of Seattle? The 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 by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
  Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
  Who May Apply: This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The city encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.
  The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
  
  More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
  01
  
  Answers to the following questions will help us determine whether candidates meet the minimum requirements of the position. Indicating "see resume" or "see application" are not sufficient responses to the supplemental questions. A complete and accurate application is required for this position. Did you update your City of Seattle application to reflect any recent changes to your experience and/or education? A cover letter and resume are both required documents. Missing one or both attachments will flag your submission as incomplete. Did you attach a cover letter and resume? (NOTE: Even if you have imported your resume directly into the application fields, you must still attach it).
  • Yes
  • No
  
  02
  
  Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selections process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  03
  
  Do you have a valid Driver License?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  04
  
  To help us better understand the equivalencies of your experience and your ability to do this job, please provide following information for the positions that most closely align with the position at The Office of City Finance: 1. How many years and months did you work in an equivalent/similar role: 2. Name of employer(s): 3. Why you left that position(s):4. Did you list this position(s) on your application and resume with your duties defined? What title(s) did you use on your application for this position?
  05
  
  How do you demonstrate a commitment to race and social justice in your work? How have you educated yourself in understanding your own bias, and in interrupting bias when you see it?
  06
  
  Can you provide documentation of satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  07
  
  Do you possess a strong working knowledge of generally accepting accounting and/or auditing principles and practices?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  08
  
  Do you have experience working directly with state and local taxes? If so, please explain.
  Required Question

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