Senior Tax Manager – Tax Counsel

Senior Tax Manager – Tax Counsel

Join us at Koch as a Senior Tax Manager – Tax Counsel. In this dynamic role, you will be exposed to a range of tax capabilities—including reporting, controversy, position management, process transformation, and business consulting—while working closely with business leaders to develop innovative solutions.

The position can be based out of our Wichita, KS, Atlanta, GA, or Plano, TX offices.

We are looking for a skilled and proactive tax professional who can use their expertise to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex audit and appeal life cycles, and drive operational excellence.

The state team is a crucial part of our overall SALT capability, responsible for all aspects of state income and franchise tax reporting, controversy, and position management for the Koch businesses. We pride ourselves on taking ownership of our roles, driving innovation, and building strong relationships across the organization.

• Lead and own the end‑to‑end state income and franchise tax audit and appeals lifecycle, from initiation through resolution. Develop and implement strategic approaches to optimize audit outcomes considering tax, interest, penalties, and the use of tax attributes (e.g., NOLs and credits).
• Champion timely and effective responses to information document requests (IDRs) and oversee internal and external resources to ensure rigorous defense and resolution of audits.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance audit, appeals, and notice management processes. Establish best practices, leverage technology (including generative AI), and ensure robust documentation and control frameworks. Lead efforts to elevate efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance transparency across the audit and notice functions.
• Act as the primary liaison between the tax department leadership, state tax accounting teams, and business leadership. Ensure consistent, transparent communication on audit statuses, risks, and resolutions. Collaborate with public sector and external advisors to stay ahead of legislative developments impacting the business.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high‑performing team focused on state tax audit, appeal, and legislative tracking activities. Facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure team members are empowered to independently manage audits and controversies while aligned with Koch’s culture and values.
• Lead the monitoring and interpretation of state legislative changes with potential tax impacts. Partner with internal stakeholders to incorporate legislative intelligence into audit strategies and commercial decision‑making frameworks.

• Proven track record managing complex controversy matters with a strategic, results‑oriented focus.
• Strong understanding of state income/franchise tax frameworks and legislative environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage external advisors/vendors.
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting complex tax controversy issues to senior leadership and business stakeholders.
• Ability to drive process improvements and leverage technology for operational efficiencies.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in state and local tax audits, controversy management, or related tax advisory roles.
• Strong understanding of state income/franchise tax frameworks and legislative environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Law (JD), or a related field (Advanced degree or CPA preferred).
• CPA, JD, or advanced tax certification.
• Experience in a large, complex corporate environment with multi‑state tax exposures.
• Familiarity with tax accounting impacts and collaboration with accounting teams.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI) into tax processes.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance tax optimization against broader business objectives.
• Prior experience working with public sector or government relations teams on legislative matters.

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second‑Chance employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.