Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

BDO USA, P.C. • Boston, MA

6d • $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 business objectives, recommend alternative courses of action, and identify methods of complying with tax regulations. The role involves identifying potential tax issues, evaluating actions to reduce tax burdens and compliance costs, communicating risks, tracking tax policy changes, applying new policies to tax compliance, and assisting with routine questions from federal and state agencies. The Tax Senior may serve as a primary client contact, including preparing and presenting presentations to clients and potential clients.

The position provides state and local tax compliance, consulting, controversy, and strategy services to multi-state companies. Responsibilities include research and review of tax returns and provisions; developing tax planning approaches; supporting audits, protests, refund claims, appeals, settlements, and voluntary disclosure agreements; managing projects and client expectations; and developing relationships with clients, tax agencies, and colleagues. The role also supports and mentors SALT Associates, as appropriate.

A bachelor's degree and at least two years of state and local or multistate experience are required. A master's degree in Accounting/Taxation or a JD, and CPA or another relevant certification, are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two or more years of state and local or multistate experience.
• 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 in a group.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel.
• Advanced knowledge of tax return forms and a basic understanding of tax compliance.
• People development and delegation skills, and ability to foster teamwork on engagements.
• Executive presence and ability to act as the primary contact on assigned engagements.
• Ability to interact successfully with professionals at all levels.
• Working knowledge of tax standards and relevant information sources used in tax filings.
• Understanding of how taxable conditions affect clients and of potential tax issues.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to create written tax advice.
• Basic understanding of representing a client before a tax authority on contested issues.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Accounting/Taxation or a Juris Doctor (JD).
• CPA certification or another relevant certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

• Identify research needs, frame issues, analyze relevant facts and authorities—including information that may contradict a preferred position—and report findings.
• Apply firm and professional standards when preparing WTA and tax returns, and develop relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax and Department of Revenue personnel.
• Ensure client compliance while minimizing tax and reporting burdens; track information availability and filing requirements; and prepare and review tax returns and taxability matrices accurately and efficiently.
• Manage tax engagements, confirm engagement letters are adopted before work begins, communicate with clients to gather information, and identify issues through detailed return review.
• Develop, recommend, and implement tax methods that maximize client benefits, interpret tax law and client facts, apply consulting workplans, and involve other specialists when appropriate.
• Support tax examinations, manage client expectations, communicate state tax opportunities to Core Tax Services leadership, and handle routine federal or state agency questions with assistance.
• Use GoSystems, tax research databases, and other tax-related software, and train staff on current software tools.
• Develop expertise in one or more tax specialties, manage specialization services, collaborate with firm specialists, and conduct internal CPE training in the area of specialization.
• Review basic tax provisions and apply firm policies and standards regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48; assist others in applying these standards and coordinate tax accrual reviews with Assurance counterparts.
• Research and implement tax strategies, review studies and alternatives, understand supporting documentation, apply lessons learned, suggest marketing approaches, and discuss simple strategies with clients.
• Provide technical state and local income/franchise tax services to multi-state companies, including research, planning, controversy work, settlement negotiations, voluntary disclosure agreements, and audit representation such as protests, refund claims, and appeals.
• Make high-level decisions regarding tax filing and preparation, manage project economics including billing and accounts receivable, and educate and advise professionals on state and local tax law and career development.
• Build client relationships through marketing, networking, and business development.
• Supervise SALT Associate work assignments as appropriate, provide periodic feedback, participate in annual performance evaluations, and mentor Associates.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation, providing beneficial ownership in the firm.
• 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