Location: Grand Rapids, MI preferred; remote or hybrid arrangements will be considered
Department: Finance
Reports to: Director of Finance
Direct Reports: 2 Tax Professionals with dotted line to other employees with tax related responsibilities
Salary: $140 – $170K
Summary: We’re seeking an experienced Corporate Tax Manager to lead our tax function across income, indirect (sales/use, GST/HST, VAT), and property taxes. This role will oversee compliance, planning, and audits; manage a team of two; and partner cross-functionally to optimize tax posture while ensuring robust control and accurate reporting.
Note: Scope includes U.S. federal & state income taxes and indirect taxes (U.S. sales/use, Canadian GST/HST, Mexican VAT) as well as property taxes.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of tax professionals; set goals, review performance, and build succession and career paths.
- Establish scalable tax processes, calendars, and internal controls to ensure timely, accurate filings and payments.
- Drive continuous improvement (automation, documentation, and standardization) as well as potential insourcing of previously outsourced tax-related activities.
Tax Compliance & Reporting
- Own U.S. federal and state income tax compliance, including apportionments, estimated payments, extensions, and annual provision (ASC 740).
- Oversee indirect taxes including U.S. sales/use, Canadian GST/HST, and Mexican VAT—registration, return filings, reconciliations, refunds/credits, and audit defense.
- Manage property tax compliance (renditions, assessments, appeals, and payments).
- Coordinate and review external advisors’ workpapers and returns where applicable; ensure accuracy and completeness of supporting schedules.
- Maintain tax calendars and certify all filings/payments are on time; remediate notices promptly
- Perform periodic transfer pricing updates and make recommendations to ensure transfer pricing policies and practices comply with applicable tax codes.
Tax Provision, Forecasting & Strategy
- Lead quarterly and annual tax provision (current and deferred), effective tax rate (ETR) analysis, tax account reconciliations, and footnote disclosures.
- Model tax impacts of business initiatives (entity changes, M&A, and cross-border transactions).
- Monitor legislative changes (U.S., Canada, Mexico) and proactively advise on policy impacts; update processes and controls accordingly.
Audit & Risk Management
- Serve as primary point of contact for tax audits and inquiries; prepare responses and manage information requests through resolution.
- Evaluate nexus, registration requirements, and permanent establishment considerations; ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
- Maintain appropriate documentation of key tax controls and processes.
Operational Enablement
- Partner with Avalara, AP, AR, Sales, and Supply Chain on tax determination, exemption certificate management, and system configuration.
- Optimize indirect tax recovery (input tax credits, VAT/GST refunds) and minimize leakage.
- Leverage technology (ERP, tax engines, data analytics) to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Qualifications
Required
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)—active license.
- 8–10 years of progressive tax experience in corporate environments and/or public accounting
- Strong command of:
- U.S. federal and state income tax compliance and ASC 740 provision.
- Indirect taxes: U.S. sales/use, Canadian GST/HST, and Mexican VAT frameworks.
- Property tax assessments, renditions, and appeals.
- Proven experience managing and developing teams.
- Advanced skills in Excel and tax/accounting systems.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Preferred
- Experience with multi-entity, multi-state, and cross-border structures.
- Familiarity with audit management and controversy resolution in U.S., Canada, and Mexico
- Experience implementing or administering Avalara and ERP integrations.
- Public accounting background and/or prior corporate in-house tax leadership.
- MST/MTax or equivalent advanced tax education.
Core Competencies
- Leadership & Coaching: Builds capabilities and fosters a high-performance culture
- Technical Rigor: Delivers accurate, compliant results under tight timelines.
- Business Acumen: Translates tax impacts into clear business guidance.
- Process Excellence: Designs scalable workflows and controls.
- Collaboration: Partners effectively across Finance, Operations, and external advisors.
- Integrity & Judgment: Protects the company’s compliance posture and reputation.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary with performance bonus eligibility
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off).
- Professional development support (CPE/CLE, certifications, conferences).
- Travel < 10%.