Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
The Employment Security Department (ESD ) is seeking four (4) detail-driven, analytical professionals to join our Customer Compliance team as a Financial Auditor (ES Benefits Specialist 3) . This role strengthens the integrity of Washington's workforce programs by ensuring employers report and pay accurately, helping protect workers, businesses, and the public trust. The ideal candidates are curious, methodical, and motivated by accuracy and fairness. They enjoy digging into financial records, spotting patterns, and translating complex regulations into clear explanations. They are adept at balancing independence with collaboration, communicating confidently with employers, and approaching compliance work with professionalism and integrity. The ideal candidates for this position thrive in environments where their analytical skills directly support equitable outcomes for Washington workers and businesses. As a Financial Auditor, you will conduct audits and investigations to determine whether employers are complying with states Paid Family & Medical Leave Program and Long-Term Care programs and federal requirements. Your work ensures accurate reporting, proper deduction and payment of premiums, and timely, correct benefit claims. You will review financial records, identify unreported wages or hidden employment, calculate amounts owed, and prepare clear, defensible reports. You will also educate employers, explain audit results, and provide guidance to help them meet regulatory requirements. This role is essential to maintaining fairness, preventing fraud, and supporting the integrity of ESD's programs. Some of what you will do: Conduct financial audits of employer records in accordance with GAAP, GAAS, and GAGAS to determine compliance with state requirements Perform complex reviews of financial documents to verify accuracy, identify discrepancies, and calculate amounts owed, including interest and penalties Investigate inactive, unregistered, or high-risk employers to identify potential non-compliance or hidden employment Use industry data, online research, and field investigations to detect unreported wages and patterns of non-compliance Determine whether employers require formal audits and document findings with clear, comprehensive reports Prepare investigative reports, correspondence, and appeal documentation that summarize conclusions and support enforcement actions Conduct entrance and exit conferences with employers, present audit results, and explain required corrective actions Educate employers on reporting requirements, audit processes, and compliance expectations Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to exchange information, coordinate investigations, and support statewide compliance efforts To request a detailed position description, click here.
Required:
Option 1: Six (6) years of equivalent education/experience. Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2. Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs. Option 4: Associate's degree in a health or social science, public administration or a 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) year of the required experience below. Option 6: Master's Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and One (1) year of the required experience below.
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:
Problem-Solving & Resolution Skills:
Proficiency in addressing and resolving stakeholder concerns.
Analytical & Investigative Skills:
Expertise in analyzing claim documentation for accuracy.
Regulatory Knowledge & Communication Skills:
Proficiency in explaining complex regulations clearly.
Subject Matter Expertise:
Proficiency in navigating intricate claim matters.
Fraud Detection & Compliance Review Skills:
Ability to identify irregularities in claims processing. Education to
Experience Equivalences :
Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters• or Higher = 5 years •A Master's degree or above will substitute for one (1) year of work experience.
Required equity competencies:
The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Additional Requirement of Employment:
Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review. 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 Cover Letter, Resume 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 . 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 Katie Swanson via email or at (360)742-8208 , or the Talent Acquisition Team , or Washington Relay Service 711 prior to the recruitment closing . 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 •This Organization Participates in E-Verify•
