Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

BDO USA, P.C. • San Francisco, CA

21h • $73,500 - $131,250

About The Position

The Tax Senior, State and Local Tax, applies industry knowledge and experience to advise clients on the tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternative courses of action, and identify methods of complying with tax regulations. The role identifies potential tax issues, evaluates actions to reduce tax burden and compliance costs, communicates risks, tracks tax-policy changes, and applies new policies to tax compliance. It also assists with routine inquiries from federal or state agencies and serves as a primary client contact when needed, including preparing and presenting presentations to clients and prospective clients.

The position provides state and local tax compliance, consulting, controversy, and strategy services to clients, including multistate companies with income and franchise tax issues. It researches tax authorities, reviews returns and tax provisions, supports audits and appeals, develops tax strategies, manages engagements and client relationships, and uses tax software and research tools. The role may supervise and mentor SALT Associates, provide feedback, and contribute to their professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least two years of state and local or multistate experience required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to meet project deadlines with attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask successfully while working independently or within a group.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel.
• Advanced knowledge of tax return forms.
• Excellent people-development and delegation skills and ability to encourage teamwork on engagements.
• Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements.
• Basic understanding of tax compliance and of representing clients before tax authorities on contested issues.
• Ability to interact successfully with professionals at all levels.
• Working knowledge of applying tax standards to deliver tax services effectively and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of information sources used in tax filings and of the causes and effects of taxable conditions and potential client tax issues.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to create written tax advice.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting or Taxation, or a J.D.
• CPA certification or another relevant certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

• Research tax issues by framing questions, finding and analyzing relevant authorities and facts—including information that may contradict preferred positions—and reporting findings.
• Apply tax authorities and firm and professional standards when preparing workpapers and tax returns.
• Develop and maintain relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax and Department of Revenue personnel.
• Ensure clients comply with applicable tax authorities while minimizing tax and reporting burdens; track client information availability and filing requirements.
• Prepare and review tax returns and taxability matrices, identify issues, gather information from clients, and ensure timely and accurate work.
• Apply tax compliance knowledge accurately and efficiently, price services, sell related services, comply with SOX rulings, and ensure engagement letters are adopted before work begins.
• Develop, recommend, and implement tax consulting methods that maximize client benefits and reduce current and future taxes; interpret laws and client facts and apply project workplans.
• Coordinate with tax consulting specialists and other subject-matter experts as appropriate, and inform Core Tax Services leadership of state tax opportunities.
• Support tax examinations, manage client expectations, and handle routine questions from federal or state agencies with assistance.
• Use GoSystems, tax research databases, and other tax-related software, and train staff on current software tools.
• Develop technical and practical expertise in one or more tax areas, manage specialization services, involve firm specialists when appropriate, and conduct internal CPE training in the area of specialization.
• Review basic tax provisions and apply firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48; assist others with these areas and coordinate tax accrual reviews with Assurance counterparts.
• Develop and research tax strategies, review studies of tax implications, advise clients on alternatives, assist with implementation, understand supporting documentation, and suggest marketing approaches for new ideas.
• Provide technical services to multistate companies on state and local income and franchise tax research, planning, consulting, and controversy matters, including settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements, audits, protests, refund claims, and appeals.
• Make high-level decisions about filing and preparation and respond to questions from federal and state agencies.
• Manage projects economically and productively, including billing and accounts receivable responsibilities.
• Build client relationships and support marketing, networking, and business development.
• Educate and advise professionals on state and local tax law and contribute to their career development.
• Supervise SALT Associate work assignments as appropriate, provide periodic performance feedback, participate in annual performance evaluations, and mentor Associates.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• BDO is an ESOP company, offering participants beneficial ownership and a stake in the firm’s success through a qualified retirement plan.
• Comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings; benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

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