Guardian Life Insurance

Lead Specialist, Tax Accounting & Reporting

Guardian Life Insurance • $118K — $195K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
  • 7 – 10 years of relevant state and local tax experience in various settings.
  • Hands-on experience with insurance premium tax.
  • Experience with sales and use tax compliance and research.
  • Working knowledge of multistate tax compliance and research.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Support ownership of relationships with outsourcing partners for insurance premium tax compliance.
  • Manage sales and use tax compliance relationship and related financial processes.
  • Assist with compliance for state income, franchise, and property tax as necessary.
  • Coordinate with external advisors on tax compliance matters.
  • Prepare account reconciliations for tax-related financial reporting.
  • Provide insights on tax planning opportunities and operational efficiencies.
  • Research state and local tax matters and respond to requests from tax authorities.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model: 3 days in office, 2 days work from home.
  • Opportunities for professional advancement and leadership development.
  • Engagement with innovative technology solutions in tax compliance.
  • Supportive team environment with cross-functional collaboration.
  • Access to advanced AI-driven tax technology and resources.
Full Job Description

This role is ideal for a tax professional to join our Corporate Tax organization with approximately 7 – 10 years of relevant experience who is ready to take on greater ownership of complex state and local tax matters while helping shape the future direction of Guardian’s tax function while continuing to develop technical depth and leadership capability. The position will have particular focus on insurance premium tax, sales and use tax, property tax, tax research, tax planning, and process improvement.

 

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with a strategic, forward-looking mindset, proactively identifying emerging tax risks, opportunities, and legislative developments that may impact the organization. In partnering with finance technology team, this individual will play a key role in advancing State and Local tax team’s technology roadmap using Agentic AI, automation, data analytics, and innovative workflow solutions designed to improve efficiency, scalability, and business insight.

 

You will

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Compliance:

  • Support and take ownership of the relationship with our outsourcing partner firm on insurance premium tax compliance and handle related payments & reconciliations, accounting, and internal and external regulatory requirements.
  • Support and take ownership of the relationship with our outsourcing partner firm on sales and use tax and handle related payments & reconciliations, accounting, and internal and external regulatory requirements.
  • Assist (when necessary) with state income and franchise, property tax, commercial rent and other tax compliance and related reporting requirements.
  • Coordinate with external tax advisors as needed on compliance related matters.

 

Financial Close, Tax Planning and Analysis:

  • Prepare account reconciliations and support tax-related financial reporting activities.
  • Provide insights and recommendations to management regarding potential tax planning opportunities, risk mitigation strategies, and operational efficiencies.

Research and Audit:

  • Research state and local tax matters, including nexus, sourcing, exemptions, credits, apportionment, and filing obligations.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting premium tax, sales and use tax, and other state and local tax obligations.
  • Respond to state tax notices and support tax audits and information requests.

Technology:

  • Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tax processes and assist in developing, testing, and governing AI-driven tax solutions integrated with enterprise systems and data sources.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to obtain and validate tax data, support AI-enabled tax technology, and process improvement initiatives

You have

 

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
  • 7 – 10 years of relevant state and local tax experience in a corporate tax department, public accounting firm, insurance company, or combination thereof.
  • Hands-on experience with insurance premium tax.
  • Experience with sales and use tax compliance and research.
  • Working knowledge of multistate tax compliance and tax research.
  • Strong understanding of accounting principles and account reconciliations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to research technical tax matters and clearly document conclusions.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with limited supervision.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in the life insurance industry.
  • CPA, CPA candidate, or other relevant professional credentials.
  • Experience with tax compliance, Oracle ERP, data analytics, or tax automation platforms.
  • Experience using or developing Agentic AI models, AI agents, generative AI applications, or workflow automation tools.
  • Familiarity with AI governance, validation, documentation, and human-in-the-loop controls.
  • Experience working with large data sets and translating tax requirements into technology-enabled solutions.

Candidate Profile

  • The successful candidate will be a technically strong and motivated tax professional while demonstrating the strategic thinking and leadership potential necessary for future advancement within the organization.
  • This person should be comfortable taking ownership of assigned tax areas, identifying issues independently, and bringing well-researched recommendations to management.

Location 

  • Hybrid - 3 days in office located in Hudson Yards, NYC. 2 days WFH.

Salary Range:

$118,980.00 - $195,465.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

About Guardian Life Insurance

Guardian Life Insurance Careers

Join the Guardian Life Insurance team today and be part of a company that values growth, leadership, and innovation. As a leading provider in the insurance industry, Guardian Life Insurance offers a wealth of job opportunities that empower you to shape your future and strengthen your professional skills. Work You’ll Do At Guardian Life Insurance, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients. Our culture thrives on inclusivity and the shared ambition of our team members to drive positive change in the insurance sector. Explore a variety of career paths in areas ranging from customer service to financial advisement, each offering the potential to engage with transformative projects that impact lives. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. Innovative Work Guardian Life Insurance is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and personalized service. Join us and contribute to initiatives that redefine industry standards and lead to more predictive and personalized customer experiences. Be Part of a Great Team Our team at Guardian Life Insurance is our strongest asset. We foster an environment where creativity and effectiveness are encouraged, making it a perfect place for those who seek to innovate and excel in their careers. With a focus on nurturing talent, we offer comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, and a supportive atmosphere that advocates work-life balance. Future-Proof Your Career With Guardian Life Insurance, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of employment opportunities that not only align with your current skills but also challenge you to grow and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or even leadership roles, Guardian Life Insurance is committed to helping you find the right path. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities waiting for you at Guardian Life Insurance. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to our mission. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with us. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the professionals who make Guardian Life Insurance a leader in the insurance industry. Our careers blog provides valuable information to help you prepare for your next interview, polish your resume, and enhance your networking abilities. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Guardian Life Insurance, and see how you can contribute to our legacy of excellence and innovation. Join Guardian Life Insurance today and be part of a company that’s dedicated to your career growth and professional development.
Learn more about Guardian Life Insurance
Size
9,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1860

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