Principal Tax Specialist

Job Description: Principal Tax Specialist 

Job Summary

The Principal Tax Specialist is a recognized subject matter expert who prepares and files US sales and use tax returns for level 3–4 clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance across multiple tax areas. The role consistently onboards new clients, works with the client success team to resolve client issues, and acts as a technical coach and mentor across teams. It also develops training programs and drives improvements that raise efficiency and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare an average of 800+ sales and use tax returns per month for level 3–4 clients, applying expert-level compliance knowledge and best practices.
  
• Consistently onboard new clients, including setting up tax data files in various formats.
  
• Build client relationships through regular communication, proactively suggest process improvements and resolve complex issues with the client success team.
  
• Transition clients to more junior staff and mentor or coach 4+ team members.
  
• Act as a technical coach and mentor across teams, develop training curriculum and lead training sessions.
  
• Lead or take part in 1–3 special project teams, driving innovation and process improvements.
  
• Take part in interviews and contribute to staff selection and development.
  
• Use Microsoft 365, Excel and indirect tax returns software to create or improve efficiency and automation tools.
  
• Review and reconcile client tax data, investigate discrepancies and take corrective action.
  
• Prepare and maintain monthly client summary reports and documentation.
  
• Initiate electronic filings and payments, working with other staff to ensure timely submissions.
  
• Track and resolve notices from tax authorities, with proper documentation and timely resolution.
  
• Use independent professional judgment to resolve complex tax reporting issues.
  
• Implement high-level process improvements and prepare formal documentation of internal processes and procedures.
  
• Contribute to the department knowledge base and help improve team performance metrics.
  
• Work additional hours during peak monthly processing periods, typically the 5th to the 20th of each month.
  
• Complete other related duties and projects as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, commerce or business, or relevant experience in the same field.
  
• 12+ years of related experience in tax compliance, preferably US sales and use tax.
  
• Expert-level knowledge across multiple tax compliance areas, recognized as a subject matter expert.
  
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft 365 and indirect tax returns software.
  
• Prior experience mentoring or leading teams.
  
• Ability to use technology to create or improve efficiencies and automation tools.
  
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work under tight monthly deadlines.
  
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or CMI (Certified Member of the Institute).
  
• IPT Advanced Tax School or equivalent.