Director, Tax Operations

Overview

A comprehensive accounting platform serving multi-unit restaurants is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Director of Tax Operations. This leadership role is responsible for the end-to-end operational strategy and execution of the tax function, ensuring accurate and timely compliance for thousands of restaurant locations across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. The focus is on multi-state sales and payroll taxes. The Director will own service delivery, drive process improvements and automation, lead a team of tax specialists, and ensure seamless data integration from various systems to tax engines. Collaboration with Operations, Customer Success, Product/Engineering teams, and external advisors is essential to enhance quality, profitability, and mitigate tax risks.

This position is based in Littleton, CO, with remote work options available for strong candidates. Work sponsorship is not offered for this role.

Responsibilities

End-to-End Tax Service Delivery & Operations

• Own the service delivery for sales and payroll tax, including calculation, filing, and remittance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
• Oversee review of return workpapers, approve filings, manage payments, and handle tax notices and audit inquiries promptly.
• Maintain accurate tax filing calendars to ensure 100% timely filing and remittance.
• Develop and maintain standardized workpapers, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), tax controls, and training materials.
• Conduct recurring quality reviews.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex technical or audit issues, coordinating with external advisors and tax authorities.
• Partner with third-party tax partners to drive continuous process improvements and bi-directional data flow.

Team Leadership, Coaching & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of up to 10 tax specialists.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.
• Provide guidance and mentorship, overseeing workflow, software usage, and tax processes.
• Define, monitor, and report on team KPIs, holding the team accountable to targets for accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.

Process Improvement, Automation & Technology

• Drive continuous improvement in internal processes and automation for tax services.
• Focus on data flows from POS, timekeeping, and payroll systems to tax engines, reducing manual touchpoints.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams on tax-related integrations and system enhancements.
• Build and maintain interactive dashboards and reporting for real-time insights into capacity, deadlines, workflow progress, risks, and outcomes.

Strategic Planning, Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop and implement tax operational strategy aligned with business goals.
• Identify and support tax planning opportunities and innovative tax strategies.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and risk assessment frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations across all jurisdictions.
• Lead audits, respond to notices, and manage tax controversies.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Partner cross-functionally on client escalations, liability reconciliations, month-end close support, and system integrations.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for third-party partners.
• Act as a subject matter expert on governing agency mandates and system functionality.

Requirements

• 10+ years of tax compliance and operations experience, with strong preference for multi-state sales and payroll tax expertise, especially in restaurant or multi-location/hospitality sectors.
• 4+ years in a leadership role (Director or Manager level preferred).
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing teams of up to 10 individuals.
• Hands-on familiarity with tax engines such as Avalara, Vertex, OneSource, or TaxJar.
• Experience with payroll platforms like ADP, Gusto, Paychex, or UKG, or ability to work effectively with these systems.
• Experience in tax technology implementation, workflow automation, and system integrations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) certification strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits from day one, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, and company-paid life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for training, development, and competitive pay.
• Flexible PTO policy with no accrual required, supporting work-life balance.

Location

• Based in Littleton, Colorado, with remote work options available for qualified candidates.
• No work sponsorship available for this position.