Tax Accountant

BASIC FUNCTION:

Primary functions are supporting direct tax compliance for the Company and its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada. Primarily responsible for the preparation of U.S. federal and state, and Canadian federal and provincial income and franchise tax returns, timely estimated and installment payments, and related cross-border filings. Reviews foreign vendor tax documentation (including Form W-8), analyzes withholding tax requirements, and prepares recommendations regarding withholding tax treatment and related compliance obligations.   Prepares complex tax provision calculations, deferred tax analyses, and supporting workpapers for quarterly and annual tax provision reporting in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Serves as a primary preparer for U.S. federal and state and Canadian income tax audits, maintains contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation, performs technical tax research and recommends solutions to tax issues and business transactions.  Assists in the preparation of various tax analyses, tax accrual calculations, and other duties as assigned by the Tax Supervisor.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Tax Accountant reports directly to the Tax Supervisor, who reports to the Tax Manager. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position is responsible for:

• The preparation of the Company’s U.S. federal and state income and franchise tax returns and Canadian federal and provincial (T2) income tax returns, including estimated and installment payments.
• Supporting U.S. and Canadian direct tax compliance by preparing returns, performing technical tax research, analyzing tax issues, and monitoring changes in tax laws and regulations affecting the Company, and recommending appropriate compliance actions.
• Preparing and analyzing complex tax provision calculations, deferred tax analyses, effective tax rate calculations, and supporting schedules for the consolidated quarterly and annual direct tax provision in accordance with IFRS.
• Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation and cross-border compliance requirements.  Review foreign vendor tax documentation (including Form W-8), analyzes withholding tax requirements, and preparing recommendations regarding withholding tax treatment and related reporting obligations.
• Serving as a primary preparer of responses for assigned U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax audits and coordinating information requests with operating divisions, external advisors and taxing authorities. 
• Calculating and reconciling income tax and deferred tax accruals to the general ledger for all Company locations and cost centers and communicating significant changes or variances to division managers and controllers.
• Filing tax refund and credit claims with taxing jurisdictions and supporting the Tax Research & Development (R&D) study and other tax credit initiatives.
• Reconciling income tax and deferred tax liability general ledger accounts on a regular monthly basis.
• Serving as a technical resource to accounting, finance, procurement, treasury, payroll, human resources, and operating personnel regarding U.S. and Canadian tax matters and the tax implications of business transactions.
• Researching and evaluating tax planning opportunities, credits, incentives, and process improvements and providing recommendations to management regarding potential tax savings and compliance efficiencies.

• Assisting in the development and administration of procedures and internal controls within the tax function in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance.
• Maintaining tax records as required by Company policies and appropriate tax regulations.

Job Dimensions:

• Consolidated sales:           approximately $6.5 billion
• Company assets:               approximately $3 billion
• Business segments:           2
• Countries:                          2 (U.S. and Canada)
• Locations/Divisions:         approximately 40–60 locations

Job Scope:

This position is expected to work independently on complex tax matters, exercise professional judgment in analyzing tax issues, and recommend appropriate tax treatment for review by the Tax Supervisor, and serve as a technical resource on U.S. and Canadian direct tax matters.  The position requires a four-year degree in accounting or a related business field, plus 5 to 7 years of hands-on income tax experience, preferably in a multinational manufacturing environment. CPA and/or an advanced degree is preferred. Prior Big 4 experience is also desirable.

This position requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to correspond with taxing authorities and to interface with upper and middle management of the Company.

This position requires proficient computer skills in MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and especially Excel.  It also requires the use of software packages for income tax provision, tax preparation, tax filing, tax research, and financial systems (general ledger, fixed assets, construction in progress, accounts payable, purchasing, accounts receivable, sales, invoicing, etc.).  Preferred software includes SAP, Power BI, and Alteryx.

This position requires the individual to stay current on tax regulations and laws affecting the Company both at a corporate and division level.  The person in this position should use subscription to tax publications, attend tax seminars, etc. to remain current on relevant taxes.

This position may require travel when necessary to visit Company locations, attend meetings or hearings with federal, state, and provincial taxing authorities, attend training seminars, etc.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Responsible for preparation of U.S. federal and state income and franchise tax returns.

1. Responsible for preparation of Canadian federal and provincial (T2) income tax returns and related filings.

1. Responsible for preparation of quarterly estimated and installment income tax payments and cross-border information and withholding filings, and withholding tax compliance filings. Responsible for reviewing foreign vendor tax documentation, analyzing withholding tax requirements, and preparing related reporting and filing obligations.

1. Responsible for timely payment of all income tax liabilities so as not to incur penalties or interest.

1. Responsible for preparing and analyzing complex tax provision calculations, deferred tax analyses, and tax account reconciliations, and supporting documentation for quarterly and annual tax provision reporting. 

1. Responsible to file refund claims and amended returns when necessary.

1. Responsible for assisting with contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation and supporting the Tax R&D study to enhance tax credit utilization.

1. Responsible for preparing and coordinating assigned audit responses and supporting tax examinations conducted by U.S. federal, state, provincial, and Canadian taxing authorities.

1. Responsible for preparation of entries to records and allocation of tax expense to proper locations and cost centers.

1. Performs other various duties as directed by the Tax Supervisor.