Indirect Tax Specialist

General Summary

Indirect Tax Specialist is responsible for managing indirect tax compliance and related tax administrative activities, including sales and use tax, property tax, annual reports, business licenses and permits, information reporting, and tax refund claims. The position serves as a key resource for indirect tax matters by overseeing third-party service providers, supporting tax technology and process improvement initiatives, managing tax notices and audit support activities, and assisting with tax research and special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority One – 35%

Sales and Use Tax Compliance

• Manage sales and use tax compliance processes across all jurisdictions.
• Review and validate ERP transaction data and taxability determinations for sales and use tax filings prepared by third-party providers.
• Support ERP and tax engine configuration reviews to ensure accurate tax determination and reporting.
• Lead exemption certificate management initiatives and implement process improvements.
• Maintain sales tax resale and exemption certificates.

Priority Two – 25%

Indirect Tax Projects

• Manage indirect tax compliance activities, including property tax returns, annual reports, business licenses and registrations, distributor/representative licenses prepared by third-party vendors.
• Coordinate with external vendors and internal departments to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Review and approve vendor invoices submitted through Accounts Payable.
• Participate in ERP system enhancements, tax automation initiatives, and other system projects impacting indirect tax compliance.

Priority Three – 20%

Information Reporting & Indirect Tax Audits

• Manage annual Form 1099 reporting processes and oversee third-party service providers.
• Lead responses to IRS and state notices, including Notices 972CG, CP2100, backup withholding notices, levy notices, and other tax inquiries.
• Develop and maintain procedures to improve information reporting accuracy and minimize penalties.
• Maintain compliance with backup withholding and information reporting requirements.
• Support and coordinate indirect tax audits, including gathering documentation, preparing responses, and communicating with taxing authorities and external advisors.

Priority Four –20%

Refund Reclaims and Special Tax Projects

• Assist with state sales tax refund claims related to lemon law vehicle repurchases and other recovery opportunities.
• Track claim status and communicate developments to management.
• Assist with tax planning projects, tax research projects, and other special assignments within the Tax Department.

Qualifications/Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field of study

Job Requirement

• Understanding of general accounting principles and indirect tax laws.
• Experience conducting tax research and applying tax regulations to business transactions.
• Automotive industry experience preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in indirect tax compliance, including sales and use tax, property tax, and information reporting.
• Public accounting, corporate tax department, or indirect tax consulting experience preferred.
• Experience managing third-party tax service providers and coordinating multi-state compliance.
• Experience supporting tax audits, tax notices, refund claims and compliance projects.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) and tax engine highly desirable.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Ability to conduct tax research and interpret state and local tax statutes, regulations and administrative guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external advisors.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with internal stakeholders, vendors, and taxing authorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools