Income Franchise Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

Job Title

Job Summary : The STS 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 :

• 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 STS 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 lessons 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 STS SALT Associates, as appropriate

Provides periodic performance feedback to and participates in the annual performance evaluation for STS SALT Associates, as appropriate

Acts as a mentor to and assists in the professional development of STS 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