Overview
A leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry is seeking a State Tax Director / Counsel to lead state and local tax compliance, planning, and controversy functions. This role focuses on state income/franchise and indirect taxes for partnerships and corporations within renewable energy operations nationwide. The position offers flexibility to work fully remote or in a hybrid model with regular office presence in San Diego, CA or Edison, NJ.
Responsibilities
State Income & Franchise Tax
- Oversee preparation, review, and filing of all state and local income/franchise tax returns.
- Manage co-sourced arrangements for state composite and withholding filings for nonresident partners.
- Handle apportionment, nexus, and sourcing methodologies across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
- Provide technical advice on state tax implications related to renewable project structuring, acquisitions, and reorganizations.
- Lead state audits, assessments, and appeals, negotiating favorable resolutions.
- Ensure compliance with ASC 740 and ASC 450 reporting and related tax provision documentation.
- Perform ASC 740-10 (formerly FIN 48) analyses and document uncertain state tax positions.
- Manage SOX-related issues for state income and indirect tax matters.
- Review and ensure timely processing of tax filings and remittances.
- Research and prepare state-specific memos and process documentation.
- Lead preparation of state income tax and indirect tax process flow documentation.
Indirect Taxes
- Direct compliance for sales, use, property, and excise taxes across relevant jurisdictions.
- Develop and maintain taxability matrices for EPC materials, components, and services.
- Collaborate with procurement and project management to apply exemptions and manage tax documentation.
- Manage indirect tax audits and advocate for company positions.
- Implement and maintain indirect tax automation and reporting tools.
Strategic Planning & Advisory
- Identify and implement state tax planning opportunities aligned with renewable business strategy.
- Monitor and communicate state legislative and regulatory developments affecting tax obligations.
- Partner with federal tax teams to support compliance and tax provision requirements.
- Support project finance, mergers, and joint ventures with legal and tax analysis.
- Identify and evaluate state-level incentive programs and renewable energy credits.
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to minimize state and local tax exposures.
- Lead process improvements to reduce manual processes and enhance reporting accuracy and timeliness.
- Identify tax reporting and compliance gaps and implement solutions.
- Advise internal teams on state and local tax rules during contract negotiations.
- Maintain documentation for state-specific filing positions and legislative developments.
- Stay current on income tax, sales/use tax legislation, and case law impacting the organization.
- Review legal agreements from a tax perspective, draft provisions, and recommend changes.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise internal tax staff and coordinate external advisors.
- Build collaborative relationships with Accounting, Treasury, and Operations.
- Provide internal education on state tax matters and risk mitigation.
- Promote a proactive, solutions-oriented culture within the tax department.
Decision-Making Authority
- Provide subject matter expertise on state tax filing positions, nexus determinations, and audit strategies.
- Deliver authoritative tax recommendations affecting financial and operational decisions.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervise professional tax staff, providing coaching, development, and performance feedback.
- Oversee external consultants and legal counsel as needed.
Key Relationships
- Internal: VP, Tax; Project Accounting; Legal; Contracting; Operations teams.
- External: State and local tax authorities; Outside tax counsel; Big Four accounting firms; State tax associations.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) with active bar membership preferred.
- CPA or MST preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive state and local tax experience focusing on income/franchise and indirect taxes, preferably in public accounting or law firm settings.
- Experience in renewable energy, EPC, or construction industries strongly preferred.
- Proven expertise in multi-state compliance, apportionment, and audit management.
- Expert knowledge of state and local tax law, including nexus, sourcing, and taxability rules.
- Ability to interpret and apply tax laws to complex business structures.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Leadership ability to manage people, projects, and cross-functional priorities under tight deadlines.
- Proficiency with tax compliance and research systems.
Working Conditions
- Office or hybrid work environment.
- Periodic travel may be required.
- Extended hours during financial reporting, compliance, audit, or transaction periods.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $166,823.00 - $212,700.00
- Employees and their families are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and disability insurance.
- Access to a 401(k) plan.
- Vacation, sick, and holiday pay provided.
Location
- Remote or hybrid with regular office presence in San Diego, CA or Edison, NJ.
- Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.