Sr. Tax Specialist

Senior Tax Specialist

Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: South Bend, IN (On-Site)
Department: Finance - Tax
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Additional hours, including occasional weekends, may be required)

About the Role

Tire Rack is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Tax Specialist to support and lead our indirect tax compliance processes across multiple jurisdictions. This role is responsible for preparing, reconciling, and filing various tax returns while ensuring compliance with evolving tax regulations and company licensing requirements.

The ideal candidate brings strong corporate tax experience, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex tax responsibilities in a fast-paced, multi-state retail environment. This position also serves as a mentor and subject matter expert, providing guidance to team members and cross-functional partners on tax-related matters.

At Tire Rack, we operate with the values of IOOGA - Integrity, Our People, Our Customers, Growth, and Attitude.

What You'll Do

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Lead the preparation, reconciliation, and timely filing of sales and use tax returns across multiple taxing jurisdictions.
• Oversee the reconciliation and submission of environmental tire fee returns, identifying opportunities to improve processes and accuracy.
• Prepare and file monthly gross receipts tax returns while ensuring data integrity and adherence to deadlines.
• Coordinate annual property tax filings and ensure timely payment of related invoices.
• Provide senior-level support for the annual preparation and issuance of 1099 forms.

Tax Research & Technical Expertise

• Conduct advanced indirect tax research to resolve complex tax issues and ensure compliance with changing regulations.
• Maintain expert knowledge of tax legislation, filing requirements, and industry best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on state tax exemption certificate requirements and customer eligibility, providing guidance to internal stakeholders and mitigating compliance risks.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Support and oversee Vertex tax software configuration, implementation, and testing activities to ensure system accuracy and business alignment.
• Verify and analyze tax data for accuracy and identify opportunities to improve tax processes and reporting efficiency.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and train Tax Specialists by providing technical guidance, coaching, and professional development support.
• Partner with Finance, Customer Service, IT, and other departments to ensure tax compliance requirements are effectively understood and executed.
• Lead tax-related initiatives and projects while exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of corporate tax experience.
• In-depth knowledge of state tax laws and demonstrated experience within a complex, multi-state retail environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word, with the ability to analyze and present data effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead tax compliance initiatives and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AS400 systems and Vertex tax software.
• Prior experience with property tax filings and unclaimed property compliance.
• Experience mentoring or training team members.

Education

Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Why Tire Rack?

At Tire Rack, you'll join a collaborative team dedicated to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional service. As a Senior Tax Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact by leading critical tax compliance initiatives, influencing process improvements, and helping develop the next generation of tax professionals.

If you're a tax professional who thrives on solving complex challenges, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help keep Tire Rack moving forward.