TAX ACCOUNTANT

BASIC FUNCTION:

Primary functions are tax compliance for the Company and its subsidiaries. Primarily responsible for the preparation of all sales and use, property, fuel, intangible federal excise, and occupational tax returns and timely payment of associated taxes. Communicates effectively with taxing authorities to resolve any disputed items. Assists with sales and use, property, and fuel tax audits. Assists in preparation of various tax analysis, general ledger account reconciliation, tax accrual calculations, and other duties as assigned by the State/Local Tax Manager or the Senior Tax Accountant.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Tax Accountant reports directly to the State/Local Tax Manager who reports to the Director of Taxes. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position is responsible for:

• The preparation of the Company's sales and use tax, real and personal property tax, fuel oil and mileage tax returns.
• State and Local tax compliance by completing and filing all returns, tax research and analysis as necessary to maintain compliance.
• Registration and renewal with state and local entities where the Company has locations, has employees or does business to obtain business licenses, tax identification numbers, etc.
• Filing annual reports as required by various state and local entities where the Company has a business presence.
• Assisting with sales/use tax audits, real/personal property tax audits, etc. and negotiating with taxing authorities on behalf of the Company to minimize assessments and taxes while remaining in compliance with tax regulations.
• Calculating and reconciling to the general ledger, property tax accruals for all Company locations and cost centers and communicating significant changes or variances to division managers and controllers.
• Filing tax refund claims with taxing jurisdictions where the company is due tax credits or tax refunds.
• Reconciling sales and use tax liability general ledger accounts on a regular monthly basis.
• Assisting corporate and division personnel with local tax issues, tax research and recommendations.
• Providing feedback to management on strategies and ideas to minimize taxes and/or reduce expenses while remaining in compliance with all tax laws and regulations.
• Maintaining tax records as required by Company polices and appropriate tax regulations.

Job Dimensions:

• Company revenues: approximately $4.5 billion
• Company assets: approximately $3 billion
• Sales & use tax liability $30 million
• Real & personal property taxes $11 - 13 million
• Business & occupational taxes $60,000

• Fuel & mileage taxes $25,000

Job Scope:

This position should have a broad knowledge of tax regulations and procedures plus a general knowledge of accounting and accounting principles. The position requires a four year degree in accounting or related business field, plus 3 to 5 years of hands-on work experience preferably in the manufacturing environment.

This position requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to communicate with taxing authorities and to interface with upper and middle management of the Company.

This position requires proficient computer skills in MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Access, Power Point, and especially Excel. Also, this position requires the use of software packages for tax preparation, tax filing, tax research, and financial systems (general ledger, fixed assets, construction in progress, accounts payable, purchasing, accounts receivable, sales, invoicing, etc.) Especially preferred software includes: Lawson, SAP, Crystal, and Order Entry.

This position requires the individual to stay current on tax regulations and laws affecting the Company both at a corporate and division level. The person in this position should use subscription to tax publications, attend tax seminars, etc. to remain current on relevant taxes.

This position may require travel when necessary to visit Company locations, attend meetings or hearings with local taxing authorities, attend training seminars, etc.