Sr. Analyst - Payroll Tax

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with company match

pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company seeks a Sr Analyst, Tax to oversee payroll tax calculations, filing and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. You will balance tax provisions, support audits, and partner with Workday and tax systems to resolve issues.

Hybrid in-office/remote work and CPA progression are valued. Ideal candidates have 2+ years in tax or accounting, strong analytical and communication skills, and a drive to improve processes within a Fortune 100 firm.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, tax or related field.
• Progress toward CPA certification; Master's in tax or law is a plus.
• Minimum of two years of tax or accounting experience in corporate or public accounting.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local tax law and GAAP/statutory accounting.
• Self-starter with ability to prioritize work with minimal supervision.
• Curiosity to learn general and insurance tax concepts and ask questions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze federal, state and local income tax calculations, returns and estimates.
• Prepare quarterly and annual tax provision calculations.
• Review output from tax software and use analytics to identify focus areas.
• Support tax audits and respond to information requests.
• Participate in Lean/Six Sigma projects and drive process improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Self-starter

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/tax or related field

Tools

Workday

MasterTax

Tax software

Job description

About the Role

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless! Let Nationwide help create your career journey! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

The Payroll Tax Analyst supports the functional manager in overseeing the accurate and timely remittance and filing of payroll taxes across 48 state withholding and unemployment jurisdictions and approximately 1,800 municipal authorities on a bi‑weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. Responsibilities include validating tax payments, resolving tax notices and special assessments, and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements. In addition to core operational duties, this role serves as the primary point of contact for projects, representing the team in discussions with business partners, and leading the research and resolution of payroll accounting reconciliation items. The specialist partners closely with system teams to implement configuration updates and resolve system‑related issues, while also driving continuous improvement initiatives across the department. The role performs monthly balancing and analytical reviews to confirm that taxable wages and tax liabilities are accurately reflected across Workday, MasterTax, and associated platforms. Success in this position requires strong problem‑solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The Payroll Tax Specialist contributes to both operational excellence and strategic initiatives, supporting scalable and efficient payroll tax operations.

This position will be hired on a SuccessFlex basis. The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location(s): 1 Nationwide Plaza. Work schedule: 2 days in office, 3 days remote. This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

Job Description SummaryOur team collaborates to deliver results that regularly surpass our goals, we reward creative ideas, adopt technology and emphasize continuous improvement. Do you have a flexible approach, willingness to view issues holistically and have a knack for organizing information and workflows? If so, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares and analyzes federal, state and local income tax calculations, returns and estimates, including consolidations.
• Prepares quarterly and annual tax provision calculations.
• Reviews output from tax software and uses analytics to identify areas of focus.
• Prepares statutory deferred tax asset admittance calculations and participates in preparation of GAAP and statutory financials statements and external audit support.
• Supports Specialist and state audit Coordinator to research and prepare response to IRS and/or state information requests affecting assigned entities and tax adjustments.
• Approaches work and assignments with a broad view and seeks opportunities to improve tax positions and reduce risk.
• Communicates these ideas clearly and concisely to reviewers.
• Supports planning projects and leans into new opportunities.
• Champions technology and operational improvement culture.
• Active participant in Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt/ Black Belt projects when expertise is needed.
• Uses technology in our fast paced and highly automated environment.
• In‑depth tax systems knowledge and data management required for continued success.
• Asks questions, seeks knowledge and demonstrates a desire to learn tax.
• Actively participate in department lunch and learns and other technical development projects.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Tax Manager/Director.

Typical Skills and Experiences

• Education: Undergraduate degree with studies in accounting, tax or other related field.
• License/Certification/Designation: Progress toward CPA certification, Master's degree in tax or law degree a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of tax or accounting experience in a corporate or public accounting setting. Insurance or financial services background a plus.
• Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Federal, state and local tax law. Statutory and/or GAAP accounting. Ability to learn tax systems and apply technology to continually improve and manage risks. Self‑starter who is able to prioritize work through team collaboration and with little day‑to‑day supervision.
• Inquisitive nature and desire to learn general and insurance tax concepts; asks questions and challenge answers.
• Self reviews own work for accuracy.
• Must develop decision‑making skills for problem identification and solution recommendation.
• Can apply technology and tax rules to calculations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in a diverse and fast paced environment.
• Other criteria, including leadership skills, proficiencies and experiences may take precedence.
• Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and HR Business Partner.

Values

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Occasional travel. Non‑standard or extended hours may be required based on project needs.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to fiduciary accountability within this job, a valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Benefits

• medical/dental/vision
• life insurance
• short and long term disability coverage
• paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro‑rated quarterly based on hire date
• nine paid holidays
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• company‑paid pension plan
• business casual attire
• and more.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged.

Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

Nationwide pays on a geographic‑specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity or location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part‑Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full‑time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full‑time schedule.

The national salary range for Sr Analyst, Tax : $69,500.00-$129,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Sr Analyst, Tax : $69,500.00 - $103,500.00

At Nationwide, we find purpose in protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care – and we’ve been doing that since 1926. Our financial strength and caring culture extend beyond our associates into the communities we serve. You really can feel the difference at Nationwide, which is why we continue to be named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For. Check out why others think we're a great place to work, too, and let us know – can you see yourself at Nationwide?

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.