POWERHOUSE - Sales Tax Specialist

The Sales Tax Manager, reporting to the Controller, is responsible for overseeing and managing all tax-related activities across Powerhouse companies. This role requires a deep understanding of tax laws, compliance, and reporting, and the ability to lead a global team member in the effective management of tax functions. The Tax Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring tax compliance, implementing strategies for tax efficiency, and collaborating with various departments to drive financial and operational success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the preparation, review, and filing of sales and use tax returns using Avatax and directly for some states and local jurisdictions.

• File personal Property Tax

• File Business & Occupation Tax and other state and local taxes.

• Assist in Payroll tax-related notices by working with the Payroll team and Paylocity

• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required tax filings, including compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and implement tax strategies to optimize tax positions and minimize tax liabilities across Powerhouse companies.

• Lead the analysis of tax implications related to mergers, acquisitions, and business expansions.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate tax strategies with corporate financial goals.

• Facilitate state audits related to Sales Taxes and Personal Property Taxes, providing oversight and guidance to ensure accurate tax calculations and compliance.

• Support financial audits by providing detailed tax-related documentation and reconciliations as needed.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies.

• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Global Tax team member providing guidance on best practices and Avatax software utilization.

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members to ensure alignment with department standards and goals.

• Lead special projects related to tax compliance, automation, and process improvements, utilizing Avatax and other tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Analyze and implement best practices in tax automation, collaborating with IT and finance teams to integrate systems and workflows.

• Act as a liaison between the tax department and other departments, including Finance, Legal, and IT, to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

• Provide guidance and support in the development of financial and gross receipts information for other departments.

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reconciliations, ensuring accuracy in tax liabilities and account balances using Avatax for automated checks and balances.

• Prepare detailed financial reports, including variance analysis and tax impact assessments, for management review.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, including sales, property, payroll, and business taxes, through regular updates and monitoring.

• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate tax risks and ensure organizational compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or MST preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in tax accounting, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role with a company that operated nationwide and had filing requirements most states.

In-depth knowledge of federal and state tax laws, with expertise in sales tax, personal property tax, and payroll tax.

Technical Skills:

Proven experience with Avatax (preferred) or other, similar tax compliance and automation tools, including system implementation and optimization.

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in an environment with moderate noise level. (Examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking, standing, and occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the use of office machinery. Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as telephone. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 20 pounds. Ability to read and understand work instructions.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.