Lead Tax Analyst - STAT

Summary

The Lead Tax Analyst position is a technical position within the Tax Department with Federal, state and local tax compliance, financial reporting, and tax technology administration responsibilities. This position will be responsible for preparation/review of Federal and state income tax-related filings for insurance entities. This position will also be involved with all aspects of indirect tax filings, guaranty fund assessments, local tax requirements, and managing tax technology systems. This role includes administration of tax software, implementation of new tools, process improvement initiatives, and collaboration with IT and external vendors to enhance tax operations efficiency.

This position will report to the Director, Tax. This role may manage an intern.

Duties and Responsibilities

Statutory Tax Accounting and Compliance

• Prepare and/or review Statutory income tax accounting and reporting (current and deferred), including analytics.
• Collaborate with the Investment tax team to ensure all STAT/tax investment adjustments are accounted for and incorporated into provision workbooks.
• Responsible for timely reporting of monthly, quarterly and annual tax requirements for Statutory reporting.
• Lead the preparation of tax basis balance sheets for insurance companies in accordance with SSAP101.
• Performs internal controls and assists in maintenance of evidence of controls.
• Responsible for communicating with auditors and providing requested information as needed.
• Responsible for managing preparation and review of federal income tax returns and estimates.
• Collaborate with strategy team to analyze new transactions as needed.

State and Local Tax

• Hands-on management of State tax compliance including Premium Tax, Municipal Tax, Sales and Use Tax, Income Tax, Franchise Tax, Property Tax, and Excise Tax.
• Manage all aspects of outsourcing process with accounting firms for state tax compliance.
• Responsible for attending interdepartmental meetings and reporting back to the tax team as needed.
• Performs internal controls and assists in maintenance of evidence of controls.
• Responsible for communicating with auditors and providing requested information as needed.
• Review check requests and wire payments for state payments as needed.
• Preparation and analysis of GFA and NOLGHA accounting processes.
• Review/approval of premium tax entries for reinsurance.
• Review/approve monthly allocations.
• Create and present quarterly management reporting related to state and local taxes.
• Performs tax research and makes recommendations based on analysis.
• Reviews formal responses to federal, state, and local taxing authorities, as needed.
• Assist in or lead tax projects as needed.
• Preparation and analysis of Multi Year Plan for Premium, Licenses, Taxes and Fees. Coordination with FP&A group to ensure accurate and timely information sharing.

Tax Technology Administration

• Manage and maintain tax software systems including user access, configuration, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Support implementation and upgrades of tax technology tools and systems.
• Identify and execute process improvements through automation and system enhancements.
• Coordinate with IT and external vendors to ensure system reliability, compliance, and effective support.
• Provide training and support to tax department staff on tax technology systems.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent degree.
• Certified Public Accountant or eligible to sit for the CPA exam - preferred.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of tax accounting principles.
• 5+ years’ experience required working in tax compliance or tax accounting, preferably in insurance or financial services.