Tax Specialist

Vivmark Residential exists to set the mark for what home can be. Formed through the merger of AvalonBay Communities and Equity Residential, Vivmark brings together two industry leaders with a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional living experiences. Our vision is to be the most trusted and best-performing rental housing company in America - one that continues to get better as it grows. And we're looking for people who want to help us do it.

As an owner, developer, and manager of more than 180,000 apartment homes in major markets across the US, we have the scale to offer something most companies can't. At Vivmark, team members move up and across functions, markets, and disciplines, building lasting careers. We invest in team members' growth, development, and capabilities that make them and us better, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard as an employer.

The best people want to work here. We hope you're one of them.

Under the direction of the manager, the candidate will be responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of federal, state and local tax returns for Vivmark Residential and its related entities. Gathers information and researches tax laws to support the overall tax initiatives of Vivmark Residential. Corresponds with agencies as necessary.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Our current onsite work schedule requires attendance from Monday through Thursday each week, with remote work permitted on Fridays.

LOCATION:  Chicago, IL or Arlington, VA (relocation is at the candidates own expense).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Tax Return Preparation and Reporting

• Prepares federal, state and local tax returns and related schedules and reports for Vivmark Residential and its related entities according to the due dates provided by the manager.
• Prepares federal and state extension requests and quarterly estimated tax payments for the various companies in accordance with Tax Department deadlines and procedures.
• Prepares various state and local annual reports.

Research, Analysis and Correspondence

• Gathers management and accounting information. Obtains any necessary clarification, requests additional information and communicates with various departments concerning any problems that arise. Incorporates information gathered into tax workpapers and schedules.
• Conducts research as necessary to determine compliance with tax laws. Reads periodicals to maintain knowledge about changing tax laws, planning opportunities, filing requirements, etc. Uses tax research resources regularly.
• Researches, resolves and responds to state and federal regulatory agencies’ notices. Drafts correspondence with federal and state taxing agencies in connection with notices and filing inquiries, as needed. Responsible for notice resolution according to the procedures and timing established by the Tax Department.
• Reviews corporate and partnership legal documents and correspondence as needed to ensure correct preparation of tax returns.
• Prepares quarterly and annual REIT tests for all REIT’s in the Vivmark Residential organizational structure.
• Conducts various tax research projects as assigned by Supervisor. Presents findings to the rest of the Tax Department, as necessary.
• Prepares various calculations and tracking schedules as required, ie. tracking taxable gains, property attributes, secured debt, etc. 
• Communicates tax findings, issues, project status, workload, etc. on a regular basis using appropriate communication vehicles.  

Miscellaneous

• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or other related field with equivalent combination of coursework and professional tax experience. 
• 2-5 years of experience in accounting or tax experience is preferred.
• Must possess strong analytical communication and follow-up skills and have a basic working knowledge of partnership and corporate, federal and state taxation. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; exposure to databases and/or tax preparation software a plus.

Salary: $71,015 - $86,796 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 6.5% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Machines, Tools and Equipment, Software:

Computer w/Internet and e-mail capabilities, Telephone, Facsimile, Photocopier, Microsoft Office, OneSource Income Tax Express, FAS.

Licenses/Certification: CPA preferred.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES:

Ability to hear and speak well enough to converse verbally over the phone and in-person (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken or written word). Ability to interpret, evaluate and communicate detailed written or verbal instructions to others accurately and easily. Able to see well enough to use the computer effectively and read written communications. Ability to lift, push, pull or carry up to 15 pounds for the dissemination of documents, supplies, materials, etc. to various locations throughout the office/facility. May be required to climb stairs depending on the property structure. 

The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job. “Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.