Tax Specialist 4

Company: State of Washington
Location: Olympia
Posted on: June 4, 2021

Job Description:

NOTE: In response to COVID-19, this position will primarily work remotely until further notice.

About Employment Security Department

Here at the Employment Security Department (ESD), we believe in the Power to Help when people need it most. We provide economic security to the people of Washington every day and in every corner of the state. We help people find jobs, bridge gaps in employment, and provide paid family and medical leave. We invest in our people; promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; practice integrity; exhibit service with kindness; seek collaboration, and pursue innovation. Click here to learn more about our Value Lens.

About the Division

The Unemployment Insurance Tax & Wage division ensures Employment Security can pay timely benefits to unemployed workers by collecting taxes owed by Washington employers and by striving to make sure wage-history information is available for anyone who files an unemployment claim. Our division also helps employers establish accounts, processes quarterly taxes and wage records, audits and adjusts accounts, tracks employer unemployment-experience information, sets appropriate tax rates, manages outstanding accounts, maintains employer benefit-payment records, and collects benefit overpayments. 

About You

If you are someone who has that firm demeanor with excellent conflict resolution and communication skills (speaking, writing, and listening); has great appreciation in researching and analyzing complex data and records to confirm compliance or non-compliance; is detail-oriented, organized, and have superb people skills, then we want you to apply for this role!

About the Position

This is a full-time, non-permanent position with full benefits and has an anticipated end date of June 01, 2022. You will be in teleworking status until further notice; if selected, you will be required to pick up your assigned equipment at our Lacey location while practicing safety precautions. This would be a GREAT opportunity to gain state experience and/or to get your foot in the door!

As our Tax Specialist 4 (TS4), your primary duty is to investigate businesses and, secondary, to conduct financial audits. You will be a part of our Bellevue Field Audit Region where you will provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax-related services to the Washington State business community, reporting agents, legal representatives, out-of-state businesses, and state & federal agencies. You will also administer and/or provide direct services like audit-related adjustments to tax and wage records, auditing, and community outreach and education. Your work is performed in an office setting and is accomplished by communicating with customers by telephone or by written correspondence. You must actively participate in team-based activities to serve the customers. Your contribution supports the agency mission by ensuring every Washington employer pays their fair share of UI tax and UI benefit claims timely and correctly.

Some duties you may enjoy doing:

• Travel to business locations to conduct audits.
• Research and review business and employer accounts; conduct fact-finding interviews to determine the status for unemployment insurance purposes.
• Interview claimants, unreported workers, and informants; conduct internet searches and examine financial/business documents to identify non-compliance or fraudulent activities.
• Conduct complex audits of financial records; inspect business records and accounting systems for required records, accuracy, and use of accepted accounting procedures.
• Finalize audit and prepare a detailed report of audit findings documenting audit results, including recommendations for corrections of deficiencies found in the audit.  Provide reports to management and employers.
• Explain appeal rights; interpret and apply complex RCWs and WACs.

For a full description of duties, please click here to request from the recruiter: PDF Request.Minimum Required Qualifications:

Option 1: A bachelor's degree which must include a minimum of 12-semester or 18-quarter hours of college-level accounting AND three (3) years of professional accounting or auditing experience; or,

Option 2: One (1) year as a Tax Specialist 3; or,

Option 3: Two (2) years as a Tax Specialist 2; or,

Option 4: A combination of education and relevant professional experience no less than 7 years, such as:

• High School diploma (or GED) with 7 years of experience
• AA degree and 5 years of experience
• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience
• Master's degree or higher and 2 years of experience

Note: Candidates who fall under Option 4 are still required to have a minimum of 12-semester or 18-quarter hours of college-level accounting.

• You will need to attach your Resume, Cover Letter, and college transcript(s) to your online application (through the Add Attachment(s) field).
• A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.

• Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
• Ensure the information on your application/resume coincide with your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (and vice-versa).

Other Information

• Final external candidate(s) must be able to pass the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud Check.
• This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
• If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll-free (877) 664-1960.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. To read more about our benefits, click on the following employee benefit links:

• Benefits (insurance, retirement, and related benefits)
• Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Special Programs (additional benefits)

Modern Workplace

ESD's employee engagement continued to trend upward as we developed programs to improve the employee experience. We are diligent and remain focused on creating a modern workplace designed to meet the needs of a changing workforce. We have wellness programs, telework policies, and flexible schedules. We're working to update our facilities all over the state to enhance both the client and employee experience.

Opportunity for All

Washington Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Please include your name and pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

Point of Contact

If you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have any questions about this position, contact George DeGuzman at gdeguzman@esd.wa.gov or HRRecruiting@esd.wa.gov. You may also contact Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1.

Keywords: State of Washington, Olympia , Tax Specialist 4, Other , Olympia, Washington