Direct Tax Manager

Direct Tax Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries

About Ashley Furniture Industries

Ashley Furniture Industries is one of the world's largest furniture manufacturers and retailers. Join our Finance team and help drive tax compliance, process improvement, and technology adoption in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.

Position Summary

The Direct Tax Manager manages day-to-day direct tax compliance, team leadership, and process improvement for Ashley Furniture Industries. Reporting to the Direct Tax Director, this role serves as the primary operating lead for federal, state, and local income/franchise tax processes while providing leadership, coaching, and technical support to staff.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll combine technical tax expertise with team development, process improvement, automation, and responsible use of AI-enabled solutions to modernize how our tax department operates.

What You'll Do

Tax Compliance & Team Leadership

• Manage federal, state, and local income/franchise tax compliance processes (filings, extensions, estimates, payments)
• Lead and develop direct tax staff by assigning work, reviewing deliverables, and providing coaching
• Coordinate with external tax advisors and internal partners to ensure accurate, timely reporting
• Prepare and review quarterly/annual tax estimates and payment support

Tax Accounting & Provision Support

• Prepare tax account reconciliations, book-tax schedules, and provision support schedules
• Support income tax provision processes and learn provision methodology
• Manage fixed asset tax work (depreciation, acquisitions, dispositions)

Process Improvement & Technology

• Identify opportunities to standardize workpapers, automate processes, and improve efficiency
• Use automation, analytics, workflow tools, and approved AI solutions to improve accuracy and scalability
• Maintain compliance calendars, status trackers, and documentation repositories
• Develop templates, checklists, process maps, and training guides

Strategic Tax Support

• Assist with tax planning, M&A support, credits and incentives, and 1031 exchanges
• Research and document federal/state tax issues
• Support tax audits and notices with organized documentation
• Collaborate with Accounting, Finance, Legal, Treasury, IT, and Operations

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor's in Accounting, Finance, or Tax
• 5–7+ years public accounting and/or corporate tax experience
• Federal/multistate tax compliance and workpaper review experience
• Experience coaching, training, or leading staff
• Strong knowledge of federal/state income/franchise tax

Preferred:

• CPA (MST, EA, or other tax credential a plus)
• S-corp, partnership, C-corp, or multistate experience
• Exposure to tax provision, tax accruals, or ASC 740
• Experience with process improvement, automation, or AI tools
• Manufacturing, retail, or distribution industry experience

Key Skills:

• Team leadership and staff development
• Tax research and problem-solving
• Advanced Excel and tax software proficiency
• Project management and organization
• Responsible AI and automation use (with appropriate controls and validation)
• Clear communication with leadership and non-tax stakeholders

Why Join Ashley?

✅ Lead and develop a team while building your own technical capabilities
✅ Drive tax transformation using automation, analytics, and AI
✅ Expand your expertise in provision, planning, M&A, and strategic tax
✅ Work for a global leader with resources to invest in technology and growth
✅ Collaborative culture that values integrity, continuous improvement, and innovation
✅ Flexible location: Arcadia, WI or Tampa, FL
✅ Comprehensive benefits and career advancement opportunities

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with Profit Sharing
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday Off
• Generous Employee Discount on Furniture
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Life Insurance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)

Our Core Values