Director, Tax (SALT Planning, Reporting, and Compliance)
The Director, Tax (SALT Planning, Reporting, and Compliance) will be responsible for all aspects of state and local corporate income and franchise taxes. This leadership role includes overseeing and executing SALT planning initiatives, ensuring accurate and timely compliance and financial reporting, evaluating the SALT impact of legislative and M&A changes, and providing domestic transfer pricing support. The ideal candidate will bring over 10 years of relevant experience, deep technical expertise, and a collaborative mindset to partner with cross-functional teams and external advisors.
Your Role Accountabilities :
- Direct the preparation and timely filing of all SALT income and franchise returns (including partnerships), and estimates and extensions
- Oversee the preparation of compliance workpapers, including nexus analysis, apportionment, modifications, attribute tracking, and ensuring changes / initiatives are properly reflected
- Collaborate with the Credits and Incentives team to ensure credits are properly reflected in the provision, tax returns, and quarterly cash estimates
- Develop and implement strategic State and Local Tax initiatives
- Evaluate and document the state tax impact of tax planning and business changes (e.g. acquisitions, disposals, new business initiatives)
- Monitor legislative developments and quantify current and deferred tax impacts; support lobbying efforts as needed
- Engage and manage external service providers
- Manage the amended return process resulting from federal adjustments
- Support quarterly and annual tax provision processes and financial disclosures, including tax account reconciliations, accruals and financial statement audits
- Maintain strong SOX controls and ensure proper tax accounting practices
- Collaborate with the controversy team to assess uncertain tax positions, prepare audit documentation, and respond to notices
- Partner with Legal, HR, Payroll, Real Estate, and business operations teams to assess tax impacts of new state operations
- Monitor and manage refund claims and ensure timely deposits
- Support the transfer pricing team as it relates to domestic intercompany transactions
- Prepare and provide support for ad-hoc state requests such as state-level withholding forms, nonresident exemption forms, qualifications, renewals, withdrawals, and 3rd party partner communications
Qualifications & Experience :
Minimum of 10 years of experience in SALT income and franchise tax, with demonstrated leadership responsibilitiesCPA or MST RequiredDeep understanding of state tax laws, compliance processes, and tax accounting principles (ASC 740)Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage external consultantsExceptional analytical, organizational, presentation, and communication skillsStrong writing skills with the ability to clearly memorialize technical positionsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentExperience in both income and indirect taxExperience working in the media and entertainment industryAbility to collaborate with a global teamExperience with various ERP systems (Oracle, PeopleSoft and SAP), tax provision / compliance software (OneSource), and research tools (BNA, CCH)Championing Inclusion at WBD :
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and / or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range : $153,545.00 - $285,155.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.