Tax Senior, State and Local Tax

Job-ID: 14696Category: GeneralistLocation: San Francisco, CA, United States; Denver, CO, United States; Seattle, WA, United States; Phoenix, AZ, United States; Los Angeles, CA, United StatesSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-11-10Job Summary:The Tax Senior, State and Local Tax, applies industry knowledge and experience to clients by assisting in providing advice related to tax implications of their business objectives, recommend alternate courses of action, as well as identify different methods of complying with tax regulations. Additional responsibilities include applying knowledge to understand potential tax issues, evaluate and select alternative actions to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognize and communicate potential risks, identify potential changes in the tax policy and apply new policies to tax compliance and assist in handling routine questions from federal or state agencies. This role also serves as primary contact for the clients, as needed, including but not limited to preparing and presenting presentations to clients and potential clients.Job Duties:Research:Identifies when research is needed; frames issues to be researched; identifies sources of all information including information tending to contradict preferred positions, analyzes facts and authorities, and reports the analysisDemonstrates an in-depth level of understanding of various tax authoritiesApplies firm and professional standards for preparation of WTA and tax returnsDevelops and maintains relationships with in-state and out-of-state Department of Tax (DOT)/Department of Revenue (DOR) personnelTax Compliance:Ensures clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdensTracks availability and filing requirements regarding client-related informationApplies tax compliance knowledge with a high degree of accuracy and efficiencyUtilizes knowledge of preparation and issues to price services and sell related servicesDevelops service in accordance with SOX rulingsEnsures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing and manages engagementsConducts detailed review of tax returns, and identifies basic, complex and advanced issues throughout the engagementCommunicates with clients to gather information when applicablePrepares and reviews taxability matrices for client transactions assuring timely review and accuracy of returnsTax Consulting:Develops, recommends, and implements methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxesConsiders the applicability of all state tax consulting sub-specialties for each client, conferring with other consultants, when appropriateInterprets existing and new law and client facts to maximize benefitsInvolves other state tax sub-specialty subject matter experts, when appropriateApplies workplans for tax consulting projects performed for clientsEnsures client service teams comply with firm policy regarding WTA checklistDevelops consultative selling skillsProvides assistance with exam supportAssists in managing client expectationsInforms Core Tax Services leadership of state tax opportunities for clients Tax Controversy:Reviews assessment noticesMonitors client expectations regarding issues of controversyHandles routine questions from federal or state agencies with assistance Tax Related Software:Utilizes GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks Trains staff on all current software toolsTax Specialization:Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxationManages specialization services efficientlyInvolves and works with firm specialists when client and proposal work relates to areas in which the firm has specialistsOrganizes and conducts internal CPE training sessions in area of specializationAccounting for Income Taxes – SFAS109:Reviews basic tax provisionsASC740-10:Applies firm policies, standards and BDO Tax Quality Manual regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48Assists others in learning and applying FAS 109 and FIN 48Reviews tax provisionsCommunicates with Assurance counterparts to timely plan tax accrual reviewsStrategy Development:Introduces and develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm, or firm personnel by reducing taxes or expenses or providing non-tax benefits.Reviews studies of tax implications and offers client alternative courses of actionAssists with research of potential tax strategies as well as implementationUnderstands documentation associated with tax strategiesIdentifies and leverages lesions learned on prior projects and offers input on how to improveSuggests marketing approaches for new ideasDiscusses simple tax strategies with clientBuilds client relationships, marketing, networking and business developmentProvides technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local income/franchise tax issues including research, planning, and controversy workAssists multi-state companies with state and local income/franchise tax planning, consulting, negotiation of settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements and state income/franchise tax audit representation (i.e., protests, refund claims and appeals)Makes high-level decisions regarding filing and preparation, and handles questions from federal and state agenciesEconomically and productively manages projects including billing and accounts receivable responsibilitiesEducates and advises professionals regarding state and local tax law as well as developing their careersOther duties as requiredSupervisory Responsibilities:Supervises work assignments of SALT Associates, as appropriate Provides periodic performance feedback to and participates in the annual performance evaluation for SALT Associates, as appropriateActs as a mentor to and assists in the professional development of SALT Associates, as appropriateQualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Education:Bachelors degree ,requiredMasters degree in Accounting/Taxation or J.D., preferredExperience:Two (2) or more years state and local/multistate experience, requiredLicense/Certifications:CPA certification or other relevant certification, preferredSoftware:Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferredAbility to use standard tax applications and research tools, preferredLanguage:N/AOther Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:Excellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong analytical and research skills Solid organizational skills Ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on detailsAbility to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environmentCapable of building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and client personnelAdvanced knowledge of all tax return formsExcellent people development and delegation skillsAbility to encourage a team environment on engagementsExecutive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagementsBasic understanding of tax complianceAbility to successfully interact with professionals at all levelsWorking knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax servicesWorking knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings Working knowledge and understanding of cause and effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issuesPossesses excellent decision-making skillsAbility to create written tax adviceBasic understanding of the ability to represent the client before any tax authority on contested issuesIndividual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.National Range: $73,500 - $131,250Maryland Range: $73,500 - $131,250NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $73,500 - $131,250Washington DC Range: $73,500 - $131,250About the companyAt BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more!*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vetsClick here to find out more!