Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

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:

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 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 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 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
• 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

 

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $73,500 - $131,250
Maryland Range: $73,500 - $131,250
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $73,500 - $131,250
Washington DC Range: $73,500 - $131,250

Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world. 

At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team.  BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.

BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions. 

We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:

• Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
• Empowering team members to explore their full potential
• Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
• Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
• Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
• BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.”  Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

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