ES Benefit Specialist 3- UI-Tax and Wage Specialist Full Time NEW

Salary : $60,132.00 – $80,820.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-02615
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Unemployment Insurance
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: 5/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
This posting has been extended to allow additional qualified applicants more time to submit their applications. If you previously applied, there is no need to resubmit your application. Thank you.

The new closing date is May 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking passionate, detail-oriented, and analytical professionals to join our team as ES Benefits Specialist 3 (Tax and Wage Specialists) in the Tax and Wage Division. This is an opportunity to use your skills to support Washington’s workforce, strengthen our communities, and make a meaningful difference every day. If you’re inspired by work that has real impact, we encourage you to review the full posting and submit your application.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in complexity-an investigator, problem-solver, and trusted technical resource. You bring strong judgment, financial acumen, and the ability to interpret and apply statute with confidence. You communicate clearly with employers and representatives, navigate ambiguity with composure, and take pride in ensuring the integrity of Washington’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system. You are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to equitable, accurate service for employers and claimants.

As an ES Benefits Specialist 3 (Tax and Wage Specialist), you will perform senior-level unemployment insurance tax work across multiple Tax and Wage units, supporting statewide operations wherever workload demands. Your work ensures that employers are properly registered, accurately reporting wages, and paying the correct UI taxes-critical functions that protect the UI Trust Fund and support timely, accurate benefit payments. You will research complex account issues, validate financial data, interpret Title 50 statutes, and provide expert guidance to employers, reporting agents, and internal partners.

NOTE: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

Duties
In this role, you will administer a wide range of UI tax programs, conduct in-depth financial and statutory analysis, and resolve complex tax, wage, and liability issues. You will review and adjust employer wage reports, determine employer liability, validate refunds and waivers, investigate potential fraud, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. You will also serve as a technical resource for employer tax liability, experience rating, benefit charging, and account maintenance, helping employers understand their obligations and supporting accurate reporting across the system.
Some of what you will do:

• Review and adjust employer wage reports; validate tax, penalty, interest, and reporting accuracy
• Research and process payments and reports with invalid or mismatched account information
• Validate, calculate, and recommend approval/denial of refund and waiver requests
• Conduct audits and investigations to ensure accurate wage reporting, employer liability, and statutory compliance
• Determine employer liability under Title 50; establish, reinstate, or inactivate employer accounts
• Collect delinquent UI taxes and wage reports; conduct complex collection and compliance investigations
• Research and adjust tax rates, benefit charges, and experience rating impacts, including predecessor/successor and PEO relationships
• Investigate and resolve employer billing issues, reporting discrepancies, and account maintenance needs
• Review financial documents and wage information for accuracy, compliance, and potential fraud; verify earnings for blocked benefit claims
• Submit tax and wage adjustments to support claim determinations, audits, and system corrections
• Establish and maintain employer accounts, including UBI, FEIN, business structure, payment method, and PEO status updates
• Provide expert technical assistance to employers, representatives, and internal staff on UI tax liability, reporting requirements, and compliance

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

• Six (6) years of equivalent education/experience below

Option 2:

• One (1) year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2

Option 3:

• One (1) year of experience equivalent to an ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers tax programs.

Option 4:

• An Associates degree in a health or social science, public administration or are related field and
• Four (4) years of the required experience below.

Option 5:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and
• Two (2) years of the required experience below.

Option 6:

• Master’s degree in a health or social science, public administration, or a related field
• One (1) year of the required experience below.

AND

A minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting

Note: Only accounting courses transferable to a Washington State degree granting institution will be acceptable as equivalent college-level accounting.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

The required experience includes:

• Working Knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices; the analysis and reporting of financial data including GAAP and GAAS (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards)
• Technical proficiency to navigate the accounting system: Attention to detail to ensure accuracy, decision-making to approve or reject requests, problem-solving to resolve discrepancies, and communication skills to coordinate with stakeholders.
• Data Analysis: to verify calculations, attention to detail to ensure accuracy, regulatory knowledge to comply with laws, problem-solving to resolve discrepancies, and communication skills to report findings.
• Employer Outreach & Compliance Promotion Skills: Proficiency in advising on program requirement.
• Wage Report Monitoring & Issue Resolution Skills: Ability to identify and address reporting errors.
• Premium Recovery & Estimation Expertise: Ability to resolve unpaid premium issues accurately.
• Adaptability & Multitasking Skills: Flexibility to manage varied responsibilities.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

• Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

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.

Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter and Transcripts with your 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 or or the or Washington Relay Service 711, prior to the recruitment closingIf you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or or toll free , 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 (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 (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 , 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026
01

In order to be considered for this position, you must include your resume, letter of interest (cover letter) and transcripts 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” to the question above, please indicate which state agency (or agencies) that you have worked for. If this does not apply, type N/A
04

Please select how you meet the required qualifications below:

• Six (6) years of equivalent education/experience below.Must include a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting
• One year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2.AND a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting
• One year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers tax programs AND a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting
• An associates degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and Four (4) years of the required experience. AND a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting
• Bachelor’s Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and Two (2) years of the required experience. AND a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting
• None of the above.

05

Financial and Accounting Principles (GAAP/GAAS)- Tell us how you’ve built your skills in financial and accounting principles, including analyzing and reporting financial data using GAAP and GAAS. Please describe your experience with the following: Finding, understanding, and working with financial data Using accounting and financial analysis in a workplace setting Explaining accounting concepts or data in a way non experts can understand Reviewing payroll or personnel records Applying GAAP/GAAS when reviewing detailed accounting records or doing audit related work Understanding the Automatic Stay of Collection and key parts of the Bankruptcy Cod
06

Research Skills-Tell us how you’ve developed your research skills, especially when it comes to gathering and evaluating information. Please describe your experience with the following: Identifying, collecting, and organizing information for analysis or investigation Using the internet and other tools to find information Sorting out what information is relevant and what isn’t Spotting important details or key factors in the information you gather
07

Analytical Skills-Tell us how you’ve built your analytical skills, including how you assess information, draw conclusions, and make decisions or recommendations. Please describe your experience with the following: Breaking information down into smaller parts to understand how things connect Applying general rules or concepts to specific situations Noticing when information seems incorrect, incomplete, or inconsistent Comparing different solutions or approaches and weighing their pros and cons
08

ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• ;/li>
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• ESD Employee Referral
• Employment Security Department’s job web page: ;/li>
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Craigslist
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• WSBA
• Other

Required Question