Tax Manager

Tax Manager

Reports To: Director Financial Operations
Direct Reports: Tax Analysts Senior Tax Analysts and other tax personnel as assigned.

Position Summary
The Tax Manager provides leadership for the organizations payroll tax compliance function ensuring full compliance with federal state and local tax regulations while driving operational excellence across the tax lifecycle. This role is responsible for the governance execution and continuous improvement of tax compliance programs including tax reporting registrations audits regulatory filings and agency relations.
The Tax Manager collaborates across Finance Payroll Human Resources Technology Compliance and Operations to develop scalable processes strengthen internal controls mitigate organizational risk and support business growth. This leader fosters a high-performing team focused on accuracy accountability continuous improvement and exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities
Tax Compliance & Governance
Provide leadership and oversight of all federal state and local payroll tax compliance activities ensuring accurate and timely filings payments deposits and regulatory reporting.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive compliance framework that minimizes organizational risk and ensures adherence to evolving tax laws and regulations.
Monitor legislative and regulatory changes assess business impact and implement operational and system changes to maintain compliance.
Direct tax account registrations jurisdictional account maintenance unemployment tax (SUI) administration agency correspondence and regulatory documentation.
Oversee year-end tax reporting including W-2 W-2C 1099 and other required information returns.
Research and interpret tax regulations and provide guidance on payroll tax implications and compliance requirements.

Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead mentor and develop a high-performing team of Tax Analysts and Senior Tax Analysts.
Establish clear performance expectations promote professional development and build organizational capability through coaching and succession planning.
Foster a culture of accountability collaboration operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Optimize team resources and priorities to ensure consistent execution of critical compliance deadlines.
Risk Management Audit & Controls
Serve as the primary organizational lead for payroll tax audits agency examinations notices and regulatory inquiries.
Ensure robust documentation audit readiness and effective internal controls supporting all tax compliance activities.
Identify compliance risks recommend mitigation strategies and implement corrective actions to strengthen operational controls.
Oversee reconciliation analysis and resolution of complex payroll tax discrepancies ensuring financial accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Partner with internal and external auditors to support organizational governance and compliance initiatives.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency strengthen controls and reduce manual processes through automation and standardization.
Develop maintain and enhance standard operating procedures policies and documentation supporting tax operations.
Evaluate existing systems and business processes to identify opportunities for optimization and improved data integrity.
Partner with Technology Payroll and Finance leadership to implement system enhancements improve integrations and support enterprise initiatives impacting tax operations.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as the organizations subject matter expert on payroll tax matters providing strategic consultation to Finance Payroll Human Resources Operations and executive leadership.
Partner with Accounting and Treasury to ensure accurate financial reporting reconciliations and tax accounting activities.
Build and maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies and external partners.
Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance compliance improve operational effectiveness and support organizational growth.

Qualifications
Required
Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or a related discipline.
Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in payroll tax corporate tax or multi-jurisdictional tax compliance.
Five (5) or more years of leadership experience managing high-performing teams.
Demonstrated expertise in federal state and local payroll tax regulations.
Proven experience managing tax audits registrations regulatory reporting and agency relationships.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel financial systems and payroll tax technologies.
Exceptional analytical problem-solving organizational and communication skills.
Preferred
Experience within a private equity-backed organization.
Experience in a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) payroll services or other complex multi-state payroll environments.
Experience with Great Plains Master Tax and enterprise payroll tax applications.
Knowledge of business intelligence reporting tools automation technologies and data analytics.
---
Success Measures
Success in this role is demonstrated through:
Consistent achievement of 100% on-time payroll tax filing and payment compliance.
Accurate tax reporting with minimal audit findings penalties or regulatory exceptions.
Strengthened internal controls and measurable reductions in compliance risk.
Increased operational efficiency through automation process optimization and standardization.
High levels of employee engagement team development and talent retention.
Strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and regulatory agencies resulting in effective issue resolution and sustained compliance.