Senior Tax Specialist

Overview

This role ensures accurate and timely tax deposits and the preparation of returns across all required filing jurisdictions for a high-volume, multi-state fiscal agent and its customers.

Responsibilities

• Research tax regulations and develop tax filing and payment strategies; train staff on standard policies and procedures
• Ensure timely deposits and filings for federal, state, and local tax liabilities in all jurisdictions where the organization and its clients do business
• Review payroll records to ensure proper recording of tax transactions and compliance with applicable laws
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reconciliations as appropriate to support accurate filings; may perform audits more frequently depending on jurisdiction
• Perform W-2 reconciliations and process corrections as required
• Apply for authorization to act as an appointed agent for federal and state tax liabilities
• Investigate and resolve tax notices, penalties, and questionnaire requests
• Coordinate with Accounting and Payroll teams to identify and resolve variances
• Maintain up-to-date employer files within the organization’s electronic records management system
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field
• 4+ years’ experience in multi-state payroll/taxes and knowledge of domestic employer filing requirements
• Advanced knowledge of payroll, employment taxation, and accounting
• Ability to read and interpret complex federal, state, and local policies, legislative briefs, regulations, and other written documentation related to tax compliance and filing
• Strong analytical, technical, and tax accounting/technology skills, including knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), tax compliance, and corporate consolidated returns
• Accuracy and the ability to handle responsibilities with limited supervision
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with strong time management, task orientation, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and email proficiency
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external departments and customers
• Proficient understanding of relational databases
• Excellent customer service skills

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication and relationship skills with stakeholders including clients, state entities, and colleagues
• Ability to effectively and respectfully interact with a client base with varying levels of ability, educational backgrounds, authority, and ethnicities
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to speak in public, including training delivery
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external customers to accomplish tasks or reach an understanding diplomatically and respectfully

Team Responsibilities

• Take personal responsibility for actions by owning problems and problem-solving rather than projecting issues onto others or “the system,” when not warranted
• Demonstrate excellence in work standards and persistence in completing tasks
• Problem-solve and make decisions, including resolving crisis situations and developing resolutions between parties
• Work well with other team members and departments
• Interact and cooperate using respectful relations to efficiently accomplish mutual goals and assignments
• Request support with ample time to accommodate support needs and meet deadlines
• Support process effectiveness by seeking best practices

Equipment Normally Used

• Telephone and headset, computer, multiple screens, copier, scanning system, printer, postage machine, calculator, and fax machine
• May use other office equipment as needed

Physical and Mental Demands

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time entering data into multiple systems
• Regularly required to use fingers, hands, arms, and eyes to input data and fold and/or cut paper
• May be required to answer the phone and respond to team members and internal customers