Tax Accounting Manager in ANN ARBOR, Michigan at A & D Engineering

Tax Accounting Manager

The Tax Accounting Manager oversees indirect taxation (sales, use, and property) compliance, fixed asset tracking and general ledger reconciliations. Operating as an individual contributor without direct reports, the role requires collaborating with external tax consultants, managing software automation, and driving process improvements across U.S. jurisdictions.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Tax Accounting Manager to own our sales tax compliance processes. As a key member of the finance department, you will ensure accurate reporting, reconcile tax accounts in the general ledger, and maintain compliance across multiple state and local jurisdictions. This is a strategic, hands-on role with no direct reports, requiring a proactive professional who can operate independently while working cross-functionally with accounting teams and external advisors.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Indirect Tax Management

• Prepare and file accurate sales, use, and gross receipts tax returns across multiple U.S. jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with evolving state and local regulations.
• Oversee the fixed asset register to support personal property tax filings and real estate tax assessments.
• Manage the monthly use tax accrual process, reconcile tax accounts, and ensure proper tax treatment on company purchases.
• Maintain and track tax exemption certificates, respond to jurisdiction notices, and coordinate with third-party outsourced compliance providers.
• Identify nexus thresholds and support the registration of new state tax accounts as the business scales.

Audit & Process Optimization

• Act as the primary point of contact for external sales and use tax audits, gathering necessary documentation and liaising with tax authorities.
• Optimize tax compliance software (e.g., Avalara, Vertex) and ERP integrations to automate data flows, reduce manual entry, and improve workflow efficiency.
• Evaluate internal controls, ensuring all sales tax processes meet J-SOX requirements, where applicable.

Tax Research & Strategy

• Conduct technical tax research on complex issues, including taxability determinations, product classification, and tax law changes.
• Provide advisory support to non-tax stakeholders (e.g., Procurement, Accounts Payable, Sales) to ensure correct tax setups in the financial system.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or advanced degree (MST, JD) is highly preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of accounting experience, with a heavy emphasis on U.S. state and local sales/use tax compliance.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in U.S. GAAP principles.
  • Hands-on experience with major sales tax technology software (e.g., Avalara, Vertex).
  • Strong working knowledge of enterprise ERP systems (e.g., Odoo, NetSuite).
  • Advanced Excel skills capable of manipulating and analyzing large volumes of structured data.
• Work Style: Ability to thrive as an individual contributor in a remote working environment, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to drive strategic projects independently.