Senior Specialist, Tax

Merck seeks a Senior Specialist in Tax to manage U.S. income tax compliance and accounting under ASC 740, with a focus on modernizing tax processes through technology, automation, and AI solutions. The role involves preparing federal and state returns, managing provisions and audits, and leading digital transformation initiatives within the tax function.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual and quarterly U.S. tax provisions under ASC 740 for assigned entities and reconcile book/tax adjustments
• Prepare federal consolidated income tax returns and state income/franchise tax returns with supporting documentation
• Identify manual processes, inefficiencies, and control gaps; develop automated workflows using enterprise technologies
• Design and implement AI-enabled solutions for data gathering, reconciliations, workpaper preparation, and return review
• Assist with IRS and state audit responses, estimated tax payments, and SOX-related compliance activities

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Information Systems, or related field
• 3+ years of U.S. tax compliance, tax accounting, or corporate tax experience
• Experience preparing Form 1120 and state/local corporate income tax returns
• Working knowledge of ASC 740 for federal and state tax matters
• Demonstrated experience with tax technology, process automation, and data analytics
• Proficiency with AI platforms (Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini) and automation tools (Alteryx, Power Automate, Power BI)
• Experience with tax software such as Corptax and OneSource Tax Provision