Senior State Tax Manager

Position summary The State Tax Manager is responsible for providing strategic state and local tax (SALT) advisory and consulting support to attorneys and clients across a wide range of industries and jurisdictions. This role serves as a key member of the State Tax Practice Group and works collaboratively with attorneys and other professionals on complex tax planning, controversy, audit, compliance, and transactional matters.

The State Tax Manager will conduct technical tax research and analysis, assist in the development of client strategies and deliverables, manage multiple client matters simultaneously, and support practice group initiatives. This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, client-service-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in state and local taxation, including multistate tax issues, and prior experience in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, or corporate tax environment.

Job duties and responsibilities Provide technical state and local tax (SALT) research, analysis, and advisory support on a variety of state tax matters, including income/franchise, sales and use, gross receipts, and other state and local taxes. Assist attorneys and clients with multistate tax planning, restructuring, controversy, audit defense, compliance, and transactional matters. Analyze complex tax statutes, regulations, rulings, and case law and prepare written summaries, memoranda, presentations, and other client deliverables.

Support client engagements by developing practical recommendations and strategic solutions related to state tax matters. Conduct nexus, apportionment, sourcing, and taxability analyses for clients operating across multiple jurisdictions. Assist with state tax controversy matters, including audits, administrative appeals, voluntary disclosures, refund claims, and other state tax authority inquiries. Collaborate with attorneys and other professionals on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other transactions involving state tax implications.

Manage multiple client matters and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, and client service. Participate in client meetings, internal strategy discussions, and practice group initiatives. Monitor developments in state and local tax laws, regulations, and emerging trends and communicate relevant updates to attorneys and clients. Assist with the preparation of articles, alerts, presentations, webinars, and other thought leadership materials related to state tax developments.

Support business development and client relationship activities, including identifying opportunities to expand client services. Mentor and provide guidance to junior professionals or support staff, as applicable. Record time and maintain billing practices consistent with Firm policies and client requirements. Maintain confidentiality of client and Firm information in accordance with Firm policies and professional responsibilities. Perform other duties as assigned. Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. Requirements

Education:

CPA, JD, LL.M. in Taxation, or equivalent advanced tax credentials preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in state and local tax (SALT), including income/franchise, sales and use, gross receipts, and other state tax matters. Experience providing tax advisory, planning, controversy, audit defense, and/or compliance support to corporate clients. Prior experience in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, or corporate tax department preferred.

Skills:

Ability to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis and complete assignments within set timelines. Must have keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions-oriented thinking. Ability to analyze many variables and choose the most effective course of action. Must possess critical thinking skills, including logical reasoning, analysis, and evaluation, to make informed decisions and judgments. Ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions.

Ability to think creatively and propose innovative ideas or approaches to solve problems or improve processes. Adaptability to changing situations. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations. Must have flexibility and adaptability to navigate changes, unexpected challenges, and evolving priorities. Ability to work under pressure with composure and resilience in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with various personalities at all levels inside and outside the organization. Ability to have a customer-focused mindset and deliver…