payroll tax accountant lead -Payroll Operations & Tax

Starbucks Coffee Company•Seattle, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you’ll step in as a payroll tax expert who ensures accurate, timely, and compliant tax operations across the U.S. and Canada. You’ll collaborate closely with a team of Payroll Tax Accountants to resolve escalations, support internal and external audits, and manage IRS and CRA account. As a key leader during quarter and year-end for U.S. and Canada, you will guide the balancing and processing of more than 450,000 annual tax statements—playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional experience for partners across North America. You’ll work with complex tax data, including expatriate, inpatriate, and relocation‑related information, while identifying innovative ways to streamline processes and strengthen controls. This position offers the opportunity to lead payroll tax projects from concept to completion, champion change, and influence how tax operations evolve. You will play a critical role in solving complex challenges and driving continuous improvement. As a payroll tax accountant lead, you will…

Requirements

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work as part of team
Organization skills
Knowledge of accounting systems and processes
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word)
Proficiency in tax compliance software and supporting data base tools
Ability to work independently
Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Ability to identify process efficiency and tax planning opportunities

Responsibilities

Training and Cross-Functional Partnership – Provides ongoing training, coaching, and technical guidance to Payroll Tax Accountants while serving as the primary representative for the payroll tax function in projects and cross‑functional initiatives. Ensures business impacts are fully understood and addressed, partnering closely with stakeholders to resolve complex tax matters and delivering clear, actionable recommendations that support team objectives and broader organizational goals.
Payroll Tax Operations & Compliance – Oversees the full payroll tax lifecycle, managing all daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual compliance activities across U.S. states, local jurisdictions, and Canadian provinces. Ensures accurate, timely tax filings and payments while maintaining adherence to regulatory requirements. Supports system compliance testing and tax‑related updates to ensure processes remain aligned with evolving legislation and operational needs.
Process Improvement, Reporting & Systems Support – Leads continuous improvement efforts by evaluating existing processes, identifying opportunities to strengthen compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. Manages and supports tax‑related audits and reconciliations, ensuring data accuracy and the integrity of payroll and tax results. Assesses the effectiveness of existing controls and implements enhancements that improve workflow, support decision‑making, and maintain compliance standards.

Benefits

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year.
Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools.
Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities.
You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement.
Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies.
This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative.
For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above.
For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.