Financial Services Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

BDO USA

About The Position

The Tax Senior, State and Local Tax, applies industry knowledge and experience to advise clients on the tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternative courses of action, and identify methods for complying with tax regulations. The role involves identifying potential tax issues and risks, evaluating ways to reduce tax burdens and compliance costs, monitoring tax policy changes, applying new policies to tax compliance, and assisting with routine inquiries from federal and state agencies. The Tax Senior may serve as a primary client contact, including preparing and presenting presentations to clients and prospective clients. The position provides state and local tax compliance, consulting, controversy, and specialization services. It includes researching tax issues, preparing and reviewing returns and tax provisions, supporting multistate companies with state and local income and franchise tax matters, managing engagements and client expectations, and developing client relationships and business opportunities. The role also supports staff development through supervision, mentoring, training, and performance feedback for SALT Associates, as appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least two years of state and local or multistate experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and research skills.
Solid organizational skills and ability to meet project deadlines with attention to detail.
Ability to multitask successfully while working independently or in a group environment.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal personnel and clients.
Advanced knowledge of tax return forms.
People development and delegation skills and ability to foster a team environment on engagements.
Executive presence and ability to act as the primary contact on assigned engagements.
Basic understanding of tax compliance and of representing clients before tax authorities on contested issues.
Ability to interact successfully with professionals at all levels.
Working knowledge of applying tax standards, sources of information used in tax filings, and the causes and effects of taxable conditions and potential tax issues.
Decision-making skills and ability to prepare written tax advice.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting or Taxation, or a J.D.
CPA certification or another relevant certification.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

Research tax issues by framing questions, identifying and analyzing relevant sources and authorities, and communicating findings.
Apply tax authorities and firm and professional standards when preparing WTA and tax returns.
Develop and maintain relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax or Department of Revenue personnel.
Help clients comply with applicable authorities while minimizing tax and reporting burdens; track information availability and filing requirements.
Prepare and review tax returns, identify issues, gather information from clients, and review taxability matrices for accuracy and timeliness.
Price services, sell related services, develop service in accordance with SOX rulings, adopt engagement letters before work begins, and manage engagements.
Develop, recommend, and implement tax consulting approaches that maximize client benefits, including reducing current and future taxes.
Consider applicable state tax consulting specialties, involve subject matter experts when appropriate, apply project workplans, and ensure compliance with firm WTA checklist policy.
Support tax examinations and controversy matters, review assessment notices, monitor client expectations, and handle routine agency questions with assistance.
Use GoSystems, tax research databases, and other tax-related software; train staff on current software tools.
Develop and manage a tax specialization, work with firm specialists, and conduct internal CPE training in the area of specialization.
Review tax provisions and apply firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual relating to FAS 109 and FIN 48; help others learn these requirements and coordinate tax accrual reviews with Assurance counterparts.
Research and assist with implementing tax strategies, review tax studies, explain alternatives to clients, and identify lessons learned and ways to improve projects.
Build client relationships and support marketing, networking, and business development.
Provide technical service to multistate companies on state and local income and franchise tax research, planning, consulting, and controversy matters, including settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements, audits, protests, refund claims, and appeals.
Make high-level decisions regarding filing and preparation and handle questions from federal and state agencies.
Manage projects economically and productively, including billing and accounts receivable responsibilities.
Educate and advise professionals about state and local tax law and support their career development.
Supervise SALT Associate work assignments, provide periodic feedback, participate in annual performance evaluations, and mentor Associates, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as required.