Tax Processing Specialist IV

Job Description:

This position performs a wide range of sales and use tax (SUT) compliance functions in a team-based, collaborative environment. Accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and timely filing of the client’s returns and payments which includes new client implementations. Responsible for building and maintaining client relationships by acting as the dedicated specialist.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare Clients’ sales and use tax returns for the time sensitive SUT compliance cycle. This will include:
  • Frequent communication with Client contacts via phone and email
  • Review Client tax data for accuracy, investigate questionable data and take corrective action when necessary
  • Establish proper setup of new and existing tax data files in a variety of formats
  • Review and reconcile SUT returns using established best practices
  • Confirm Client approvals and process any requested changes
  • Prepare and maintain monthly client summary reports
  • Initiate electronic filings and payments and collaborate with other staff to ensure timely submissions
  • Track notices from taxing jurisdictions to ensure proper documentation and timely resolution
  • Prepare and submit sales tax registrations on behalf of clients
  • Exercise significant and independent professional judgment to document and resolve tax reporting problems
  • Assist with the continuing development and documentation of internal processes and procedures
  • Train new staff members
  • Successfully transition clients to other staff members
  • Participate in the implementation process for new clients
  • Lead or participate in projects or other duties to support the business
  • Ability to accommodate additional hours as needed during the monthly peak processing period, which is between the 5th and the 20th of each month
  • Returns volume supported expanding to approximately 700 returns per month within (6) months with complex to very complex client complexity.
  • Independent new client onboarding
  • Implement client specific process improvements
  • Assist with new hire training and mentorship
  • Work independently after (3) months.l
  • Participates in projects and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Fundamental knowledge of SUT returns preparation and related multi-state tax software, preferably Vertex® Indirect Tax Returns.

• Experience successfully servicing large, complex client accounts

• Experience successfully coaching and mentoring more junior preparers

• Understand various business entities (i.e. retail, software, manufacturing, leasing, etc) and the related SUT compliance details involved

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

• Must be a self-starter, able to operate under minimum supervision

• Demonstrate customer focused mentality, and be a team player

• Must be able to adhere to tight monthly deadlines, with strong time management and organizational skills

• Possess strong communications skills to build productive internal/external working relationships

• Demonstrate sound judgement and problem solving

• Ability to follow detailed practices and procedures

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required.

• Ten (10) plus years of sales & use tax compliance experience required.

• Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Other Qualifications
The Winning Way behaviors that all Vertex employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our customers, and our partners.

• Communicate with Clarity - Be clear, concise and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback.

• Act with Urgency - Adopt an agile mentality - frequent iterations, improved speed, resilience. 80/20 rule – better is the enemy of done. Don’t spend hours when minutes are enough.

• Work with Purpose - Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results.

• Drive to Decision - Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for customer outcomes.

• Own the Outcome - Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.

COMMENTS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.