Senior State Tax Manager

Reed Smith LLP; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Reed Smith LLP in Philadelphia is seeking a State Tax Manager to provide strategic state and local tax advisory and consulting support. This role involves working collaboratively with attorneys and professionals on complex tax issues and managing multiple client matters efficiently.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a CPA or equivalent advanced tax credentials, and will be responsible for advising on various state tax matters, conducting technical research, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in state and local tax (SALT).
• Experience in tax advisory, planning, and compliance.
• Prior experience in a law firm or corporate tax department preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide state tax research and advisory support.
• Assist with multistate tax planning and compliance.
• Conduct technical tax analysis and prepare client deliverables.
• Support tax controversy matters and engage in client meetings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Education

CPA, JD, LL.M. in Taxation or equivalent

Job description

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.

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 are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. 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.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Analytical skills to evaluate variables and select effective courses of action.
• Critical thinking, logical reasoning, and judgment for informed decision‑making.
• Innovation and creativity in developing solutions and improving processes.
• Adaptability to changing situations and priorities.
• Resilience under pressure in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Effective oral and written communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Customer‑focused mindset delivering high‑quality service or solutions.

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.
• Use of computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools in core job responsibilities.
• Effective communication and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and applying sound judgment.
• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive information in compliance with privacy and security requirements.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.
• Accommodation of extended hours to meet project, client, or business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Working conditions: Required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called to work hours in excess of the normal daily schedule. Schedule details will be discussed with the direct supervisor.

Pay ranges: Philadelphia: $160,000 - $190,000 (actual pay may vary based on location and experience).

Employee Benefits Overview:

• 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, a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and a 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.