Tax Senior, State And Local Tax

Job Summary

The Tax Senior, State and Local Tax, applies industry knowledge and experience to clients by assisting in providing advice related to tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternate courses of action, as well as identify different methods of complying with tax regulations. Additional responsibilities include applying knowledge to understand potential tax issues, evaluate and select alternative actions to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognize and communicate potential risks, identify potential changes in the tax policy and apply new policies to tax compliance and assist in handling routine questions from federal or state agencies. This role also serves as primary contact for the clients, as needed, including but not limited to preparing and presenting presentations to clients and potential clients.

Job Duties

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 WTA and tax returns
• Develops and maintains relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax (DOT)/Department of Revenue (DOR) personnel

Tax Compliance

• 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
• Develops service in accordance with SOX rulings
• Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing and manages engagements
• Conducts detailed review of tax returns, and identifies basic, complex and advanced issues throughout the engagement
• Communicates with clients to gather information when applicable
• Prepares and reviews taxability matrices for client transactions assuring timely review and accuracy of returns

Tax Consulting

• 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 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
• Ensures client service teams comply with firm policy regarding WTA checklist
• Develops consultative selling skills
• Provides assistance with exam support
• Assists in managing client expectations
• Informs Core Tax Services leadership of state tax opportunities for clients

Tax Controversy

• Reviews assessment notices
• Monitors client expectations regarding issues of controversy
• Handles routine questions from federal or state agencies with assistance

Tax Related Software

• Utilizes GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
• Trains staff on all current software tools

Tax 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

Accounting for Income Taxes – SFAS109

• Reviews basic tax provisions
• ASC740-10: Applies firm policies, standards and BDO Tax Quality Manual regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
• Assists others in learning and applying FAS 109 and FIN 48
• Reviews tax provisions
• Communicates with Assurance counterparts to timely plan tax accrual reviews

Strategy Development

• 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 lesions learned on prior projects and offers input on how to improve
• Suggests 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/franchise tax issues including research, planning, and controversy work
• Assists multi-state companies with state and local income/franchise tax planning, consulting, negotiation of settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements and state income/franchise tax audit representation (i.e., protests, refund claims and appeals)
• Makes high-level decisions regarding filing and preparation, and handles questions from federal and state agencies
• Economically and productively manages projects including billing and accounts receivable responsibilities
• Educates and advises professionals regarding state and local tax law as well as developing their careers
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises work assignments of SALT Associates, as appropriate
• Provides periodic performance feedback to and participates in the annual performance evaluation for SALT Associates, as appropriate
• Acts as a mentor to and assists in the professional development of SALT Associates, as appropriate

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education: Bachelors degree required; Masters degree in Accounting/Taxation or J.D., preferred

Experience: Two (2) or more years state and local/multistate experience, required

License/Certifications: CPA certification or other relevant certification, preferred

Software: Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred; Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools, preferred

Language: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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 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