Senior Tax Manager – Tax Counsel

Your Job

Are you a skilled and proactive tax professional looking to make your mark in a dynamic and challenging role? Koch is seeking a Senior Tax Manager – Tax Counsel to join our innovative team of forward-thinking professionals. In this role, you will be exposed to a range of tax capabilities, including reporting, controversy, position management, process transformation, and business consulting. You will have the opportunity to explore data and pursue career advancement across a wide variety of opportunities.

This position offers a unique chance to engage with our business units, gaining insights into their operations and working closely with leaders to develop innovative solutions. The role can be based out of our Wichita, KS, Atlanta, GA or Plano, TX office.

Our Team

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.

What You Will Do Strategic Leadership of State Tax Audits and Appeals

• 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.

Process Innovation and Operational Excellence

• 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.

Cross-Functional Communication and Stakeholder Management

• 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.

Talent Development and Team Leadership

• 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 aligning with Koch’s culture and values.

Legislative Monitoring and Strategic Insights

• 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.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• 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

What Will Put You Ahead

• 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.,…