Tax Specialist, Transaction Tax Compliance

Job Summary:

Tax Specialist works with consultants and managers in the US/India to manage projects and performs verification and reconciliation related to payment administration, tracking and logging notices and preparation of Sales & Use Tax Returns. This role involves developing required procedures, performing quality review, and managing project communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

People:

• Create a positive team experience by identifying proactive tasks for practice
• Responsible for assisting in the development and mentoring of the tax compliance team members by coaching / mentoring members by conducting trainings on new process and tasks.
• Be a part of a training program for new hires. Train new and existing team members regarding the process. Conduct and evaluate Process Knowledge Test in practice.
• Review and assists preparers on return preparation and ensure timely delivery of returns with highest accuracy.
• Assign and review EDI / EFT's of Tax Associates and Senior Tax Associates.
• Facilitate brainstorming session with Tax Associates and Seniors to come up with recommendations and process efficiency ideas. Provide results with Managers and prioritize which ones to implement and or take forward for approval.
• Manage external debriefs, review and present dashboard to management post compliance.
• Maintain and update the Standard Operating Procedures -SOP's and documentations to ensure all teams follow same standards.
• Communicate constructive feedback from team members to Team Lead (TL) and above group on a regular basis.
• Handle notices and voice mails reviews whenever required.
• Coordinate with the team to provide the required reports to management.

Client:

• Responsible for delivering KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) assigned to the team.
• Assist seniors and participate in internal and Debrief calls, prepare presentations. Attention to detail in written and oral communication with shareholders. Make sure to do self-review of email, format updates, and spell check etc.
• Regular updates with US stakeholders on project deliverables with high quality and on time.
• Ensure team members are following work plan all the time and deliver projects on time. Elevate issues to supervisors or US leadership to make sure team meet deadlines timely.
• Work efficiently and consistently to adhere to tax calendar deadlines and perform quality assurance as required.
• Process and review online filings of tax returns and Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfers (EDI / EFT's).
• Assists team supervisors with preparation of presentations, deliverables, and reports.
• Demonstrate ability to collect, review, and understand client-provided data, regardless of the data source.
• Correspond with US Stakeholders regarding the status of projects, deadlines, quality assurance, resources and manages expectations.
• Gain a reputation within the team for having proficient knowledge (i.e. advance Excel skills, technical knowledge with WA B&O, Ohio CAT, Food & Beverage, and jurisdiction changes, etc.).
• Prepares and reviews sales and use tax returns using compliance software. 
• Act as a process improvement specialist to suggest ideas and implement process improvements in our business.
• Work closely with location leads and US stakeholders on new client transitions. Work with associates and seniors to do capacity planning for future transitions.
• Facilitates reports and maintains process metrics and prepare necessary project management tools as per the requirements from stakeholders.
• Looks for ways to drive process and efficiency improvement efforts across the team.
• Works with US preparers to refine compliance process documentation for clients. 

Value:

• Continue to enhance data manipulation, e-Filing, and compliance preparations skillset.
• Reconcile sales tax returns to source data files.
• Responsible to prepare and maintain TCS process documents (training material, document management process, quality management etc.).
• Work with Assistant Managers and US Managers to implement process improvements suggested by team members.
• Maintains high professional attire in all forms of communication and resembles positive attitude at all times.
• Strong communication and organizing skills.
• Assists with new client transition calls/meetings, etc.
• Analyze the location needs and present issues, comments, and feedback effectively during Debrief.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced skillset to manipulates data using Microsoft Excel and Portable Document Format (PDF) applications such as Adobe Acrobat and Nitro, and basic knowledge of Microsoft Access.
• Expertise in MS Excel, MS Word, Portable Document Format (PDF).

Additional Skills:

• Troubleshoots and resolves issues with compliance, E-filing, data issues, as they arise.
• Maintain quality control methods to identify errors and improve accuracy. Perform quality check and ensure error tracking is executed at all levels.           
• Prepares reports as per the requirements from supervisor.
• Willingness to take additional responsibility and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Current work hours are 7.00 AM to 4.00 PM, IST or 2.00 PM to 11.00 PM, IST. Shift change is anticipated depending on US work hours/time zone and business need.
• Candidate should be willing to work in any shift.
• A reasonable amount of overtime will be required during compliance filing.
• Standard indoor working environment.
• Position requires regular interaction with employees in India and US via e-mail and telephone.