Director, US State and Local Tax (Austin)

Job Summary

The Director – State and Local Tax will lead the design, stand-up, and ongoing operation of the Company’s U.S. future state and local tax function. This is a hands‑on build-from-scratch role that will initially operate without direct reports, leveraging external advisors and internal cross‑functional support to establish a scalable, well‑controlled SALT operating model. Over time, the role will be expected to recommend and build an internal team structure aligned with business growth and risk profile.

The role will be responsible for end-to-end oversight and execution of U.S. state and local tax matters, including income/franchise tax, sales and use tax, property tax, federal excise tax, business licenses/registrations, and unclaimed property, while partnering closely with finance, supply chain, site leadership, and external advisors. The position will play a key role in strengthening compliance, controversy management, tax risk governance, process design, and technology enablement across the SALT function.

This role is based from our Austin, TX headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Stand up and lead the SALT operating model

• Build and implement the Company’s future U.S. state and local tax operating model, including roles/responsibilities, use of outside advisors, process ownership, controls, governance, and reporting cadence.
• Serve as the primary SALT business partner to Head of Tax and key internal stakeholders.
• Establish a tax calendar and control framework for all recurring SALT compliance and reporting obligations.
• Evaluate future staffing needs and build the business case for team expansion over time.

2. State income and franchise tax

• Manage and review the accurate and timely preparation, filing, and payment of state and local income/franchise tax returns, estimates, extensions, and related filings prepared internally and/or externally.
• Lead technical analysis of nexus, apportionment, combined/unitary filing positions, state tax law changes, and planning opportunities with the support of external advisors.
• Support forecasting, cash tax planning, and state effective tax rate analysis.
• Oversee integration of acquisitions, restructurings, legal entity changes, and new operations, into the state income/franchise tax profile.

3. Sales and use tax / indirect tax

• Lead the Company’s future U.S. sales and use tax function, including taxability analysis, registration requirements, use-tax accrual processes, refund opportunities, audit support, and issue resolution.
• Oversee exemption certificate strategy and related documentation processes.
• Partner with business teams to resolve complex customer, supplier, and transactional tax issues.
• Support system and process improvements to improve sales/use tax accuracy and scalability.

4. Property tax, excise, business licenses and unclaimed property

• Oversee property tax compliance, including returns, assessments, valuation reviews, appeals/abatement opportunities, and external vendor coordination as applicable.
• Oversee federal excise tax compliance and related advisory matters, as applicable to the business.
• Manage business license, annual registration, Secretary of State, and related state/local registration requirements in coordination with local teams.
• Lead unclaimed property compliance and recovery efforts, as applicable.

5. Audit, controversy, and risk management

• Lead SALT controversy management across all relevant tax streams, including notices, information requests, audits, protests, appeals, settlements, and remediation.
• Manage periodic nexus and risk reviews to identify exposures and planning opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, support files, and process controls are maintained for compliance and audit defense.

6. Advisors, systems, and process improvement

• Select, direct, and manage external SALT advisors, compliance providers, and tax technology vendors.
• Assess and improve systems, data flows, and tax and AI tools used for SALT compliance and reporting.
• Partner with IT, AP/AR, and finance process owners to embed sustainable SALT controls into core transaction flows.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization across processes, documentation, and governance.

Qualifications & requirements:

• Position requires an individual who is a self-starter with the ability to work independently, who handles multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a changing environment, effectively prioritizing and completing assignments.
• Deep technical knowledge across state income/franchise, sales and use tax, property tax, business licenses/registrations, and unclaimed property; federal excise tax experience is a plus.
• Strong experience managing external advisors and coordinating outsourced/comanaged compliance models.
• Proven project management, change management, and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, state and local representatives, customers and suppliers.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field; CPA strongly preferred.
• 8+ years in a large multi‑state environment.
• Experience with OneSource or other sales tax software and PTMS or other property tax software is a plus.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

What you’ll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Life Insurance.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability.
• Matching 401(k) Contributions.
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Job Category

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email View email address on apply.placed-app.com and we’ll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).