Tax & Wage Benefit Specialist 3 - Rates Unit: Olympia/Telework



Tax & Wage Benefit Specialist 3 - Rates Unit: Olympia/Telework

Salary

$56,676.00 - $76,188.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Job Number

2024-00703

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Unemployment Insurance

Opening Date

04/24/2024

Closing Date

4/25/2024 1:30 PM Pacific

Description


Our ideal candidate will have completed the required 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting and have a minimum of two (2) years of professional accounting or auditing experience at the senior level.
 
You will ensure that employers receive the correct tax rate. Using your knowledge of the Employment Security Act, regulations accounting/auditing practices and legal procedures in relation to tax rates and granting or denying relief of benefit charges. Providing senior-level professional unemployment insurance (UI) tax services to the Washington State business community, reporting agents, legal representatives, out-of-state businesses, other state and federal agencies: and to the Tax Audit Regions, Account Management Center and Claim Centers. This position is primarily remote/telework unless otherwise directed by the hiring manager. If selected, a telework kit will be provided and instructions on pick-up location and procedures will be given. This full-time/non-permanent position is anticipated to last through June 30, 2025.

NOTE:  This recruitment is open until filled, if you have previously applied you do not need to reapply. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision and close this recruitment at any time beyond the required seven (7) days.

Duties

As a Tax Specialist within the Rates unit, you will perform in-depth research and compiles data to provide a clear, concise response to employers’ or their representatives’ inquiries and protests. Generating correspondence to employers explaining the results of their requests.
Monitors tax rates for mathematical accuracy and statutory compliance. And you will Investigate, review, audit, and validate information derived from various sources for impacts to the experience rating program.  After investigation and analysis, perform necessary adjustments to tax rates. 

Some of the work you will be doing:

  • Performs in-depth research and compiles data to provide a clear, concise response to employers’ or their representatives’ inquiries and protests.
  • Generate correspondence to employers explaining the results of their requests.
  • Research and recommend appropriate assignment of tax rate from employer’s tax rate review request.
  • Investigate for predecessor/successor relations and/or PEO (Professional Employer Organization) relations and ensures their tax rates are correctly assigned.
  • Make recommendations for improvements in recordkeeping to make sure employers are in compliance with reporting requirements.
  • Communicate with internal and external customers such as ESD and other governmental/non-governmental entities, claimants, employers and employer representatives.
  • Explain appeal rights and applicable laws and policies.

For a full description of duties - please click here to request from the recruiter: PDF Request.

Qualifications

What You Bring: 

A combination of education and/or relevant experience equivalent to six (6) years and must include a minimum of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting.

OR One year of experience as an ESD Benefit Specialist 2 (previously Tax Specialist 2) and, must include a minimum of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting. 
 
 NOTE: Additional professional-level accounting or auditing experience will be substituted, year for year, for education except for the 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting.

Education to Experience Equivalences:
Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years

Additional Requirements of Employment:

  • Internet speeds of  30mbps download and 2mbps upload, to test your internet speed please go to: www.speedtest.net. 
  • Must be able to pass the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud Check.
  • Must be a WA state resident or willing to relocate to WA state.
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. 

Attach your Cover Letter, Resume and Transcripts with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" 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.

Supplemental Information

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship.  We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self. 
 
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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 a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Jeanette Nelson or 564-200-2475 the Talent Acquisition Teamor Washington Relay Service 711. 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, Washington Relay 711.   

**This organization participates in E-Verify** 

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume, letter of interest and your college transcript(s) with this applicant packet. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Are you a current or former Washington State employee?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you selected yes in the previous question, please list below the agency you have worked for. If this does not apply to you type N/A
04
Do you have at least 12 semester or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have at least one year of experience as a Tax Specialist 2 or higher with ESD?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Please describe your professional accounting or auditing experience and where you gained the experience. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
07
Do you currently reside in the State of Washington or are you willing and able to move as required for this position.
  • Yes
  • No
08
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State Employee Referral
  • ESD Employee Referral
  • Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Craigslist
  • CareerBuilder
  • Other
09
If you selected "Other", please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
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