Indirect Tax Specialist

Kia Corp.; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Kia Corp. in Irvine, CA is seeking an Indirect Tax Specialist to manage indirect tax compliance, notices, and related projects. You will oversee sales/use tax, property tax, annual reports, and information reporting while coordinating with third-party providers and internal teams.

The role emphasizes ERP system enhancements, tax automation, and audit support, with a focus on accuracy and process improvement within the tax department. Automotive-industry experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Understanding of general accounting principles and indirect tax laws.
• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in indirect tax compliance.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred).
• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Experience managing third-party tax service providers and coordinating multi-state compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales and use tax compliance processes across all jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with external vendors and internal departments to ensure timely filings.
• Lead responses to IRS and state notices, including notices and backup withholding.
• Develop and maintain procedures to improve information reporting accuracy and minimize penalties.

Skills

Tax research

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

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We appreciate your interest in this role. We value internal growth and will take careful consideration in reviewing your application.

Generally, internal applicants must be in their job for at least 12 months before applying to a new role and must be in good standing with the Company. Please notify your current management before you apply as they will receive a system notification of your internal application. The recruiting team will notify you about next steps, thank you and good luck!

General Summary

Indirect Tax Specialist is responsible for managing indirect tax compliance and related tax administrative activities, including sales and use tax, property tax, annual reports, business licenses and permits, information reporting, and tax refund claims. The position serves as a key resource for indirect tax matters by overseeing third-party service providers, supporting tax technology and process improvement initiatives, managing tax notices and audit support activities, and assisting with tax research and special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority One – 35%

Sales and Use Tax Compliance

• Manage sales and use tax compliance processes across all jurisdictions.
• Review and validate ERP transaction data and taxability determinations for sales and use tax filings prepared by third-party providers.
• Support ERP and tax engine configuration reviews to ensure accurate tax determination and reporting.
• Lead exemption certificate management initiatives and implement process improvements.
• Maintain sales tax resale and exemption certificates.

Priority Two – 25%

Indirect Tax Projects

• Manage indirect tax compliance activities, including property tax returns, annual reports, business licenses and registrations, distributor/representative licenses prepared by third-party vendors.
• Coordinate with external vendors and internal departments to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Review and approve vendor invoices submitted through Accounts Payable.
• Participate in ERP system enhancements, tax automation initiatives, and other system projects impacting indirect tax compliance.

Priority Three – 20%

Information Reporting & Indirect Tax Audits

• Manage annual Form 1099 reporting processes and oversee third-party service providers.
• Lead responses to IRS and state notices, including Notices 972CG, CP2100, backup withholding notices, levy notices, and other tax inquiries.
• Develop and maintain procedures to improve information reporting accuracy and minimize penalties.
• Maintain compliance with backup withholding and information reporting requirements.
• Support and coordinate indirect tax audits, including gathering documentation, preparing responses, and communicating with taxing authorities and external advisors.

Priority Four –20%

Refund Reclaims and Special Tax Projects

• Assist with state sales tax refund claims related to lemon law vehicle repurchases and other recovery opportunities.
• Track claim status and communicate developments to management.
• Assist with tax planning projects, tax research projects, and other special assignments within the Tax Department.

Qualifications/Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field of study

Job Requirement

• Understanding of general accounting principles and indirect tax laws.
• Experience conducting tax research and applying tax regulations to business transactions.
• Automotive industry experience preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in indirect tax compliance, including sales and use tax, property tax, and information reporting.
• Public accounting, corporate tax department, or indirect tax consulting experience preferred.
• Experience managing third-party tax service providers and coordinating multi-state compliance.
• Experience supporting tax audits, tax notices, refund claims and compliance projects.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) and tax engine highly desirable.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Ability to conduct tax research and interpret state and local tax statutes, regulations and administrative guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external advisors.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with internal stakeholders, vendors, and taxing authorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools
• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

Pay Range

$89,936.24 -$121,409.23

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUScomplies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUSEEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.