Senior Tax Accountant, Sales and Use

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company.  Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds.  Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence.  We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers.  Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring one day per week onsite at our Lake Forest, IL office.

Position Purpose Summary:  The purpose of this position is to supervise the preparation and timely filing of outsourced sales and use tax returns.  This includes maintaining, monitoring, and reviewing sales tax calculations made by our sales tax software, Avalara AvaTax.  This position will also assist with sales and use tax account reconciliations, sales and use tax audits, research of complex sales and use tax issues especially those subject to judgment and interpretation, and respond to inquiries from company personnel and taxing authorities. 

Dimensions:  Over 200 sales and use tax returns in 50 jurisdictions with between $400 - $800 million of capital spend each year. 

Principal Accountabilities:       

1. Work with outside firms to insure accurate and timely filing of sales and use tax returns.
2. Monitor and maintain our sales tax software, Avalara AvaTax and exemption certificate software Avalara CertCapture.
3. Assist with state and local sales and use tax audits. This includes procuring necessary detailed information, managing the audit process, discussions with the auditors, preparation of requested schedules, formation of dispute workpapers and support, post-audit documentation and communicating with various PCA personnel.
4. Review and approve the proper handling of sales tax exemptions.
5. Oversee maintenance of tax licenses/permits.
6. Research and respond to inquiries and notices from state and local sales and use taxing authorities, vendors, customers, and company personnel.
7. Research and analyze complex sales and use tax issues.  Must be able to effectively communicate these findings, both orally and in writing, to various financial and non-financial personnel within the company.
8. Monitor state and local sales and use tax developments, including understanding how these developments affect the company’s operations.
9. Identify and implement sales and use tax planning opportunities through review of laws, regulations and the filing of special exemptions, deferrals, and credits.
10. Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
11. Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers.  This includes supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what's right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Decision Making:  This individual will be expected to work independently and bring all projects to conclusion before submitting for review to the Tax Manager, and/or Executive Tax Director.

Interactions with Customers and Contacts:  This individual is responsible for successfully maintaining relationships within the tax department and with all departments that interact with the tax department, as well as external auditors and customers.

Requirements:      

1. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required, and a CPA is preferred.
2. 3 to 6 years' experience with a preferred focus in the state sales and use tax area. Experience in the manufacturing industry is preferred.
3. Attention to detail, accuracy, and consistently meeting deadlines are required.
4. Proficiency in Excel, Word, Tax Software Systems, and On-Line Tax Research Databases is required.

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All qualified applicants must apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

Salary : $94,400