Tax Associate

Tax Associate POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under the supervision of the Tax Manager, the Tax Associate supports federal, state, and local tax compliance and planning for the company and its managed entities. Responsibilities include coordinating with outside CPA firms on business and individual tax returns, monitoring filing deadlines, assisting with estimated tax payments, researching tax matters, and reviewing tax-related financial information. The Tax Associate collaborates with the accounting, legal, and management teams to support accurate tax reporting, maintain compliance, and identify opportunities for tax efficiencies. This position requires a strong foundation in accounting, including financial and tax reporting. This position also requires strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills. It also requires the ability to communicate results effectively, manage multiple tasks, maintain quality of work, and meet deadlines. RESPONSIBILITIES: Financial Collaborate with the accounting department to ensure tax workpapers are prepared accurately and on schedule. Work directly with outside CPA firms to coordinate accurate and timely business and individual tax return filings. Coordinate with outside CPA firms and internal accounting personnel on partnership tax reporting, including Schedule K-1s, partner capital accounts, tax allocations, and related investor tax information. Coordinate and monitor the processing of quarterly estimated tax payments for businesses and individuals, ensuring compliance with federal and state payment requirements. Maintain a comprehensive tax compliance calendar for all entities, including federal, state, and local filing deadlines, extensions, estimated payments, and other recurring tax obligations. Review and advise the accounting department on the timely and accurate preparation of personal property tax returns. Provide guidance to the accounting department on the preparation of sales tax returns, ensuring they are accurate and filed on time. Review the timely and accurate posting of year-end tax journal entries. Ensure compliance with state business license requirements and coordinate the correct, punctual preparation of related state business (gross receipts) tax returns. Advise the accounting department as needed on 1099 processing and related vendor setup. Review fixed assets, including proposed journal entries for tangible and intangible assets, reviewing depreciation schedules, and ensuring proper documentation for expensed items. Partner with the accounting department to develop and maintain capitalization policies, considering their impact on both tax basis and GAAP basis financial statements. Coordinate with outside CPA firms to ensure cost segregation studies are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Assist with tax analysis related to real estate acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing transactions, cost segregation studies, depreciation, and other real estate-related tax matters. Partner with the accounting and legal departments on tax-related tasks required for new entity formation. Maintain entity tax records, including taxpayer identification numbers, tax elections, and related compliance documentation. Maintain state tax accounts and resolve notices from taxing authorities as needed. Coordinate responses to IRS and state tax notices, examinations, and audits under the direction of the Tax Manager. Provide other financial analysis as needed. Operational Review organizational documents to ensure a full understanding of all entity structures and the impact those structures have on tax reporting. Perform tax research and analysis as requested. Research and identify potential tax-saving opportunities and present recommendations to the Tax Manager for evaluation and implementation. Identify opportunities to automate and improve reporting and analysis. Collaborate with accounting and other departments to achieve company goals and objectives. Other Perform other duties as necessary. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or business with an emphasis in accounting or tax; CPA certification or MBA preferred but not required. Experience with partnership taxation, real estate accounting, fixed assets, depreciation, and multi-entity tax reporting preferred. One (1) to five (5) years of relevant experience in accounting, tax, and/or financial analysis preferred. Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills; ability to work across all levels of the organization as a valued business partner. Innovative team player who can multitask and work independently. Strong logical and analytical problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage tight deadlines, prioritize workload, and deliver effective results. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel preferred. Familiarity with tax software and accounting systems desirable. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications Potential year-end bonus opportunity 401(k) with company match up to 3.5% Medical, dental, and vision insurance Generous PTO plan and paid holidays PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. POSITION TYPE: This is a full-time position. This position requires the employee to be on site. Remote work is not available for this position. Cox Universal Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.