Manager - Tax Research

at  Vertex Inc

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing tax and legal expertise for our software products. Research and interpret tax and case law, statutes, regulations and legislation and determine how it impacts Vertex products.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to prioritize and multi-task projects with individuals from various areas of the company.
• Ability to teach, develop, and train staff.
• Demonstrated ability to translate and communicate complex or difficult tax concepts to others in a plain and understandable manner.
• Capability in project management, estimation skills.
• Expertise In multiple tax field/industry.
• Experience effectively managing teams.
• Ability to co-present at product demonstrations, seminars, panels and webcasts.
• Demonstrated ability to establish strong, credible, cross-functional working relationships in a fast-paced, collaborative corporate culture.
• Developing / ability for Compliance administration (Facilitate information between Vertex and Taxing Authorities).
• Ability to apply professional concepts, experience and company objectives to perform an in-depth analysis of situations or data to resolve complex issues in creative ways.
• Must be results oriented, customer focused and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and extensive technical Indirect Tax experience utilizing high level of proficiency with web-based tax research platforms.
• Ability to interpret tax laws and regulations and determine how they apply to Vertex products.
• Ability to build relationships with key contacts outside own area of expertise.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, presentation and facilitation).
• Must be results oriented, customer focused, and exhibit good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to listen and understand information and communicate the same.
• Capability to influence and create awareness skills.
• Ability to utilize time management and effectively communicating competing priorities.
• Exceptional knowledge and profound understanding of Indirect Tax rules and regulations that impact tax calculation and compliance
• Knowledge and understanding of Indirect Tax rules and regulations that impact tax calculation and compliance; demonstrate expertise in determining accurate taxability decision with appropriate legal support.
• Demonstrate expertise in determining accurate taxability decision with appropriate legal support.
• Strong aptitude to detailed information.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply broad expertise or knowledge to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to resolve complex issues in creative ways.
• Recognize others’ contributions and share credit for success.
• Ability to interact collaboratively and communicate effectively with external, internal customers, and stakeholders to address issues and ensure alignment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, data science, or similar degree required
• Obtained or actively pursuing one or more of the following: Juris Doctorate (J.D.), master’s in taxation, MBA, CMI or CPA certification (active or inactive) preferred. O Series certification preferred
• Ten (10) plus years multi-jurisdictional environment with emphasis in Indirect Tax
• Ability to lead projects.
• Strong experience with research tools such as CCH, Lexis-Nexis, BNA, RIA, etc.
• Industry or consulting experience a plus
• Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Experience with Vertex or other tax engines a plus.
  Other Qualifications

The Winning Way behaviors that all Vertex employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our customers, and our partners.

• Communicate with Clarity - Be clear, concise and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback.
• Act with Urgency - Adopt an agile mentality - frequent iterations, improved speed, resilience. 80/20 rule – better is the enemy of done. Don’t spend hours when minutes are enough.
• Work with Purpose - Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results.
• Drive to Decision - Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for customer outcomes.
• Own the Outcome - Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent Vertex as a subject matter expert at product demonstrations, presentations, seminars, panels and webcasts if needed.
• Perform quality assurance tasks following documented processes.
• Manage those they lead on the creation and execution of their work assignments.
• Guide team members in the principles of agile; conducting agile ceremonies, and guiding teams towards continuous team improvement (ex. functioning as an Agile Coach)
• Setting deadlines, defining scope of projects, assist in the review of work completed by the team, raise awareness of roadblocks, and accountable for the team’s deliverables. (ex. functioning as a Product Owner)
• Communicate status of team activities to project team and research management.
• Identify, document, and implement new content standards and procedures.
• Ensure consistency of standards and procedures across product lines.
• Lead by example; set and communicate high expectations, motivate self and others to achieve them.
• Promote common goals and shared purpose among team members.
• Look for opportunities to improve work processes and activities by using business technology and other resources.
• Raise leadership awareness regarding appropriate resourcing of staff to achieve goals and objectives.
• Represent Tax Research as a stakeholder in segment level product requirements and project planning activities.
• Work closely with peers in the Research Management Team to develop and implement cohesive plans to increase Vertex’s capacity and capability pertaining to Vertex’s tax needs.
• Draft memorandums and letter rulings; communicate deliverables to team.
• Make recommendations regarding appropriate staff levels and skills to achieve goals and objectives.
• Research, analyze, gather, and interpret tax laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, and literature. Create and/or review requirements and specifications.
• Review, analyze, gather, and interpret tax laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, and literature. Create and/or review requirements and specifications.
• Manage and lead multiple new content and customer projects, which include development, resourcing, roadmap requirements and prep for implementation.
• Manage research tasks by defining goals, developing and maintaining project plans, coordinating available resources within departments, assigning tasks, setting priorities, and reporting status.
• Ensure the availability and productivity of qualified, motivated staff by recruiting, selecting, training, leading and providing meaningful development opportunities for staff and by facilitating work responsibilities of staff members.
• Develop, direct, and be accountable for plans for improving team performance.
• Support a dynamic environment at Vertex, using agile methodologies, collaborating with other departments, contributing time, effort, and ideas.
• Enhance job knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies; developing and/or maintaining proficiency in the latest personal productivity tools is a plus, (ex. Alteryx, PowerBI, etc.)
• Lead or participate in other operational and strategic projects or duties as assigned.
• Occasional travel may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• People manager and four (4) plus years of leadership experience
• Own attainment of high employee satisfaction and retention; lead development of program and initiatives within group to attain high employee satisfaction.
• Direct and mentor leaders and employees on performance gaps, career development opportunities, and strategies.
• Lead change management initiatives to drive improvements and efficiencies.
• Ability to interact collaboratively and communicate effectively with external, internal customers, and stakeholders to address issues and ensure alignment.
• Accountable for collective team results and recognizing others’ contributions and share credit for success.