Director - Tax Research

This position is responsible for leading a team of approximately 30 tax research & solution engineer professionals responsible for the research, analysis, interpretation, application, design logic & rules to create and maintain our North America Indirect Tax content (our “intellectual property”) for all legacy and O-series products. This includes standard & non-standard rates, and all verticals (retail, leasing, hospitality) including the Communications Tax tertical. The role will have a deep grasp of current tax issues and environments that impact multinational corporations, tax risk management principles, and transparency requirements. The role will require strong leadership skills in working with cross functional teams to drive results and operational efficiencies. The role must have a deep grasp of the use of technology by tax teams to drive automation and efficiencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the review, interpretation, and testing of complex tax scenarios to create and maintain the tax rules within the software assuring accurate tax results. - Support and advise on matters of U.S. law and taxation.

• Represent Vertex as a subject matter expert at product demonstrations, presentations, seminars, panels and webcasts if needed.

• Guide team members in the principles of agile; conducting agile ceremonies, and guiding teams towards continuous team improvement (ex. functioning as an Agile Coach)

• Setting deadlines, defining scope of projects, assist in the review of work completed by the team, raise awareness of roadblocks, and accountable for the team's deliverables. (ex. functioning as a Product Owner)

• Represent Tax Research as a stakeholder in segment level product requirements and project planning activities.

• Review, analyze, gather, and interpret tax laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, and literature.  Create and/or review requirements and specifications. 

• Develop, direct, and be accountable for plans for improving team performance.

• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME), sustaining the Vertex Brand in the marketplace of Vertex as an Indirect Tax leader.

• Contribute expert perspective to the development of business strategies related to Indirect Tax.

• Influence product direction and content roadmaps for US Indirect Taxes, particularly with respect to Vertex O Series products.

• Establish Processes and Service Level Agreements with Key Stakeholders like Product Management, Sales, VC & Customer Support to improve working relationships, operational efficiency & customer satisfaction.

• Lead Tax Research automation technology projects to drive efficiencies in the day-to-day process and increase capacity among the team to build new content to grow our Core Business.

• Support direct selling & marketing efforts to select and/or targeted strategic accounts as needed or based on upcoming new content releases.

• Produce thought leadership documents and on-line materials related to Indirect Tax as required.

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly updates for all content for all products per the various production schedules.

• Represent Vertex in tax industry forums associated with Indirect Tax.

• Represent Vertex at User Group, CAB and Exchange Meetings.

• Develop internal educational resources and processes on Indirect Tax. - Supports partner development efforts pertaining to Indirect Tax.

• Support a dynamic environment at Vertex, using agile methodologies, collaborating with other departments, contributing time, effort, and ideas.

• Enhance job knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies; developing and/or maintaining proficiency in the latest personal productivity tools is a plus, (ex. Alteryx, PowerBI, etc.)

• Lead or participate in other operational and strategic projects or duties as assigned.

• Occasional travel may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• People manager and 8 (plus) years of leadership experience

• Determine appropriate resourcing of staff in order to achieve goals and objectives.

• Own attainment of high employee satisfaction and retention; lead development of program and initiatives within group to attain high employee satisfaction.

• Prepare and manage budget as assigned; analyzes variances and initiates corrective actions to maximize operational performance.

• Direct and mentor leaders and employees on performance gaps, career development opportunities, and strategies.

• Define annual metrics aligned with corporate goals.

• Direct and coach leaders on all human resource related processes including onboarding, performance management, succession planning, terminations, employee relations, compensation and rewards.

• Lead change management initiatives to drive improvements and efficiencies.

• Ability to interact collaboratively and communicate effectively with external, internal customers, and stakeholders to address issues and ensure alignment.

• Build an effective leadership team through mentoring and formal education that focuses on management and project management principles.

• Accountable for collective team results and recognizing others’ contributions and share credit for success.

• Define annual Key Performance Indicators aligned with corporate goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to teach, develop, and train staff.

• Capability in project management, estimation skills.

• Expertise In multiple tax field/industry.

• Experience effectively managing teams.

• Must be results oriented, customer focused and able to manage multiple high-visibility or high-impact projects simultaneously.

• Ability to co-present at product demonstrations, seminars, panels and webcasts.

• Developing / ability for Compliance administration (Facilitate information between Vertex and Taxing Authorities).

• Ability to apply professional concepts, experience and company objectives to perform an in-depth analysis of situations or data to resolve complex issues in creative ways.

• Ability to work without supervision. Latitude for independent decision making.

• Must be results oriented, customer focused and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to interpret tax laws and regulations and determine how they apply to Vertex products.

• Ability to build relationships with key contacts outside own area of expertise.

• Must be results oriented, customer focused, and exhibit good interpersonal skills.

• Ability to listen and understand information and communicate the same.

• Capability to influence and create awareness skills.

• Ability to utilize time management and effectively communicating competing priorities.

• Ability to apply broad expertise or knowledge to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to resolve complex issues in creative ways.

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, problem solving & presentation) to various audience’s executives, customers, government groups and industry analysts.

• Ability to create informal networks with key decision makers.

• Stay abreast of major trends in Indirect Tax

• Participate in other projects or duties as requested by management.

• Excellent understanding of Indirect Tax and business trends and the ability to translate into the requirements for current Vertex products or new solutions.

• Knowledge of Vertex products and services a plus.

• Strong creativity, facilitation, relationship building, and conflict management skills required.

• Ability to apply broad expertise or unique knowledge and professional concepts to develop resolutions to critical issues.

• Strong depth and breadth of Indirect Tax and technology and how they combine into appropriate tax process management solutions.

• Strong leadership skills, ability to effectively manage large and diverse teams and the ability to influence at all levels.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, data science, or similar degree required

• Obtained or actively pursuing one or more of the following: Juris Doctorate (J.D.), master’s in taxation, MBA, CMI or CPA certification (active or inactive) preferred.

• O Series certification preferred

• Fifteen (15) plus years multi-jurisdictional environment with emphasis in Indirect Tax

• Certifications from recognized institutions that provide certifications, e.g. Certified Public Accountant/Charter Accountant, Project Management

• Ability to lead projects

• Strong experience with research tools such as CCH, Lexis-Nexis, BNA, RIA, etc.

• Industry or consulting experience a plus

• Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience

• Experience with Vertex or other tax engines a plus.

Other Qualifications
The Winning Way behaviors that all Vertex employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our customers, and our partners.

• Communicate with Clarity - Be clear, concise and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback.

• Act with Urgency - Adopt an agile mentality - frequent iterations, improved speed, resilience. 80/20 rule – better is the enemy of done. Don’t spend hours when minutes are enough.

• Work with Purpose - Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results.

• Drive to Decision - Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for customer outcomes.

• Own the Outcome - Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.

COMMENTS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

US Base Salary Range: $157,900.00 - $205,400.00

Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.* The range displayed does not encompass the full potential of the role, which allows for further growth and career progression.

In addition, as a part of our total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants.

Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs.

*In no case will your pay fall below applicable local minimum wage requirements.