KONE, founded in 1910, is one of the largest, award-winning elevator companies in the world and our offering for employees is as competitive as our offering for customers. Not only do we provide highly competitive salaries, company vehicles for specific roles, and world-class benefits for our salaried employees - we also pride ourselves on our culture and principles. Innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and ethical business practices are just some of the pillars that we use to define our own success. Come join our family in KONE Americas to be a part of something big!

JOB OVERVIEW

The Indirect Tax Manager will lead the indirect tax department for KONE in the US. The responsibility for compliance includes all indirect tax areas; all Sales and Use tax, Excise tax, Contractor's tax, Property tax etc. and all related indirect tax requirements.  Tax compliance includes State, City, and County requirements. The purpose of this position includes maintaining, monitoring, and reviewing sales tax calculations made by our tax software (Vertex).  This role encompasses Tax administration, Tax planning activities, all tax calculations, preparing supporting documents etc., and working with our 3rd party partners ensuring 100% compliance in every tax area. This role also encompasses Tax accounting and reporting – both for KONE internally and externally. This includes ensuring accurate accounting, reporting and analysis of assigned balance sheet and statement of income accounts in accordance with KONE Accounting Standards (KAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and International Accounting Standards (IAS).

This role is expected to lead, manage, and successfully defend KONE position in all Tax Audits (e.g. Sales & Use tax). This person will design and implement the changes resulting from audit learnings and drive the change in the KONE business process. This role will support the KONE Auditors (currently EY) with the annual external audit requirements.

 JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for ensuring accurate sales and use tax returns across all States / Cities / Counties; Lead indirect tax compliance matters across the organization; developing and implementing indirect tax compliance policies and procedures that ensure the organization complies with all applicable state and local tax laws and regulations; manages the review of account payables invoices to determine applicable use tax; runs a reconciliation process end-to-end by every state to ensure full compliance to Sales and Use tax requirements on all out-going customer invoices and incoming vendor invoices; closely collaborates with Finance and Accounting on tax and accounting issues impacting the Company’s financials; analyze and reconcile Sales and Use tax accounts on a monthly basis; responsible to review and complete the 1099 filing at the year-end (for all non HR / non Payroll items);

Maintain and monitor our tax software (Vertex), including managing upgrades; managing the taxability rules within the software to ensure accurate tax calculations; collaborating with IT and others to ensure software is integrated with KONE's SAP and other financial systems; utilizing the software to ensure timely and accurate tax reporting, payments and able to run all required reports; proposing changes to ERP and Tax software to ensure compliance with state and local tax laws and regulations; in case of any new tax software project, being the project manager and SME, ensuring full participation in defining the requirements, working with the tax consultants, software provider, KONE IT and others to implement it and working with the Frontline business team / leaders for change management and communication, in order to implement the changes / improved solution.

Complete tax exemption process - including managing the certificate flows, reviewing and approving the exceptions, and connecting with customers, front line sales / operations team, and tax authorities where required; reviewing “missed” exemptions opportunity, filing for refunds and handling reverse audit; setting up and managing “controls” to ensure checks for exemption from the time of booking orders / signing contracts.

Assist with state and local sales and use tax audits. This includes procuring necessary detailed information, managing the audit process, discussions with the auditors, preparation of requested schedules, formation of dispute workpapers and support, post-audit documentation and communicating with various people, as required; research and respond to inquiries and notices from state and local sales and use taxing authorities, vendors, customers, and company personnel; resolve escalated issues arising from operations and coordinate with other departments; respond to internal and external inquiries, notices and audits; to ensure all audit points are properly analyzed, root cause established, and any changes / improvements planned and executed across the company; and to ensure no repeat of any audit objections;

Monitor state and local sales and use tax developments, including understanding how these developments affect the company's operations; identify and implement sales and use tax planning opportunities through review of laws, regulations and the filing of special exemptions, deferrals, and credits; evaluates tax implications of company activities and develops strategies to minimize tax obligations; staying current with changes in tax laws and regulations and providing recommendations for process improvements and policy changes as needed;

Define and manage the internal control process for the entire Indirect Taxes; run required reports / reconciliations and ensure proper controls exist and we are able to comply with all the tax laws in every state; develops and executes our tax strategy through innovative & creative thinking in a manner which ensures the proper collection and remittance of tax across the Company.

Providing training and guidance to frontline sales / operation staff on relevant sales and use tax compliance matters, exemptions, documentation etc.; training and guidance on using the software to Finance team.

Interactions with Customers and Contacts: This individual is responsible for successfully maintaining relationships within the tax department and with all departments that interact with the tax department, as well as external auditors and customers; prepare miscellaneous tax studies and assignments as required; additional duties as deemed necessary by the Senior Manager.

The ideal candidate for this role possesses advanced analytical and organizational skills, excels in researching tax matters and identifying opportunities for tax process improvement. They are self-sufficient and can work with minimal guidance while maintaining communication with management. Process improvement skills are essential, as well as a good understanding of internal controls and compensating controls. The candidate should be adept at coordinating and managing multiple projects under strict time constraints, promoting teamwork, and developing teams. They should have the ability to comprehend and summarize complex concepts, present information effectively, and respond to inquiries from various stakeholders. Strong knowledge of U.S. corporate statutory requirements, U.S. sales and use tax laws, and experience in leading communications and audits independently are necessary. The candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment, possess strong influencing and negotiation skills, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and have excellent proficiency in Excel. Familiarity with Tax Engine/Tools and SAP financial modules is advantageous.

About KONE

We have the courage to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we believe diversity drives innovation: 

We value your authentic self. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in our strategy and values.

Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment.

Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation 

We care about the communities where we live and work. 

Some of our many benefits include:

Competitive salary 

Flexible work schedule 

Opportunities to learn and grow.

Matching 401K 

Pension plan 

Comprehensive health and wellness plans for the entire family 

Paid holidays and paid time off 

Come share your passion and energy to make a positive impact at KONE for our customers and your career! 

*Beware of Recruitment Scams*  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on www.kone.com/careers