Overview
A growing online auction services company with over $50 million in revenue and nearly 400 employees is seeking an experienced Sales Tax Research Specialist. This role focuses on multi-state sales tax compliance and requires deep investigative skills to interpret tax statutes, track legislative changes, and build comprehensive documentation of sales tax rules across jurisdictions. The position involves collaboration across departments and translating complex tax regulations into actionable guidance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth research of sales tax statutes, regulations, administrative rulings, and case law across multiple states.
- Monitor legislative changes, proposed bills, and regulatory updates affecting sales tax applicability and rates.
- Research and interpret state-specific guidance on exemption eligibility, product taxability, and sourcing rules for specialized categories such as farm equipment, industrial equipment, construction machinery, and vehicles.
- Investigate nexus implications, boundary changes, and jurisdictional modifications impacting tax obligations.
- Cross-reference multiple authoritative sources to verify accuracy and resolve conflicting guidance.
- Create detailed research memoranda documenting findings, analysis, and supporting citations.
- Develop comprehensive reference guides and maintain a searchable knowledge base of state-specific tax rules.
- Build a tax research library organized by state, product type, and tax topic with proper audit trails.
- Prepare research summaries of significant tax law changes and their operational impact.
- Translate complex tax research into clear, accessible guidance for non-tax professionals.
- Partner with Accounting to share research findings and align on tax positions.
- Provide tax research support and guidance to Customer Service, Operations, and Sales teams.
- Conduct training sessions on tax updates and exemption requirements for internal stakeholders.
- Serve as liaison between departments on tax-related questions and process improvements.
- Communicate proactively with leadership on emerging tax issues and compliance risks.
- Research and map sales tax jurisdictions, rates, and special districts for new business locations and expansion.
- Provide backup support for sales tax calculations and tax determination for routine and complex transactions.
- Support customer exemption certificate review and validation as needed.
- Assist with sales tax compliance activities including return review, remittance verification, and filing support.
- Research and resolve escalated tax questions involving ambiguous statutes or unique transaction scenarios.
- Support audit preparation with historical research and documentation of tax positions.
- Identify gaps in tax research documentation and recommend improvements.
- Collaborate with IT and Product teams on tax automation projects and software evaluation.
- Share best practices and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Undertake additional assigned duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 6 years progressive experience in sales tax research, compliance analysis, or related tax research roles.
- Demonstrated expertise researching and interpreting tax statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance.
- Strong understanding of US multi-state sales tax framework including exemptions, nexus, sourcing rules, and use tax.
- Proven ability to conduct complex legal and regulatory research using government databases and official sources.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems.
- Exceptional analytical and written communication skills with ability to document research clearly.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments.
- Ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax audiences.
- Self-directed with strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Team player who shares knowledge and contributes to collaborative problem-solving.
- Spanish-speaking bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and able to satisfactorily complete a background check.
- Candidates may be required to complete position-specific skills assessments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Multi-state sales tax research experience with e-commerce or marketplace businesses.
- Experience with sales tax software such as Avalara or Vertex.
- Knowledge of auction business models and equipment categories including construction, agriculture, fleet, and industrial.
- Experience with Sage Intacct or similar cloud accounting systems.
- Experience training or presenting to diverse audiences.
Working Conditions
- Full-time salaried exempt position, not eligible for overtime.
- Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Central Time; additional hours may be required.
- Remote work eligible, with preference for candidates near the Manhattan, Kansas headquarters.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
- Must be able to access various departments within a given location.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range typically between $80,000 and $110,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
- Monthly bonus program based on company revenue results, with payouts ranging from $300 to $1,200 depending on performance.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with employer match up to 4% starting on the first day of employment.
- Company-paid life insurance with options for supplemental coverage.
- Fully paid short-term disability insurance.
- Three weeks of paid time off annually.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) allowing purchase of company stock at a discount after 90 days of employment, with enrollment opportunities twice yearly.