Direct Tax Manager

Aston Carter; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

AD&D for employee and dependents

Disability insurance

Job summary

Aston Carter seeks a Direct Tax Manager to lead US income tax compliance, planning, and reporting in Vernon Hills, IL. You will guide a small team within a dynamic finance organization, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and strategic tax initiatives.

The role involves managing calendars, coordinating audits, and driving process improvements while maintaining strong cross-functional relationships. Hybrid work is supported with in-office and potential remote options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• 5+ years of tax experience with progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Knowledge of ASC 740 and US GAAP for tax accounting.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Experience with tax provisioning and planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of tax professionals in US income tax compliance, audits, planning, forecasting, and accounting processes.
• Manage the global income tax compliance calendar to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Propose and enable strategies to reduce the corporate tax burden for direct taxes and accounting impact.
• Provide performance management and training to the Direct Tax team and develop talent.
• Identify process improvements to shorten provision and compliance cycle times and improve data quality.
• Maintain relationships with external consultants and collaborate with other finance teams.
• Prepare/review quarterly and annual tax provisions and related disclosures.
• Coordinate federal and state income tax audits and respond to inquiries.
• Research tax issues and communicate conclusions via memos.
• Monitor new US legislation and assess impact; ensure internal controls documentation.

Skills

ASC 740

US GAAP

Financial analysis

Problem solving

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Excel proficiency

Office suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

UltraTax CS

Workday

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Direct Tax Manager

Job Description

The Direct Tax Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the annual and ongoing goals and objectives of the tax function. This individual will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking finance organization that values innovation and continuous growth. As the Direct Tax Manager, you will be instrumental in driving income tax compliance, accounting and reporting, forecasting, strategy, and analysis, while managing a professional team to communicate complex tax insights effectively. This position offers an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on our organization's growth and success.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of tax professionals in administering US income tax compliance, audits, planning, forecasting, and accounting processes.
• Manage the global income tax compliance calendar to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Propose and enable strategies for reducing the corporate tax burden for direct taxes and its accounting impact.
• Provide performance management, training, and guidance to the Direct Tax team members and empower their professional development.
• Identify and implement process improvement ideas to shorten provision and compliance cycle times and improve data quality.
• Maintain current relationships with external consultants and collaborate with other finance teams.
• Manage the preparation and perform the initial review of income tax and franchise tax compliance.
• Prepare/review quarterly and annual tax provision components, including book-tax differences and tax footnote disclosures.
• Review effective tax rate calculations and cash tax projections for financial planning and forecasting.
• Coordinate federal and state income tax audits, prepare and review responses to audit inquiries, and communicate audit progression to management.
• Research tax issues and communicate conclusions and recommendations through written technical memos.
• Monitor new and pending US legislation and determine the potential impact.
• Adhere to internal controls and coordinate documentation evidencing that internal controls have been followed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant tax experience, preferably with progression of increased responsibilities in a Global, Corporate Tax, and/or Public Accounting environment, including 2+ years of leading others.
• Strong knowledge of accounting for income tax rules under ASC 740 and US GAAP accounting.
• Strong financial acumen and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and research skills.
• Interest in learning GILTI, FTC, FDII, and BEAT rules developed under the TCJA.
• Demonstrated experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and drive change.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully coach coworkers and build high‑performing, highly engaged teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, Workday, Excel.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative cross‑functional working relationships.

Work Environment

The work environment offers flexibility with a preference for a hybrid model, including two days in the office and more remote work during the first week of the month. There is potential for a fully remote option. The standard working hours are 8-5 PM CST, with occasional assistance required outside these hours and periodic weekend support. The team is small, consisting of five members, and fosters a collaborative and outgoing culture. The organization values passion, integrity, and empowering individuals to excel in their roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-te