Sr. Tax Research Lead, Sales Tax Consulting

How We Work At Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A, Inc. ('Chick-fil-A' or 'the Company') Staff members play a vital role in achieving our strategic goals by developing their skills, fostering inclusive teamwork, and embracing innovation. All Staff are expected to contribute to a compelling future by inspiring and motivating those around them. Growth and development are essential at Chick-fil-A. We want Staff to seek new perspectives and adopt new methods to drive continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving business needs. Lastly, we ask Staff to seek wisdom, expect the best, accept responsibility, respond with courage, and think others first. Our Flexible Futures Model offers a healthy mix of working in person (currently a minimum of 8-10 days per month) and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community.

Overview

The Chick-fil-A Tax Department is responsible for tax compliance, technology, special projects, research and audit defense functions for independently-owned franchised restaurants and corporate activities. We provide tax planning, regulatory reporting, and consulting to stakeholders, governments, external auditors, and business leaders. As Chick-fil-A grows in complexity and global footprint, we seek to influence business decisions, reduce tax liability, and mitigate risk.

The primary purpose of the Sr. Research Lead, Sales Tax Consulting is to prepare and/or review complex tax research and projects impacting both Chick-fil-A, Inc. & Affiliates (the “Company”) and third‑party franchisees.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and or/oversees complex and unique tax technical research, including preparation of written memoranda, multi‑state and local matrices, menu taxability, and tax‑exempt research. Communicates impact of research to Tax Leadership, internal business partners, and third‑party franchisees when required.
• Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of domestic Sales Tax matters impacting multiple business lines (Beyond the Restaurant, Distribution, Manufacturing, Corporate Franchisor, Lessor of Real and Tangible Property, Restaurant Operations, Marketplace Facilitator Transactions, Digital and Streaming Revenue Streams) and can identify and resolve moderately complex and unique sales tax issues impacting the overall business.
• Plans and directs moderately complex projects and/or outcomes that may have significant impact to Chick‑fil‑A, Inc. and third‑party franchisees.
• Provides technical consultation to others with significant technical expertise due to the growth in the volume of Operators and restaurants supported, with an emphasis on Beyond the Restaurant sales activities. Beyond the Restaurant activities include, but are not limited to, sales channels such as ADPs/food trucks, Chick‑fil‑A Delivery, multi‑state business ventures, third‑party business ventures, exempt/resale transactions, Operator‑facing corporate communications, and general Operator consulting matters.
• Assists Tax Leadership in resolving complex sales and indirect tax issues for emerging business lines and growing volume of Operators and restaurants supported.
• Responsible for monitoring state and local tax legislation and current developments that impact the Company and third‑party franchisees and provide analysis as appropriate. Communicates with the appropriate members of the Company and third‑party franchisees, as needed.
• Serves on internal cross‑function teams by providing technical sales tax knowledge that may directly impact project outcomes.
• Serves as a liaison to others in Restaurant Accounting, Treasury, Restaurant Cash Management, New and Existing Restaurants, DTT, Marketing, and Supply Chain.

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• CPA eligible or JD/Admittance to the Bar
• 8+ years of Sales Tax or State Income Tax Experience
• Ability to multi‑task
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and navigate complex work.
• Ability to take initiative to drive projects forward
• Ability to communicate effectively and manage difficult conversations

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• CPA or Admittance to the Bar
• Experience in Tax Matters impacting the Restaurant Industry.
• Experience with Alteryx, Tableau, and other accounting systems
• 7+ years of tax experience
• 9+ years of sales tax experience

Required Years of Experience

8

Travel Requirements

10%

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Level of Education

Master's Degree

Major/Concentration

Accounting or JD

Relocation Assistance Provided

No