Overview

Mayer Brown LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in 27 key business centers across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are achievement, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Paralegal department in our Chicago office as a Property Tax Paralegal.

Assists the Global Director of Tax and Partnership Accounting with coordination of tax reporting and compliance during the fiscal year. Also assist in understanding the firm’s financial results during the year, how those results would translate into taxable income and the impact on the law firm’s entity-level filing obligations during the year, and similarly understand how those results impact the partner group’s estimated income tax payment requirements during the year.

Responsibilities

• Works directly with the Global Director of Tax and Partnership Accounting in managing the team and meeting the expectations of the firm
• Leads the U.S. tax year-end process including compiling the appropriate schedules and spreadsheets that report the tax results for the firm and on an individual partner basis. Document any differences or adjustments between the law firm’s financial reporting results and the corresponding tax results
• Leads the interaction with the firm’s outside tax advisors in the coordination of the preparation of the U.S. tax returns and Schedule K-1’s including: explaining rationale for book-to-tax accounting adjustments; determining the guaranteed payment amounts, benefit plan items, etc. for the partner group; providing detail for certain items that require varying levels of scrutiny (i.e., foreign-source income & expenses, foreign taxes paid, state taxes remitted on behalf of partners, etc.); and doing this in a manner that is timely as the tax returns and Schedule K-1’s are extremely time sensitive
• Works cohesively with the UK tax manager who is highly involved in the European and Asian tax and partnership accounting processes
• Coordinates all international tax filings with local country finance managers, ensuring tax returns are filed, saved on our network and that the appropriate taxes have been paid and recorded
• Creates synergy with the Partnership Accounting team to find solutions on the various partner compensation issues that arise. These include, but are not limited to, partner tax obligations, partner tax reporting requirements, the impact of the firm’s financial results on the partners, etc.
• Interacts with federal, state or local tax authorities on issues that arise during the year in connection to tax compliance or audit issues
• Maintains and manages the calendar of the department, meeting weekly with the entire team and ensuring timely completion of tasks and responsibilities
• Researches tax topics on an ad-hoc basis as needed
• Directs and evaluates departmental operations and staff members to ensure the business operates in a smooth, efficient manner
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field, required
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), required

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of five years of experience working in the area of federal and/or state taxation, required
• Experience working on/for Partnerships, required
• Prior experience working in public accounting or a law firm, preferred
• Strong tax research skills

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required

Performance Traits: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside service providers
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Proactive thinking and problem-solving skills
• Mentor staff and seniors

Management Accountabilities: 

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.