Senior Manager, Payroll and Compensation Tax

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

11d•$147,760 - $221,640•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Manager, Payroll and Compensation Tax within Caterpillar's Global Tax organization, you will lead U.S. payroll and compensation tax activities while serving as a strategic business partner across the enterprise. This role provides tax advisory and compliance support to Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Legal, and business teams on a broad range of payroll, employment, compensation, and mobility-related tax matters. The successful candidate will combine accounting, technical tax expertise, leadership capabilities, vendor management and business acumen to support business initiatives, manage tax risk, drive process improvements, and develop tax professionals in a dynamic global environment. This role is part of Caterpillar's Global Tax team and supports enterprise-wide payroll and compensation tax strategies. The responsibilities align with the Compensation Tax organization's scope supporting payroll tax compliance, information reporting, international assignee programs, and business traveler initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Tax, Business, or a related field and 8+ years of progressively responsible tax, payroll tax, accounting, or finance experience.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations with experience supporting tax compliance, reporting, audits, and operational processes.
Ability to evaluate tax consequences, communicate recommendations, and support business partners on complex tax matters.
Strong analytical and research capabilities with experience interpreting legislation, regulations, and technical guidance.
Ability to communicate complex tax concepts clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences while influencing decision-making.
Understanding of how tax decisions impact business operations, financial results, risk management, and strategic objectives.
Experience leading teams, developing talent, managing priorities, managing projects and driving results through collaboration and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to analyze issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical business solutions.

Nice To Haves

CPA certification, IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, or progress toward obtaining a professional credential.
Experience within a Fortune 500 or multinational organization.
Payroll tax, employment tax, compensation tax, vendor management, or global mobility tax experience.
Experience supporting federal, state, and local tax audits and controversy matters.
Experience leading process improvement, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.
Experience collaborating across Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and accounting functions.
Knowledge of payroll systems, financial systems, data analytics, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a small team by providing coaching, mentoring, technical guidance, and development opportunities.
Provide payroll and compensation tax advisory support to business partners on employee programs, payroll processes, legal settlements, mergers and acquisitions, business traveler activities, and other tax-related matters.
Oversee U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance, including employment tax filings, information reporting, tax payments, amended returns, and related compliance processes.
Manage responses to payroll tax notices, audits, examinations, and inquiries from taxing authorities.
Manage outsourced vendor relationships and software utilized including the following for U.S. tax compliance: ADP MasterTax Administration: Payroll tax compliance and payment payments. Sovos Information Reporting: Manage Form 1099 reporting and compliance activities
Research and analyze tax legislation, regulatory developments, and emerging tax issues to determine business impacts and recommend practical solutions.
Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Accounting, Legal, and external advisors to evaluate tax implications of business decisions and operational activities.
Subject Matter Expert on the multi-year cross functional Global Payroll Transformation project.
Support payroll tax accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and forecasting processes.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on simplifying processes, improving data quality, strengthening controls, and leveraging digital capabilities.
Support enterprise objectives through effective risk management, process standardization, and stakeholder collaboration.
Influence business decisions and drive successful outcomes through technical expertise, business partnership, and effective communication.