Tax Manager, State and Local Tax

BDO USA•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Tax Manager, State and Local Tax advises clients on the tax implications of business objectives, recommends alternative courses of action, and identifies methods for complying with tax regulations. The role also includes marketing, networking, and business development within the manager’s area of expertise; recognizing tax policy changes and applying new policies to tax compliance; and providing state and local tax expertise to clients in collaboration with Core Tax Partners, Directors, and Senior Managers. The manager conducts tax research and compliance reviews, supports tax examinations, prepares tax consulting documents, and represents clients before tax authorities on contested issues. The role serves multi-state companies with state and local tax matters, including settlement negotiations, voluntary disclosure agreements, and state tax audit representation. It also involves tax planning, engagement management, client expectation management, tax strategy development, and accounting for income taxes under applicable standards and firm requirements. The position supervises SALT Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns on assigned engagements, reviews their work, supports their training and professional development, provides performance feedback, and may act as a career advisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; a business focus is preferred.
At least four years of prior state and local or multistate experience, legal professional services experience, or equivalent experience through an advanced degree program.
Prior experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Superior analytical and research skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet project deadlines.
Ability to multitask independently or as part of a group in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to manage a team of tax professionals effectively and delegate work assignments.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel.
Ability to foster teamwork on engagements and contribute to assigned personnel’s professional development.
Executive presence and ability to act as the primary contact on assigned engagements.
Ability to interact successfully with professionals at all levels.
Advanced knowledge of appropriate tax standards and their application to deliver tax services effectively and efficiently.
Advanced knowledge of information sources used in tax filings.
Advanced understanding of the causes and effects of taxable conditions for clients and potential tax issues.

Nice To Haves

A business focus in the bachelor’s degree program.
Master’s degree in Accounting or Taxation, or a J.D.
Prior experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions.
Prior experience with corporate taxation, consolidations, and partnerships.
CPA certification or another relevant certification.
Exposure to and familiarity with standard tax applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

Identify complex tax situations requiring research, outline issues, and determine appropriate research sources.
Analyze researched facts and sources and prepare detailed reports of findings.
Develop relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax and Department of Revenue personnel.
Review tax returns in detail and identify significant state tax issues.
Draft responses to notices from state taxing authorities and assist with examination support.
Draft tax memorandums, opinions, and other documentation on tax issues.
Apply state tax consulting specialties and confer with other tax professionals when appropriate.
Determine tax planning processes, ensure engagement letters are adopted before work begins, and manage engagements.
Assist in developing consultative selling strategies and manage expectations of assigned clients.
Represent clients before tax authorities on contested issues.
Use GoSystems, tax research databases, and other tax-related software to complete assigned tasks.
Provide technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local tax issues.
Negotiate settlements and voluntary disclosure agreements, and represent clients in state tax audits.
Prepare tax accrual workpapers and apply relevant accounting standards, firm policies, and Tax Quality Manual requirements related to income taxes, sales tax, and unclaimed property.
Review studies of tax implications and identify alternative courses of action that benefit clients.
Develop ideas to advance clients’ or the firm’s position through tax or expense reductions or non-tax benefits.
Research potential tax strategies and suggest marketing approaches for acquiring new clients.
Supervise the day-to-day workload of SALT Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and review their work product.
Ensure SALT Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns are trained on relevant tax software.
Evaluate Senior Associates’ and Associates’ performance and help develop professional goals and objectives.
Provide periodic performance feedback and complete evaluations for Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns.
Act as a career advisor to SALT Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as required.