Tax Auditor

Position Overview

The Office of City Finance (OCF) is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. Within OCF, the License and Tax Administration (LTA) division administers and collects various taxes and ensures taxpayers comply with the City’s Business Tax Laws. LTA is seeking to hire two Tax Auditors whose primary responsibility is to conduct tax audits and investigations while upholding the City’s commitment to equity, social justice, and fiscal integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs complex tax compliance audits of accounting records and financial reports for various entities to ensure compliance with the City’s revenue and tax ordinances.
• Conducts opening interviews to understand business activities, accounting systems, and tax reporting procedures.
• Determines the scope of audit fieldwork and utilizes investigative and auditing techniques to verify source documents.
• Evaluates accounting practices by reviewing records, performing calculations, and confirming whether correct tax and license fees have been paid.
• Researches applicable statutory and case law, code provisions, and tax rules relevant to the taxpayers’ activities.
• Examines financial records to determine total gross and taxable income, identify unreported income, and collect necessary audit evidence.
• Communicates with taxpayers throughout the audit process and prepares detailed written audit reports outlining scope, findings, adjustments, and legal authority.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, including at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of accounting coursework, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience Required: A minimum of two years of auditing experience.
• Proven experience in reviewing accounting records, preparing audit documentation, conducting interviews, and performing independent field work.
• Skilled in Microsoft Outlook, Office 365 (including Microsoft Excel), and SharePoint with a commitment to quality customer service.
• Ability to apply general accounting principles and auditing practices, communicate professionally, and research state and local tax laws and regulations.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: $47.54 to $51.45 per hour with overtime eligibility, starting at Step 1 of the pay progression.
• Schedule: Hybrid work schedule with an expectation of in-office presence three days per week.
• Location: City of Seattle, WA.
• Benefits: 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.