Tax Senior, State and Local Tax - Property Tax

BDO USA•Houston, TX

14d•$73,500 - $131,250

About The Position

Job Summary: The STS Tax Senior, State and Local Tax - Property Tax applies industry knowledge and experience to clients by assisting in providing advice related to property tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternate courses of action, as well as identify different methods of complying with tax regulations. Additional, the Property Tax Senior Associate is responsible for applying knowledge to understand potential tax issues, evaluating and selecting alternative actions to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognizing and communicating potential risks, identifying potential changes in the tax policy and applying new policies to tax compliance and assisting in handling routine questions from local or state agencies. This role also serves as the primary contact for clients, as needed, including but not limited to preparing and presenting presentations to clients and potential clients. This position requires involvement in the compliance processes throughout the annual property tax cycle for multiple client assignments. Personal property duties include data review, return preparation, assessment notice gathering, value review/appeal, informal settlement negotiations and tax bill processing. Real property duties include value review, informal settlement negotiations and formal value hearings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Math or other related field, preferred
Two (2) or more years of experience in property, state and local or multi-state tax, required
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Internet navigation and research, required
Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools, preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical and research skills
Solid organizational skills
Ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Capable of building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and client personnel
Advanced knowledge of all tax return forms
Excellent people development and delegation skills
Ability to encourage a team environment on engagements
Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
Basic understanding of tax compliance
Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
Working knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
Working knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings
Working knowledge of valuation and appraisal standards utilized in assessments
Working knowledge and understanding of cause and effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues
Possesses excellent decision-making skills
Ability to create written tax advice
Basic understanding of the ability to represent the client before any tax authority on contested issues
Knowledgeable in business personal property and real property assessments across the United States

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Economics, Math or other related field, preferred
Prior experience with property tax compliance and real property appeals, preferred
Property Tax Consultant License, preferred

Responsibilities

Research Identifies when research is needed; frames issues to be researched; identifies sources of all information including information tending to contradict preferred positions, analyzes facts and authorities and reports the analysis
Demonstrates an in-depth level of understanding of various tax authorities
Applies firm and professional standards for preparation of property tax returns
Develops and maintains relationships with state and local assessment personnel
Provide exceptional client service to multi-state companies by working with a team to identify tax savings opportunities.
Assist multi-state companies with state and local tax controversies, which includes preparing clients for discussions with auditors, representing the client at hearings and at appeal meetings, and preparing protests
Responds to client inquiries and request from tax authorities
Ensures clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens
Tracks availability and filing requirements regarding client-related information
Applies tax compliance knowledge with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
Utilizes knowledge of preparation and issues to price services and sell related services
Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing, and manages engagements
Conducts detailed reviews of tax returns, and identifies basic, complex and advanced issues throughout the engagement
Communicates with clients to gather information, when applicable
Performs other duties as assigned
Works with raw data to complete calculations
Develops, recommends and implements methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
Considers the applicability of all state tax consulting sub-specialties for each client, conferring with other STS consultants, when appropriate
Interprets existing and new law and client facts to maximize benefits
Involves other state tax sub-specialty subject matter experts, when appropriate
Applies workplans for tax consulting projects performed for clients
Develops consultative selling skills
Assists in managing client expectations
Informs Core Tax Services leadership of state tax opportunities for clients
Reviews assessment notices
Monitors client expectations regarding issues of controversy
Prepares valuation analysis for potential appeals
Provides negotiation and appeal representation for clients with assessors
Handles routine questions from local or state agencies with assistance
Utilizes PTMS, One Source or other property tax management software systems
Utilizes tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
Trains STS SALT Property Tax staff on all current software toolsTax Specialization
Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation
Manages specialization services efficiently
Involves and works with firm specialists when client and proposal work relates to areas in which the firm has specialists
Organizes and conducts internal CPE training sessions in area of specialization
Introduces and develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel by reducing taxes or expenses or providing non-tax benefits
Reviews studies of tax implications, and offers client alternative courses of action
Assists with research of potential tax strategies as well as implementation
Understands documentation associated with tax strategies
Identifies and leverages lessons learned on prior projects, and provides improvement suggestions
Proposes marketing approaches for new ideas
Discusses simple tax strategies with client
Builds client relationships, marketing, networking and business development
Provides technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local income and franchise tax issues including research, planning and controversy work
Assists multi-state companies with state and local tax planning, consulting and negotiation of settlements
Makes high-level decisions regarding filing and preparation, and handles questions from local and state agencies
Economically and productively manages projects including billing and accounts receivable responsibilities
Educates and advises professionals regarding state and local tax law
Acts as a mentor to and assists in the professional development of STS SALT Property Tax Associates and Interns, as appropriate
Provides periodic performance feedback to and participates in the annual performance evaluation for STS SALT Property Tax Associates and Interns, as appropriate