Lead Specialist, Tax Accounting & Reporting

Is the opportunity to join a culture where “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Courageously Shape Our Future Together” important to you? If so, Guardian is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Lead Specialist, Tax Accounting & Reporting. This role is ideal for a tax professional to join our Corporate Tax organization with approximately 7 – 10 years of relevant experience who is ready to take on greater ownership of complex state and local tax matters while helping shape the future direction of Guardian’s tax function while continuing to develop technical depth and leadership capability. The position will have particular focus on insurance premium tax, sales and use tax, property tax, tax research, tax planning, and process improvement. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with a strategic, forward-looking mindset, proactively identifying emerging tax risks, opportunities, and legislative developments that may impact the organization. In partnering with finance technology team, this individual will play a key role in advancing State and Local tax team’s technology roadmap using Agentic AI, automation, data analytics, and innovative workflow solutions designed to improve efficiency, scalability, and business insight. **You will****Key Responsibilities**Compliance:* Support and take ownership of the relationship with our outsourcing partner firm on insurance premium tax compliance and handle related payments & reconciliations, accounting, and internal and external regulatory requirements.* Support and take ownership of the relationship with our outsourcing partner firm on sales and use tax and handle related payments & reconciliations, accounting, and internal and external regulatory requirements.* Assist (when necessary) with state income and franchise, property tax, commercial rent and other tax compliance and related reporting requirements.* Coordinate with external tax advisors as needed on compliance related matters. Financial Close, Tax Planning and Analysis:* Prepare account reconciliations and support tax-related financial reporting activities.* Provide insights and recommendations to management regarding potential tax planning opportunities, risk mitigation strategies, and operational efficiencies.Research and Audit:* Research state and local tax matters, including nexus, sourcing, exemptions, credits, apportionment, and filing obligations.* Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting premium tax, sales and use tax, and other state and local tax obligations.* Respond to state tax notices and support tax audits and information requests.Technology:* Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tax processes and assist in developing, testing, and governing AI-driven tax solutions integrated with enterprise systems and data sources.* Partner with cross-functional teams to obtain and validate tax data, support AI-enabled tax technology, and process improvement initiatives**You have****Required Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.* 7 – 10 years of relevant state and local tax experience in a corporate tax department, public accounting firm, insurance company, or combination thereof.* Hands-on experience with insurance premium tax.* Experience with sales and use tax compliance and research.* Working knowledge of multistate tax compliance and tax research.* Strong understanding of accounting principles and account reconciliations.* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.* Ability to research technical tax matters and clearly document conclusions.* Strong communication skills.* Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with limited supervision.* Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. **Preferred Qualifications*** Experience in the life insurance industry.* CPA, CPA candidate, or other relevant professional credentials.* Experience with tax compliance, Oracle ERP, data analytics, or tax automation platforms.* Experience using or developing Agentic AI models, AI agents, generative AI applications, or workflow automation tools.* Familiarity with AI governance, validation, documentation, and human-in-the-loop controls.* Experience working with large data sets and translating tax requirements into technology-enabled solutions.**Candidate Profile*** The successful candidate will be a technically strong and motivated tax professional while demonstrating the strategic thinking and leadership potential necessary for future advancement within the organization.* This person should be comfortable taking ownership of assigned tax areas, identifying issues independently, and bringing well-researched recommendations to management.**Location** * Hybrid - 3 days in office located in Hudson Yards, NYC. 2 days WFH.**Salary Range:**$118,980.00 - $195,465.00The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Guardian Life