Sales & Use Tax Manager - Chicago or Decatur, IL

Sales & Use Tax Manager -  Chicago or Decatur, IL

Position Summary
The Multi-State Sales & Use Tax Manager is responsible for managing the company's sales and use tax compliance, audit defense, tax planning, and process improvement activities across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. This role ensures compliance with state and local indirect tax laws, oversees tax automation and reporting processes, identifies tax savings opportunities, and partners with internal stakeholders to support business initiatives while minimizing tax risk.
The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge of multi-state sales and use tax regulations, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex tax issues in a fast-paced business environment.

Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Reporting

• Review proper tax treatment for sales and use taxes including review of vendor and self-assessed taxes.
• Preparation of tax accrual adjusting entries
• Oversee exemption certificate collection, validation, and maintenance processes.
• Monitor nexus activities and evaluate registration requirements across jurisdictions.
• Review tax accruals and account reconciliations related to sales and use tax.

Audit Management

• Lead state and local sales and use tax audits from initial notification through resolution.
• Prepare audit responses, gather supporting documentation, and manage auditor relationships.
• Negotiate audit findings and settlement positions when appropriate.
• Track audit exposures and reserve requirements.

Tax Research & Planning

• Research and interpret state and local tax laws, regulations, and rulings.
• Analyze the tax implications of new products, services, business models, acquisitions, and operational changes.
• Identify and implement tax-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Provide recommendations on taxability determinations and exemption eligibility.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Manage and optimize indirect tax systems and automation tools (e.g., Vertex, Maximo, Coupa).
• Develop and maintain tax procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Partner with IT and finance teams on system implementations and enhancements, including utilization of AI to prepare exemption certificates.
• Leverage data analytics to improve compliance accuracy and efficiency.

Business Partnership & Advisory

• Serve as the primary sales and use tax resource for finance, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, supply chain, legal, and commercial teams.
• Provide guidance on tax impacts related to contracts, transactions, and operational decisions.
• Support business growth initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws.

Legislative Monitoring

• Monitor changes in state and local tax laws and assess impacts on business operations.
• Lead implementation efforts for tax law changes and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate developments and recommendations to management and stakeholders.

Leadership & Development

• Mentor sales and use tax team members, as applicable.
• Establish team goals, performance metrics, and development plans.
• Support departmental initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in sales and use tax.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state sales and use tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing state and local tax audits.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and tax research tools.
• Experience with Vertex, Maximo and Coupa or similar applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, MST, CMI, or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, retail, or other multi-state operating environments.
• Experience with large-scale ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards.
• Supervisory or people leadership experience.

Key Competencies

• Technical sales and use tax expertise
• Audit management
• Tax research and analysis
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Process improvement
• Project management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership and team development
• Data analysis and problem solving
• Attention to detail

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 

REF:112131BR