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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tax Manager

💰 $110,000 - $175,000

FinanceAccountingTaxManagement

🎯 Role Definition

A Tax Manager is a pivotal leader within the finance and accounting ecosystem, acting as the organization's primary expert on all tax-related matters. This role transcends simple compliance; it involves strategic planning, risk management, and insightful leadership. The Tax Manager is responsible for ensuring the company adheres to all federal, state, local, and international tax laws while actively seeking opportunities to optimize the company's tax position. They serve as a crucial bridge between the finance department, executive leadership, external auditors, and government tax agencies, translating complex tax regulations into actionable business strategies. This position requires a sophisticated blend of deep technical knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage both people and projects effectively.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Tax Accountant
  • Tax Supervisor
  • Experienced Senior Associate (Public Accounting)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Tax Manager
  • Tax Director
  • Vice President of Tax

Lateral Moves:

  • Accounting Manager
  • Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
  • Treasury Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage and oversee the complete and accurate preparation and review of federal, state, local, and international income tax returns and other miscellaneous tax compliance filings.
  • Lead the quarterly and annual global income tax provision process in accordance with ASC 740, including the calculation of the effective tax rate, deferred tax assets/liabilities, and valuation allowances.
  • Develop and implement strategic tax planning initiatives designed to minimize tax liabilities, manage tax risks, and align with the company's overall financial goals.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for and adeptly manage all federal, state, and local tax audits, examinations, and inquiries from tax authorities.
  • Conduct in-depth tax research and analysis on complex issues such as M&A, new legislation, and business initiatives, preparing detailed memoranda to document conclusions and support tax positions.
  • Proactively monitor legislative and regulatory tax law developments, communicate the potential effects of these developments to management, and formulate strategies to capitalize on or mitigate changes.
  • Ensure the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust internal controls (SOX) for all tax-related processes and documentation to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Collaborate closely with accounting and finance teams to guarantee the accurate reporting and reconciliation of tax accounts in the company's financial statements.
  • Oversee the preparation and review of sales & use, property, and other non-income tax returns, ensuring timely and accurate filing across all relevant jurisdictions.
  • Provide expert tax guidance and comprehensive support for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other business development activities, including due diligence and structuring.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of tax professionals, fostering a collaborative environment, promoting continuous learning, and guiding professional growth.
  • Manage and document the company’s transfer pricing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with global regulations and optimize intercompany transactions.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with external tax advisors and consultants, ensuring the company receives high-quality, cost-effective, and timely advice.
  • Identify, recommend, and spearhead the implementation of process improvements and tax technology solutions to streamline tax compliance, reporting, and planning functions.
  • Review, approve, and provide oversight for all tax-related journal entries and account reconciliations to ensure the ongoing accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
  • Assist in forecasting the company's short-term and long-term effective tax rate and cash tax obligations for budgeting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
  • Manage the tax implications of global mobility and equity-based compensation programs, including stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs).
  • Ensure compliance with all tax-related aspects of financial reporting, including the meticulous preparation of tax footnotes and disclosures for SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q).
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive tax calendars to ensure all filing, payment, and reporting deadlines are consistently met across all jurisdictions.
  • Provide clear, tax-related insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to support key business decisions and long-term corporate strategy.
  • Handle the complex tax implications of international operations, including the calculation of foreign tax credits, analysis of repatriation strategies, and adherence to BEPS initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and coach junior tax staff, providing constructive feedback and guidance on technical tax issues and long-term career development.
  • Contribute to special, cross-functional projects within the finance and accounting department, acting as the subject matter expert on all tax matters.
  • Collaborate with the legal and business development teams to evaluate the tax consequences and structuring considerations of proposed contracts and new business ventures.
  • Lead the evaluation and implementation of new tax software and automation technologies to enhance the department's overall efficiency and accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert proficiency in U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income tax law and compliance.
  • Deep, practical understanding of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740 and related financial reporting requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with tax compliance and provision software (e.g., OneSource, CorpTax, CCH Axcess).
  • High proficiency with tax research platforms (e.g., BNA, CCH, RIA Checkpoint) to analyze complex tax issues.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to build and maintain complex models, use pivot tables, and perform advanced functions.
  • Strong familiarity with major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and their relationship to tax data and reporting.
  • Solid knowledge of international tax principles, including transfer pricing, foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes.
  • Proven experience managing and successfully resolving tax authority audits and notices at various government levels.
  • A thorough understanding of SOX 404 controls as they relate to tax processes, documentation, and reporting.
  • Ability to prepare and meticulously review complex tax returns for various entity types, including C-Corps and consolidated groups.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities with a talent for motivating and developing staff.
  • Strong analytical and detail-oriented problem-solving skills, with an ability to see both the detail and the bigger picture.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the unique ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals and senior leadership.
  • Proven project management skills, demonstrating an ability to manage multiple competing priorities and consistently meet tight deadlines.
  • Strategic thinking mindset with the ability to align departmental tax strategy with broader business objectives.
  • Unquestionable integrity, discretion, and a commitment to professional ethics in all activities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration across departments and build effective relationships with external advisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's of Science in Taxation (MST) or Master of Accountancy (MAcc) with a tax concentration.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-10 years of progressive tax experience, ideally with a combination of public accounting and corporate/industry roles.

Preferred:

  • An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is highly preferred and often required.
  • Experience beginning a career in a "Big 4" or large national public accounting firm is a significant asset that demonstrates a strong technical foundation and work ethic.
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