Senior Specialist, Tax

Celanese•Irving, TX

About The Position

The Senior Sales & Use Tax Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of U.S. sales and use tax, Canadian GST/QST, Superfund Excise tax, and Unclaimed Property compliance activities. The role provides technical expertise and operational support across the organization and serves as a subject matter expert on taxability determinations, compliance, reconciliations, audits, exemption documentation, research, and process improvement. The specialist works independently on complex assignments, identifies and resolves tax issues, and partners with Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Procurement, Customer Service, Plant Operations, and other business functions. The role provides guidance to help ensure transactions are taxed appropriately and compliance requirements are met. It also identifies opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, automation, and process enhancements and supports ongoing optimization of sales and use tax systems and processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Tax, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 5 years of progressive experience in sales and use tax, indirect tax, accounting, or a related tax function.
Strong knowledge of U.S. sales and use tax concepts and compliance requirements.
Experience preparing and/or reviewing sales and use tax returns and performing tax account reconciliations.
Experience researching and resolving sales and use tax issues.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a large ERP environment such as SAP.
Experience with a sales and use tax engine such as OneSource.
Experience supporting state and local tax audits.
Experience with exemption certificate management.
Experience using Alteryx or similar data analytics or automation tools.
Experience in a manufacturing or multinational corporate environment.
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements and automation.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and file assigned U.S. sales and use tax, Canadian GST/QST, and Superfund Excise tax returns accurately and on time.
Calculate and remit sales and use tax liabilities in accordance with applicable state and local requirements.
Prepare bi-weekly Superfund Excise tax payments.
Perform monthly or quarterly account reconciliations and investigate and resolve variances between tax return payments and SAP tax accrual accounts.
Monitor tax accruals, adjustments, payments, and other activity to support appropriate accounting and reporting.
Research and resolve discrepancies between the OneSource tax system, SAP data, and tax reporting.
Maintain supporting documentation and workpapers for compliance and audit activities.
Assist with responses to state auditors.
Monitor filing requirements, registrations, tax rates, and jurisdictional changes.
Provide technical guidance to internal business partners regarding sales and use tax requirements.
Provide tax exemption certificates to stakeholders and maintain and monitor sales and use tax exemption documentation.
Research exemption certificate requirements by jurisdiction.
Provide timely sales and use tax support to internal stakeholders.
Partner with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Procurement, and Accounting teams to resolve tax-related issues.
Identify potential tax issues and communicate recommended solutions.
Independently manage complex sales and use tax assignments with limited supervision.
Serve as a resource and subject matter expert for other team members.
Own issues from identification through resolution and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Prioritize multiple deadlines and competing requirements while maintaining accuracy.
Exercise sound judgment in evaluating tax issues and determining appropriate courses of action.
Escalate significant risks, exposures, and unresolved technical matters to management with clear recommendations.