Tax Manager, State and Local Tax

BDO USA • San Francisco, CA

8h • $79,800 - $168,000

About The Position

The Tax Manager, State and Local Tax advises clients on tax implications related to business objectives, recommends alternative courses of action, and identifies methods for complying with tax regulations. The manager supports state and local tax (SALT) matters for clients in collaboration with Core Tax Partners, Directors, and Senior Managers, while also contributing to marketing, networking, and business development. The role includes recognizing changes in tax policy and applying new policies to tax compliance.

Responsibilities include researching complex tax questions and reporting findings; reviewing tax returns and responding to notices from state taxing authorities; providing exam support and tax consulting; managing engagements and client expectations; representing clients before tax authorities; and providing technical SALT services to multistate companies. The manager also prepares tax accrual workpapers, applies relevant accounting and tax standards, develops tax strategies, and supervises and develops SALT Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns.

BDO describes a collaborative environment centered on supporting colleagues, clients, and communities, with meaningful work and career development opportunities. BDO also highlights the use of generative and agentic AI, with professional judgment required to validate AI-generated work products. The firm is an ESOP company, offering participants beneficial ownership through an employee stock ownership plan. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

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.
• Solid organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to multitask independently or in a group environment and manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven setting.
• Ability to manage a team of tax professionals and delegate assignments effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel.
• Ability to foster teamwork and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel.
• 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 applying tax standards and of sources of information used in tax filings.
• Advanced understanding of the causes and effects of taxable conditions for clients and potential tax issues.

Nice To Haves

• Business focus in undergraduate studies.
• 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

• Research complex tax situations, identify appropriate research sources, analyze findings, and prepare detailed reports.
• 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 consult with other tax professionals when appropriate.
• Determine tax planning processes, ensure engagement letters are adopted before work begins, and manage engagements.
• Assist with consultative selling strategies and manage expectations of assigned clients.
• Represent clients before tax authorities on contested issues.
• Use tax-related software, including GoSystems and tax research databases.
• Provide technical SALT services to multistate companies; negotiate settlements and voluntary disclosure agreements; and represent clients in state tax audits.
• Draft technical memoranda on state and local tax issues and prepare tax accrual workpapers.
• Apply industry standards, firm policies, and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements related to FAS 109, FIN 48, FAS 5, sales tax, and unclaimed property.
• Review tax studies and identify alternative courses of action that benefit clients.
• Develop ideas and research tax strategies that advance client or firm interests, including through tax or expense reduction or non-tax benefits.
• Suggest marketing approaches for acquiring new clients.
• Supervise the day-to-day work of SALT Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and review their work product.
• Train SALT Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns on relevant tax software.
• Evaluate performance and help develop goals and objectives for SALT Senior Associates and Associates.
• Provide periodic performance feedback and complete performance evaluations for SALT Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns.
• Act as a Career Advisor to SALT Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), described as beneficial ownership and a qualified retirement plan.
• Comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings; specific benefits are not enumerated in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager