Sales and Use Tax Accountant

Winsupply is in the business of creating and enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams through wholesale distribution. Winsupply is a group of over 670 locally-owned companies that operate across a variety of industries, including HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and more. The purpose of the support services campus is to eliminate obstacles and provide support to help our entrepreneurs succeed. Support service employees assist entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams through finance, accounting, IT, and other back-office operations.

Position Summary

The Sales and Use Tax Accountant is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and local sales and use tax regulations, managing reporting requirements, and supporting tax-related operations. Winsupply operates in 46 states, supporting over 650 local companies, and maintaining compliance in all relevant jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with internal departments and external tax authorities to manage tax filings, oversee audits, and ensure accurate record-keeping. Additionally, they will negotiate settlements when necessary to minimize the financial impact of unfavorable audit outcomes and will actively contribute to improving the sales and use tax processes.

Success in this role requires a solid understanding of sales and use tax laws, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Tax Compliance

• Prepare state and local sales tax returns for the Winsupply family of companies. 
  • Become part of a team that prepares approximately 1,300 returns monthly for over 700 entities.
• Enter payments for these returns to ensure accurate and timely remittance.

Issue Resolution

• Address sales tax compliance issues, discrepancy notices, and pursue favorable resolutions.
• Assist in or manage state and local sales and use tax audits, including gathering documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
• Provide support in dispute resolution and negotiate settlements with tax authorities to minimize financial liabilities.

Reconciliation and Reporting

• Reconcile sales tax payable accounts, ensure proper tax accruals, and maintain up-to-date and accurate records.

Tax Research and Advisory

• Conduct research on tax law changes to ensure ongoing compliance and identify opportunities for tax savings.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs related to sales and use tax compliance.

Competencies for Success

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external tax authorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles, including accounts payable functions, journal entries, and general ledger account reconciliation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for communication with taxing authorities and creating account reconciliation schedules.
• Ability to conduct thorough research online to locate state tax laws and required forms.
• Familiarity with Vertex Sales Tax Return software, or willingness to attend training to obtain necessary expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience filing multi-state sales tax returns.
• Experience working in a large, multi-state tax department.

Physical Demands

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components

We are committed to inclusion, diversity, and equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.