Senior Tax Specialist- Employee Benefits Claims Team at Equitable

Syracuse, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Mar, 26

Salary

85000.0

Posted On

01 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Tax Compliance, Analytical Skills, Attention To Detail, Group Insurance Products, IRS Revenue Rulings, Effective Communications, Managing Multiple Priorities, Process Mapping, Project Administration

Industry

Financial Services

Description

At Equitable, our power is in our people. We're individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you'll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential? We are seeking an experienced professional to lead our employee benefits tax compliance, withholding, remittance, and reporting functions for disability, statutory benefits, paid family and medical leave (PFML), and related insurance products. This role will be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state tax laws, maintaining accurate processes, and coordinating across departments (e.g., operational accounting, legal, and claim operations), in support of our Employee Benefits organization. The position will initially focus on Short-Term Disability (STD), statutory disability programs, and state PFML products/services. Over time, the scope will expand to include life insurance, long-term disability, and supplemental health products (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and wellness benefits), requiring continuous monitoring of evolving regulations and related procedures. This individual must be able to help deliver Employee Benefits’ “Powerfully Simple” vision, by supporting the Employee Benefits claims organization with a rigorous tax compliance framework. Key Job Responsibilities Compliance Oversight – Monitors and interprets federal and state tax regulations for disability, statutory disability, and PFML programs; ensure policies and procedures remain compliant. Tracks and implements changes in state PFML laws, contribution rates, taxability rules, and filing requirements. Maintains a state-by-state compliance matrix detailing taxability, withholding rules, remittance schedules, filing deadlines, and reporting requirements. Tax Withholding & Remittance – Confirms taxability of benefits based on premium funding source (employer-paid, employee pre-tax, employee post-tax). Oversees accurate calculation, withholding, and remittance of applicable federal and state taxes for benefits administered through our claims software platform. Collaborates with centralized Operational Accounting partners to ensure remittances are processed. Reporting & Filing – Ensures proper preparation of required forms (e.g., W-2, 1099, and other federal/state-specific reporting for benefit payments). Collaborates with centralized Operational Accounting partners to ensure forms are prepared and filed accordingly. Stakeholder Coordination – Serves as the subject matter expert for internal teams on benefit taxation and reporting requirements. Collaborates with vendors, clients, internal teams, and state agencies to resolve discrepancies or audit inquiries. Provides guidance and training to claims and operational teams regarding withholding and tax treatment rules. Process Improvement & Technology – Develops standardized templates and documentation to support repeatable compliance processes. Identifies and implements process improvements to improve accuracy and efficiency. The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000. Actual base salaries vary based on skills, experience, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, Equitable provides compensation to reward performance with base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligibility for these programs depends on level and functional area of responsibility. For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below. Equitable Pay and Benefits: Equitable Total Rewards Program Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience in tax compliance/administration in an insurance carrier setting In-depth knowledge of federal and state tax rules and sick pay reporting requirements Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret and apply complex tax regulations Experience managing multi-state compliance requirements High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines Experience with group insurance products (disability, PFML, life, supplemental health) Familiarity with IRS revenue rulings and related taxation guidance Proficiency in tax filing platforms and software Preferred Qualifications Prior experience with FINEOS, ADP, and/or Sovos software packages preferred Skills Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation. Process Mapping/Flowcharting: Knowledge of the concepts of process mapping; ability to carry out the documentation of current and proposed manufacturing processes to identify and make improvements. Project Administration: Knowledge of project administration best practices and ability to use organizational strategies, practices and tools for administering projects. ABOUT EQUITABLE At Equitable, we’re a team of over ten thousand strong; committed to helping our clients secure their financial well-being so that they can pursue long and fulfilling lives. We turn challenges into opportunities by thinking, working, and leading differently – where everyone is a leader. We encourage every employee to leverage their unique talents to become a force for good at Equitable and in their local communities. We are continuously investing in our people by offering growth, internal mobility, comprehensive compensation and benefits to support overall well-being, flexibility, and a culture of collaboration and teamwork. We are looking for talented, dedicated, purposeful people who want to make an impact. Join Equitable and pursue a career with purpose. ********** Equitable is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to our employees, applicants and candidates based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or any other class protected by federal, state and local laws. NOTE: Equitable participates in the E-Verify program. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform the essential job functions of this position, please contact Human Resources at (212) 314-2211 or email us at TalentAcquisition@equitable.com.

Responsibilities

The Senior Tax Specialist will lead employee benefits tax compliance, withholding, remittance, and reporting functions. This role ensures compliance with federal and state tax laws while coordinating across departments to support the Employee Benefits organization.