Senior Tax Specialist en City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

The Office of City Finance (OCF) 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 Race and Social Justice Initiative - RSJI, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens.

License and Tax Administration ( LTA ) is a key division of the OCF. This unit administers and collects various tax types, including Business & Occupation, Payroll Expense, Sweetened Beverage, Utility, Gambling Tax, Commercial Parking, Admissions, Firearm/Ammunition, Transportation Network, and Social Housing. All new taxes proposed and passed by the city are developed and implemented through this division. The systems that house tax filings and reconciliation functionality are crucial to the success of the tax department. This position is responsible for ensuring that all tax systems operate satisfactorily for all customers, both internal and external. Additionally, this unit issues all business license tax certificates.

LTA is looking to hire four Senior Tax Specialists. In this position, you will help a diverse customer base in person, over the phone, and via email. Your focus will be on offering customized guidance and information regarding business licensing. Significant changes in taxation are anticipated in the near future. New taxes and modifications to existing tax structures will impact the financial landscape. Notably, proposed adjustments to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax for the 2026 tax year may affect business operations. Additionally, the recently implemented Social Housing Tax aims to promote affordable housing initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to social equity. 

As a Senior Tax Specialists, you will be the primary point of contact for our customers, addressing inquiries and providing tailored guidance. Your responsibilities will include clarifying new regulations and assisting with accurate tax filings. Success in this role requires a dedication to exceptional customer service and the ability to communicate complex tax information clearly and accessibly to nearly 100,000 local businesses. LTA division of OFC is committed to helping our customers navigate the ever-changing tax environment.

Position Duties

• Provide customer service regarding business license and tax information through in-person, phone, and written correspondence.
• Interpret, explain, and apply license and tax requirements outlined in Seattle Municipal Code and/or other state legislation, while reviewing filings for compliance.
• Perform high-volume data entry for license applications, tax reporting forms, payments, and correspondence for business license accounts.
• Manage and enter data for monthly tax reporting forms and payments related to utility services, retail gambling revenues, admission tax, and commercial parking tax.
• Initiate customer contact and make collection efforts for managing delinquent accounts.
• Develop reports to track work performance and test new software enhancements or systems.
• Handle intake, data maintenance, and inquiries for 100,000 active business license accounts, and set up or close approximately 12,000 new accounts annually.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Requires three (3) years' experience in customer service and/or billing process, including at least one (1) year equivalent to a Customer Service Representative. 
 

You Will Be Most Successful in This Role If You Have:

 The Ability to:

• Build respectful, supportive relationships with diverse clients
• Be a positive and collaborative team member
• Contribute to an inclusive workplace that values equity, respect, and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Good judgment and reliability. 

 Experience With:

• Working effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Prior experience providing service to diverse customers including angry or hostile customers. 
• Must be able to accurately type 45 wpm.
• Advanced experience using a 10-key.

  Skills in:

• Microsoft Outlook, Office 365 including running Access queries, creating brochures, and creating letter templates and mail mergers, and SharePoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Adapting to changing priorities while meeting deadlines in a high-volume environment.

Other Qualifications

PAY
This civil-service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Customer Service Representative, Senior. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $34.80 to $38.97 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $34.80 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. 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 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 Social Justice Initiative 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans 

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.