Tax Accountant

Kemper Corporation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemper Corporation in Chicago operates with a hybrid work model, focusing on complex state and local tax compliance for an insurance-focused portfolio. The Tax Accountant participates in tax planning, filing, and financial analysis to optimize the company’s tax position across jurisdictions.

Role requires 1–2 years in corporate tax, proficiency with Workday and Power BI, and strong analytical skills to support cross-functional teams and regulatory deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or related field.
• 1–2 years of corporate tax or public accounting tax experience.
• Experience with State and Local Taxes required.
• Insurance taxation experience preferred.
• Familiarity with cloud-based ERP (Workday) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with multi-state insurance tax compliance and filing.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Process state and local tax payments and deadlines.
• Coordinate cross-functional data with finance, accounting, and operations.
• Conduct tax research and provide actionable insights.

Skills

State & Local Taxes

Tax research

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Workday

Alteryx

Power BI

Job description

Location(s)CORP-Randolph-Chicago-ILDetailsPOSITION SUMMARYThe Tax Accountant is responsible for preparing, filing, analyzing and accounting for various State and Local tax filings including but not limited to: premium taxes, municipal taxes, guaranty fund assessments, use taxes, property taxes and various insurance-related matters. This role helps ensure compliance with applicable tax rules and financial reporting standards and assists with implementing best practices to optimize the company’s tax position across many jurisdictions.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAssist with multi-state insurance tax compliance initiatives, compliance preparation and filing of state tax returns while coordinating cross-functional data across finance, accounting, and operations to meet strictregulatory deadlinesAssists with assessing tax and financial statement implications of activities and events, whether actual or proposed.Analyzes the tax and financial statement implications of actual and proposed business activities and provides recommendations to optimize tax outcomes.Prepares journal entries and performs account reconciliations.Initiates and processes state and local tax payments.Communicates with internal and external stakeholders regarding tax matters.Creatively and regularly utilizes information services and avenues to provide insights and answer questions to tax, software and other questions.Conducts tax research using available information services and technology.Participates in process improvement initiatives and assists in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and enhance documentation.Perform other duties and special projects as assignedMINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.1-2 years of relevant experience in a corporate tax function or within a public accounting firm's tax practice.Experience with State and Local Taxes requiredExperience with insurance company taxation preferredExperience with cloud-based ERP environments, preferably Workday.Strong working knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.Experience in managing deadlines and working independently in a fast-paced and matrixed environmentExperience in analyzing and reviewing tax law and/or accounting guidance and making recommendations.Familiarity and/or strong interest in process-improvement and documentation track record.Good verbal communication ability. Experience in technical writing.Ability to identify, analyze and logically frame issues.Ability to work successfully within a change-oriented environmentExperience with Alteryx and/or Power BI.This position is hybrid in our Chicago officeThe range for this position is $54,800 to $91,400. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors.Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination. Kemper is focused on expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to align with our vision, mission, and guiding principles.Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it.#LI- Remote