Job brief
We are looking for a detailed-oriented Tax Consultant to join our finance department and take full ownership of our domestic and international tax portfolio. In this role, you will analyze financial statements, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and implement strategies that directly improve our organization's tax position. You will work closely with the CFO and cross-functional teams to integrate tax planning into our broader growth initiatives. If you are a CPA or tax attorney who thrives on solving intricate numerical puzzles and driving business value, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Manage the end-to-end preparation of corporate federal, state, and local tax returns using specialized tax compliance software.
- Calculate and analyze income tax provisions in accordance with ASC 740 to ensure accurate financial reporting in the general ledger.
- Conduct comprehensive tax research to identify potential savings, credits, and deductions to optimize the organization's effective tax rate.
- Represent the organization during tax audits and respond to inquiries from IRS or state agencies regarding complex tax filings.
What is a Tax Consultant?
A Tax Consultant is a specialized finance professional who serves as a strategic advisor for corporate tax planning, regulatory compliance, and fiscal risk mitigation. By interpreting complex tax codes and leveraging advanced software like Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE or Corptax, a Tax Consultant ensures organizations maximize tax efficiency while remaining fully compliant with federal, state, and international authorities. Their expertise is foundational to protecting the company's bottom line and guiding leadership through sophisticated financial decision-making processes.
What does a Tax Consultant do?
On a daily basis, a Tax Consultant prepares complex tax returns, performs provision calculations under ASC 740, and resolves inquiries from tax authorities during audits. They collaborate with internal accounting teams to reconcile financial data, identify potential tax credits or deductions, and document tax positions for executive review. Beyond documentation, they proactively monitor legislative changes to advise on the impact of new tax laws, utilizing data-driven analysis to minimize liabilities and align corporate strategy with global financial reporting standards.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end preparation of corporate federal, state, and local tax returns using specialized tax compliance software.
- Calculate and analyze income tax provisions in accordance with ASC 740 to ensure accurate financial reporting in the general ledger.
- Conduct comprehensive tax research to identify potential savings, credits, and deductions to optimize the organization's effective tax rate.
- Represent the organization during tax audits and respond to inquiries from IRS or state agencies regarding complex tax filings.
- Review internal financial records and transactional data to ensure accurate documentation for transfer pricing and international tax compliance.
- Monitor federal and state legislative updates to provide actionable impact assessments for C-suite decision-making and strategic planning.
- Collaborate with the payroll and accounting departments to ensure accurate withholding, reconciliation, and reporting of tax-related expenses.
- Develop and maintain internal tax control frameworks to mitigate financial risk and ensure strict adherence to GAAP/IFRS standards.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree in Taxation is highly preferred.
- Active CPA license or enrollment/completion of a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience in tax compliance, planning, or accounting within a corporate or public accounting firm.
- Deep technical proficiency in tax software solutions such as Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE, Corptax, or Vertex for automated tax reporting.
- Advanced mastery of Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, including complex pivot tables, vlookups, and macro development for data auditing.
- Strong understanding of federal and state tax codes, including specific experience with C-corp and S-corp structures.
- Proven ability to translate complex technical tax regulations into clear, actionable briefings for non-financial stakeholders and leadership.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple simultaneous filing deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to accuracy and financial data integrity.
FAQs
What does a Tax Consultant do?
A Tax Consultant specializes in managing an organization’s tax obligations, including tax preparation, strategic planning, and compliance reporting. They work to minimize tax liability through legal tax planning and ensure the company remains in compliance with changing federal, state, and local laws. By providing technical expertise on tax codes, they help organizations avoid penalties and optimize their financial health.
What are the essential skills and qualifications for a Tax Consultant?
Essential skills include a mastery of tax software like Corptax or ONESOURCE, advanced analytical capabilities, and deep knowledge of GAAP and ASC 740 tax accounting standards. Most employers require a CPA designation or a background in tax law. Strong communication skills are also vital for explaining complex tax implications to non-tax department stakeholders and leadership teams.
Who does a Tax Consultant work with within a company?
A Tax Consultant typically works within the finance and accounting department, reporting to a Tax Manager or the Controller. They frequently collaborate with the legal team for compliance checks, the payroll department for tax withholding accuracy, and executive leadership when providing reports on the financial impact of new tax legislation. Outside the company, they regularly interact with auditors and representatives from tax regulatory bodies.
Why is the role of a Tax Consultant important for business growth?
The role is critical because a Tax Consultant ensures that the company does not overpay on taxes, which directly increases cash flow for reinvestment. By identifying legal tax incentives and credits, they significantly improve the bottom line. Furthermore, their role in maintaining compliance shields the organization from audits, legal fines, and the reputational risk associated with regulatory mismanagement.