Job title: Sales Tax Manager
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable
Location: North Suburbs
Job ID: 33867

Job Description

State & Local Tax (SALT) Manager – Sales & Use Tax Focus

Compensation: $150,000+ (commensurate with experience)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in-office, flexibility between downtown Chicago or Northburbs office)
Why Now: Role created due to growth and increasing M&A activity
Start Date: ASAP

About the Opportunity

We’re seeking an ambitious and intellectually curious State & Local Tax Manager with deep expertise in sales & use tax and an interest in applying that knowledge to mergers & acquisitions (M&A) due diligence and structuring.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-growth practice area, take ownership of sophisticated client work, and shape the future of our firm’s sales & use tax advisory capabilities. You’ll be the go-to resource for sales & use tax—partnering closely with our M&A team, advising on complex client issues, and helping implement new tax automation platforms.

What You’ll Do

  • Act as a technical SALT resource on M&A transactions, including structuring and due diligence.

  • Evaluate complex sales & use tax issues, research authoritative sources, and prepare detailed analyses and taxability matrices.

  • Conduct nexus studies and review client operations to determine filing obligations.

  • Review client exemption certificates and establish compliance procedures.

  • Prepare and review sales & use tax returns, identifying exposure and opportunities.

  • Represent clients before state and local taxing authorities on contested matters.

  • Leverage and help implement tax automation tools (Avalara, Vertex, TaxJar, ONESOURCE, Sovos, etc.).

  • Partner with tax leadership to support business development and contribute to the growth of a new SALT practice area.

What Makes This Role Exciting

  • Strategic Impact: Your expertise will directly shape how we advise clients on complex transactions.

  • Growth Mode: The firm is investing in this area—expect autonomy, visibility, and the chance to build a team over time.

  • M&A Heavy: A large portion of your work will center around due diligence and risk assessments in transactions.

  • Support System: While you’ll be the in-house sales tax expert, you’ll collaborate with directors, tax associates, and M&A specialists.

  • Modernization: Opportunity to lead the adoption of automation platforms and bring cutting-edge tax tech solutions to our clients.

About You

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.

  • 5+ years of SALT experience with a focus on sales & use tax (public accounting or consulting preferred).

  • CPA, JD/LLM, CMI, or equivalent designation strongly preferred (but not required).

  • Strong technical research, writing, and communication skills.

  • Comfortable advising on M&A transactions, nexus studies, and tax risk exposure.

  • Experience with or interest in tax automation platforms.

  • Ambition to grow a practice area, mentor staff, and balance both hands-on technical work and leadership responsibilities.

Why Join Us

  • Work directly with senior leaders on high-value, high-visibility engagements.

  • Gain exposure to a broad range of industries and transactions.

  • Be part of a collaborative, growth-oriented team with exciting opportunities ahead.

  • Enjoy a beautiful office environment and a hybrid schedule.

  • Build a career path that can expand into practice leadership.

This is an ideal role for a technically strong sales & use tax professional who wants to step beyond compliance, own complex advisory work, and grow into a leadership role within a thriving M&A-focused tax practice.