Sr. Accountant, Sales Tax

Circle K • Tempe, AZ

1d

About The Position

Position Summary The Sales Tax Staff Accountant will support the company’s indirect tax compliance function with a focus on sales tax, use tax, and fuel‑related transactional taxes across multiple states. This role will work closely with the Tax, Accounting, and Operations teams to ensure timely and accurate tax filings, reconciliation of tax accounts, and proper application of tax regulations within a complex gas station retail environment. Key Responsibilities Prepare and file sales, use, and fuel-related excise tax returns across multiple jurisdictions. Perform monthly tax reconciliations, including sales tax payable accounts and tax-sensitized general ledger accounts. Review daily and monthly ERP (PDI) system reports for tax accuracy across fuel and convenience store transactions. Assist with tax data gathering from multiple systems (POS, back-office, fuel inventory systems, procurement). Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and local tax regulations, particularly those impacting fuel sales, prepared foods, tobacco, and convenience retail items. Participate in sales and use tax audits, preparing schedules and supporting documentation as requested. Research basic tax inquiries using state resources, publications, and internal systems. Support the implementation of tax rate updates and ensure accurate mapping in POS and accounting systems. Assist with special projects, including process automation and systems improvements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred. 0–3 years of experience in accounting or tax; experience in indirect tax preferred. Strong analytical skills with the ability to reconcile complex datasets. Intermediate Excel skills (xlookups, sumifs, pivot tables, data cleansing). Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Preferred Skills (Staff Level) Experience in the fuel or retail industry, especially gas stations, C-stores, or petroleum distribution. Familiarity with sales and use tax and some exposure to fuel excise taxes, environmental fees, or prepaid sales tax on motor fuel. Exposure to indirect tax software (e.g., Avalara, Vertex, Sovos). Understanding of POS data structures or back-office systems used in gas stations. Additional Skills & Qualifications for a Senior Sales Tax Accountant A Senior Sales Tax Accountant in the fuel retail industry should demonstrate higher technical expertise, leadership capability, and broader experience with complex tax structures. Below is what distinguishes the senior role: Additional Responsibilities Lead preparation and review of multi-state and high-volume sales, use, and fuel excise tax returns. Oversee tax GL account reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting. Serve as the subject matter expert for sales tax issues, including prepaid motor fuel tax, environmental taxes, and regulatory reporting. Manage tax audits from start to finish, including communication with auditors and resolving disputed items. Provide training, coaching, and review of work performed by staff accountants. Partner with Operations, IT, and Accounting to implement system enhancements and troubleshoot tax calculation issues within POS systems. Lead tax research initiatives and recommend policy positions or compliance changes. Evaluate and improve internal controls, tax processes, and automation opportunities. Additional Qualifications (Senior Level) 4–7 years of indirect tax experience, preferably in a multi-state retail or fuel industry environment. Advanced knowledge of sales tax and use tax compliance, as well as an understanding of fuel excise tax compliance. Strong understanding of sales tax implications for fuel, prepared foods, lottery, tobacco, and car wash services. Demonstrated ability to interpret state regulations and apply them to real-world business scenarios. Experience leading audits and interacting directly with tax authorities. Advanced Excel skills (complex formulas, macros, data modeling). Experience with large data sets and tax automation tools; ability to identify system issues and propose solutions. CPA, CMI (Sales Tax), or progress toward certification preferred. Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Click below to review information about our company's use of the federal E-Verify program to check work eligibility: In English In Spanish Our mission at Circle K is to make people's lives a little easier every day. Our global family of 130,000 people in over 16,000 stores and 26 countries makes that possible for our millions of clients worldwide, which is why we are committed to helping them achieve their goals and grow with us. We set ourselves apart by our culture of pride: pride in our people and their development, pride in serving others, what we've built and what we are striving to achieve. No matter where you come from or where you are heading in your career, there is a place for you to grow at Circle K. When you grow, we grow - together. To return to the list of job postings, click here.

Requirements

• 4–7 years of indirect tax experience, preferably in a multi-state retail or fuel industry environment.
• Advanced knowledge of sales tax and use tax compliance, as well as an understanding of fuel excise tax compliance.
• Strong understanding of sales tax implications for fuel, prepared foods, lottery, tobacco, and car wash services.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret state regulations and apply them to real-world business scenarios.
• Experience leading audits and interacting directly with tax authorities.
• Advanced Excel skills (complex formulas, macros, data modeling).
• Experience with large data sets and tax automation tools; ability to identify system issues and propose solutions.
• CPA, CMI (Sales Tax), or progress toward certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and review of multi-state and high-volume sales, use, and fuel excise tax returns.
• Oversee tax GL account reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for sales tax issues, including prepaid motor fuel tax, environmental taxes, and regulatory reporting.
• Manage tax audits from start to finish, including communication with auditors and resolving disputed items.
• Provide training, coaching, and review of work performed by staff accountants.
• Partner with Operations, IT, and Accounting to implement system enhancements and troubleshoot tax calculation issues within POS systems.
• Lead tax research initiatives and recommend policy positions or compliance changes.
• Evaluate and improve internal controls, tax processes, and automation opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees