Tax Senior, State and Local Tax - Property Tax

Houston, TX, United States

Job Summary:

The STS Tax Senior, State and Local Tax - Property Tax applies industry knowledge and experience to clients by assisting in providing advice related to property tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternate courses of action, as well as identify different methods of complying with tax regulations. Additional, the Property Tax Senior Associate is responsible for applying knowledge to understand potential tax issues, evaluating and selecting alternative actions to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognizing and communicating potential risks, identifying potential changes in the tax policy and applying new policies to tax compliance and assisting in handling routine questions from local or state agencies. This role also serves as the primary contact for clients, as needed, including but not limited to preparing and presenting presentations to clients and potential clients. This position requires involvement in the compliance processes throughout the annual property tax cycle for multiple client assignments. Personal property duties include data review, return preparation, assessment notice gathering, value review/appeal, informal settlement negotiations and tax bill processing. Real property duties include value review, informal settlement negotiations and formal value hearings.

Job Duties:

* Research* Identifies when research is needed; frames issues to be researched; identifies sources of all information including information tending to contradict preferred positions, analyzes facts and authorities and reports the analysis* Demonstrates an in-depth level of understanding of various tax authorities* Applies firm and professional standards for preparation of property tax returns* Develops and maintains relationships with state and local assessment personnel

* Tax Compliance* Provide exceptional client service to multi-state companies by working with a team to identify tax savings opportunities.* Assist multi-state companies with state and local tax controversies, which includes preparing clients for discussions with auditors, representing the client at hearings and at appeal meetings, and preparing protests* Responds to client inquiries and request from tax authorities* Ensures clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens* Tracks availability and filing requirements regarding client-related information* Applies tax compliance knowledge with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency* Utilizes knowledge of preparation and issues to price services and sell related services* Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing, and manages engagements* Conducts detailed reviews of tax returns, and identifies basic, complex and advanced issues throughout the engagement* Communicates with clients to gather information, when applicable* Performs other duties as assigned* Works with raw data to complete calculations

* Tax Consulting* Develops, recommends and implements methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients' current and future taxes* Considers the applicability of all state tax consulting sub-specialties for each client, conferring with other STS consultants, when appropriate* Interprets existing and new law and client facts to maximize benefits* Involves other state tax sub-specialty subject matter experts, when appropriate* Applies workplans for tax consulting projects performed for clients* Develops consultative selling skills* Assists in managing client expectations* Informs Core Tax Services leadership of state tax opportunities for clients

* Tax Controversy* Reviews assessment notices* Monitors client expectations regarding issues of controversy* Prepares valuation analysis for potential appeals* Provides negotiation and appeal representation for clients with assessors* Handles routine questions from local or state agencies with assistance

* Tax Related Software* Utilizes PTMS, One Source or other property tax management software systems* Utilizes tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks* Trains STS SALT Property Tax staff on all current software toolsTax Specialization* Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation* Manages specialization services efficiently* Involves and works with firm specialists when client and proposal work relates to areas in which the firm has specialists* Organizes and conducts internal CPE training sessions in area of specialization

* Strategy Development* Introduces and develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel by reducing taxes or expenses or providing non-tax benefits* Reviews studies of tax implications, and offers client alternative courses of action* Assists with research of potential tax strategies as well as implementation* Understands documentation associated with tax strategies* Identifies and leverages lessons learned on prior projects, and provides improvement suggestions* Proposes marketing approaches for new ideas* Discusses simple tax strategies with client* Builds client relationships, marketing, networking and business development* Provides technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local income and franchise tax issues including research, planning and controversy work* Assists multi-state companies with state and local tax planning, consulting and negotiation of settlements* Makes high-level decisions regarding filing and preparation, and handles questions from local and state agencies* Economically and productively manages projects including billing and accounts receivable responsibilities* Educates and advises professionals regarding state and local tax law

* Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

* Acts as a mentor to and assists in the professional development of STS SALT Property Tax Associates and Interns, as appropriate* Provides periodic performance feedback to and participates in the annual performance evaluation for STS SALT Property Tax Associates and Interns, as appropriate

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

* Bachelor's degree required, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Math or other related field, preferred* Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation, Economics, Math or other related field, preferred

Experience:

* Two (2) or more years of experience in property, state and local or multi-state tax, required* Prior experience with property tax compliance and real property appeals, preferred

License/Certifications:

* Property Tax Consultant License, preferred

Software:

* Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Internet navigation and research, required* Ability to use standard tax applications and research tools, preferred

Language:

* N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills* Strong analytical and research skills* Solid organizational skills* Ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details* Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment* Capable of building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and client personnel* Advanced knowledge of all tax return forms* Excellent people development and delegation skills* Ability to encourage a team environment on engagements* Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements* Basic understanding of tax compliance* Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels* Working knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services* Working knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings* Working knowledge of valuation and appraisal standards utilized in assessments* Working knowledge and understanding of cause and effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues* Possesses excellent decision-making skills* Ability to create written tax advice* Basic understanding of the ability to represent the client before any tax authority on contested issues* Knowledgeable in business personal property and real property assessments across the United States

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $70,000 - $125,000

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $70,000 - $125,000

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