Tax Technology Leader

Provides direction and thought leadership for initiatives, projects, problems and activities related to the identification, analysis, selection/development, implementation, training and ongoing support of technology tools used by Tax professionals in providing direct client services. Functions as a change agent and collaborates with the Tax organization to develop and deliver on process improvement and technology adoption. On behalf of these constituents, this role works within IS as an internal consultant and advocate to ensure delivery.

- Understands the short and long term business goals of the Tax BU. Works with IS leadership to assist in the development, business alignment and delivery of strategic and tactical goals with an impact on the Tax BU and in alignment with the overall firm
- Provide thought leadership and technical direction for the firm's purchase/development, implementation, and adoption of the Tax Service Delivery Platform components, consistent with the firm's overall Roadmap.
- Perform research and planning, and provide recommendations in connection with the definition of the company's future Tax Platform. Interface with Tax BU leadership, the PMO, and vendors in the analysis of business process, definition of requirements, and evaluation of third party applications.
- For requirements determined to be best addressed through customized, developed software, work directly with IS Business Analysts and BU subject matter experts to develop requirements. Participate in testing of software prior to its implementation and test modifications made to existing solutions.
- Respond proactively to the functional change needs of the National Tax Office, as well as implement operational improvements identified within IS to increase operational efficiency, security, and recoverability of Tax solutions.
- Work in conjunction with the PMO to develop budgets and timelines for specific projects. Work with the PMO to resolve conflicts and issues between deliverables, other projects, and other activities within the Tax BU.
- Working in conjunction with Tax BU leadership and Learning, advise on the development of programs to drive adoption of consistent, enterprise-wide Tax preparation and processing procedures.
- Provide training and support to the Tax support team as a means of developing team member's knowledge of the tax applications requiring support.
- Function as resource to support team for advanced topics.
- Evaluate and provide thought leadership to resolve recurring problems.
- Maintain relationship with business unit professionals to understand their use of the applications we support and on-going needs for training or support.
- Provide thought leadership to maximize the value realization of our current technology investments through the implementation of custom add-ons or modifications.
- Lead due diligence and integration efforts with respect to the Tax technology tools of acquired firms. Identify all comparable and unique tax tools, and make cost-effective recommendations for the best method and timing to convert the acquired firms to the standards defined by the company.
- Ensure continued personal professional development via attendance at formal training courses and/or reading of trade magazines and websites.

SKILLS:

SKILL SETS REQUIRED INCLUDE:

- Must have a strong understanding of Accounting and Tax applications, as well as the why/how/when/where and by whom they are actually used.
- Ability to build strong working relationships at all levels, internal and/or external to the organization.
- Business Systems Analysis: Ability to translate customer business requirements into systems specifications (or to match them against vendor package functionality) using techniques such as: group facilitation; requirements elicitation and ranking; modelling, charting and prototyping. Must have experience and understanding of programming logic, data structures, workflow, data mining, analysis and reporting methods; technical writing and presentation
- Knowledge of process improvement techniques and the ability to develop improvement action plans with groups.
- Strong customer focus - Must demonstrate customer focus, win-win approach to meeting business requirements and resolving conflicts, and strong sense of urgency.
- Effectively adapt to change
- Strong written and oral communication skill
- Detail oriented with good time management skills
- Comfortable in preparing and making presentations to large audiences
- Knowledge of or experience in accounting industry required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required, with a concentration in accounting, business, or technology preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years experience in preparing tax returns and or specializing in tax technology.
- CPA designation a plus.