Senior State Tax Manager

Position summary

The State Tax Manager is responsible for providing strategic state and local tax (SALT) advisory and consulting support to attorneys and clients across a wide range of industries and jurisdictions. This role serves as a key member of the State Tax Practice Group and works collaboratively with attorneys and other professionals on complex tax planning, controversy, audit, compliance, and transactional matters.

The State Tax Manager will conduct technical tax research and analysis, assist in the development of client strategies and deliverables, manage multiple client matters simultaneously, and support practice group initiatives. This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, client-service-oriented environment.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in state and local taxation, including multistate tax issues, and prior experience in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, or corporate tax environment.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Provide technical state and local tax (SALT) research, analysis, and advisory support on a variety of state tax matters, including income/franchise, sales and use, gross receipts, and other state and local taxes.
• Assist attorneys and clients with multistate tax planning, restructuring, controversy, audit defense, compliance, and transactional matters.
• Analyze complex tax statutes, regulations, rulings, and case law and prepare written summaries, memoranda, presentations, and other client deliverables.
• Support client engagements by developing practical recommendations and strategic solutions related to state tax matters.
• Conduct nexus, apportionment, sourcing, and taxability analyses for clients operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Assist with state tax controversy matters, including audits, administrative appeals, voluntary disclosures, refund claims, and other state tax authority inquiries.
• Collaborate with attorneys and other professionals on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other transactions involving state tax implications.
• Manage multiple client matters and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, and client service.
• Participate in client meetings, internal strategy discussions, and practice group initiatives.
• Monitor developments in state and local tax laws, regulations, and emerging trends and communicate relevant updates to attorneys and clients.
• Assist with the preparation of articles, alerts, presentations, webinars, and other thought leadership materials related to state tax developments.
• Support business development and client relationship activities, including identifying opportunities to expand client services.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior professionals or support staff, as applicable.
• Record time and maintain billing practices consistent with Firm policies and client requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and Firm information in accordance with Firm policies and professional responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: CPA, JD, LL.M. in Taxation, or equivalent advanced tax credentials preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in state and local tax (SALT), including income/franchise, sales and use, gross receipts, and other state tax matters.
• Experience providing tax advisory, planning, controversy, audit defense, and/or compliance support to corporate clients.
• Prior experience in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, or corporate tax department preferred.

Skills:

• Ability to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis and complete assignments within set timelines.
• Must have keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions-oriented thinking.
• Ability to analyze many variables and choose the most effective course of action.
• Must possess critical thinking skills, including logical reasoning, analysis, and evaluation, to make informed decisions and judgments.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions.
• Ability to think creatively and propose innovative ideas or approaches to solve problems or improve processes.
• Adaptability to changing situations.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations.
• Must have flexibility and adaptability to navigate changes, unexpected challenges, and evolving priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure with composure and resilience in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with various personalities at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to have a customer-focused mindset and deliver high-quality service or solutions to internal or external stakeholders.

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment to decisions.
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs.
• Ability to provide off-hours support and coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support [critical incidents, systems maintenance, urgent project deadlines] or business needs.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay ranges
This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Philadelphia: $160,000 - $190,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.