Operations Tax Specialist

At Equitable, our power is in our people.

We're individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you'll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential?

As an Operations Tax Specialist, the candidate will work closely with Management to transform the tax operations functions from manual and reactive to automated, data-driven, and strategically aligned. The candidate will act as a trusted advisor to management, proactively identifying strategic priorities and communicating risks, opportunities, and progress.

Some key initiatives and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Process Transformation

• Map and analyze current tax data/processes to identify high-risk manual points and compliance
  risks.
• Lead initiatives to improve workflows and implement data-driven solutions.
• Evaluate current system capabilities and IRS compliance gaps.
• Collaborate on the implementation of SOPs, templates, and workflows ensuring consistency
  across all business lines.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Track penalty exposure metrics and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Participate in control reviews and execute process improvement projects.
• Research and apply IRS updates and annual tax regulations to internal workflows.
• Formally document end to end tax processes and build centralized knowledge repositories.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between management and internal teams to resolve tax-related issues and mitigate negative downstream impact.
• Provide timely escalation and feedback on tax matters.
• Support strategic planning through data-driven tax insights.
• Work with third party vendors and other stakeholders to gather data and/or complete tasks.

Continuous Improvement & Training

• Embed framework that supports ongoing process enhancement for tax operations.
• Maintain a log of metrics for areas of improvement and achievements.
• Support training for new processes and IRS updates to include but not limited to sharing
  
  knowledge and cross training.

The base salary range for this position is $69,000 - $78,000. Actual base salaries vary based on skills, experience, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, Equitable provides compensation to reward performance with base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligibility for these programs depends on level and functional area of responsibility.

For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below.

Equitable Pay and Benefits: Equitable Total Rewards Program
Required Qualifications:

• Understanding of IRS tax forms and their purpose.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel knowledge.
• Resourcefulness, familiarity with the IRS website, tax laws, and publication 1220.
• Analytical and critical thinking to interpret patterns and risks.
• Adaptability to new technology and processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Power BI and/or Tableau.
• Experience using tax reporting software (e.g. SOVOS).
• Ability to explain complex tax concepts and requirements to non-tax professionals.
  
• Experience and familiarity with Equitable products and systems,
  
• A "can do!' attitude. Ability to think outside the box.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Detailed-oriented and deadline driven.
• Proactive problem-solving and accountability.
• Interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Customer-service mindset.
• Coachable, open to constructive criticism.
• Works well under pressure. Profound sense of urgency.

Skills:

Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Customer Support Function: Knowledge of the major responsibilities, accountabilities, and overall organization of the customer support function or department; ability to properly support customer inquiries and bring problems to a timely re