Tax Analyst II

Job Description:

This position will work closely with state & local tax authorities, internal development team and your workgroup to implement monthly software updates to tax rates, reporting requirements, and returns in the Vertex® Indirect Tax Returns product. Structure tax content within Vertex products that support the accurate reporting of indirect tax on both paper and electronic tax returns. Test tax content and functionality within Vertex products and perform quality assurance tasks following documented processes. This role will appeal to a technical, detail oriented, creative thinker that enjoys problem solving and is interested in software/technology.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and analyze tax rate, reporting, and compliance changes from the taxing authorities.
• Determine how tax changes impact Vertex products regarding the addition of new content or the maintenance of existing content.
• Maintain and input tax information by performing maintenance, which could include updates of tax rates, reporting requirements & forms. 
• Design and execute test scenarios in the product to ensure accuracy and functionality for a variety of taxpayers.
• Communication with state and local taxing authorities to obtain compliance requirements related to sales/use tax rates and reporting, e-File, and paper remittance.
• Validate electronic filing functionality and paper tax return layouts with taxing authorities to satisfy approval requirements.
• Write content for the product’s reference guides and other customer facing documentation.
• Troubleshoot, assess impact, and resolve customer issues.
• Complete work within the deadlines established for the monthly software update and project workplan.
• Communicate to workgroup and product team the compliance changes and impact to product.
• Support a dynamic environment at Vertex by collaborating with other departments, contributing time, effort, and ideas.
• Participate in other operational and strategic projects or duties as assigned.
• Enhance job knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies; developing and/or maintaining proficiency in the latest personal productivity tools.
• Occasional travel is possible but not required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITES:

• Must be results-driven, customer-focused and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Research and analytical skills required.

• Understanding of the tax information and the ability to formulate interpretations and how they apply to Vertex products required.
• Desire and ability to learn technical and tax information in a short period of time required.
• Working knowledge of relational databases is desirable.
• Strong ability to work with numbers.
• Developing capability to multi-task and prioritize to meet team goals and commitments.
• Developing awareness of problem-solving.

• Developing capability to interact and communicate effectively with external, internal customers and stakeholders.

• Developing awareness to a broad spectrum of taxes and jurisdictions.
• Developing awareness of compliance administration (facilitate information between Vertex and taxing authority).

• Developing capability to be a SME in multiple tax fields.

• Developing capability to understand how customers would use Vertex products or equivalent product.

• Ability to develop and apply professional concepts to resolve issues with limited to moderate scope.
• Ability to work with general supervision on routine work, more detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
• Ability to listen and understand information and communicate the same.
• Must possess strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages is required.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or other business discipline.
• Advanced degree or professional certification a plus.  Equivalent experience may substitute for some portion of the education requirement.
• 2+ years in a business environment.
• Vertex product knowledge a plus.
• Experience with tax software a plus.
• Relational database management system experience a plus.