Overview

We are seeking an experienced State & Local Tax (SALT) professional to own the day-to-day execution of our U.S. state income and franchise tax function. This role has primary responsibility for a multi-state compliance footprint (~200 returns), direct ownership of state audit activity, and ongoing identification and management of state tax exposures. The right candidate is hands-on, exercises strong judgment in what goes out the door during audits, and can operate with a high degree of independence.

This position offers significant visibility and a clear path to full ownership of the SALT function.

Responsibilities

State Compliance (Primary Ownership)
• Serve as the primary internal owner of state income/franchise tax compliance across ~200 returns; coordinate data gathering and submission to outside advisors, manage the overall filing calendar, and conduct tiered reviews (detailed review on material returns; high-level review on smaller filings)
• Oversee state estimated tax and extension calculations prepared by staff; review for accuracy and ensure timely submission
• Manage apportionment, nexus tracking, and combined reporting considerations
• Identify and flag exposures as they surface during the compliance process and escalate with a recommended path forward

Audit & Notice Management (Direct Lead)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for state tax audits and notices, including direct interaction with state auditors
• Gather, organize, and review information requested by auditors; exercise judgment on what is provided and how it is framed
• Identify potential exposures and risk areas in real time as audit data is assembled
• Draft and own IDR responses and other written submissions; coordinate with senior tax leadership on strategy and issue escalation
• Track audit status, manage deadlines, and ensure timely, well-considered responses
Technical & Documentation
• Research and document state tax positions (apportionment, nexus, combined reporting, etc.)
• Prepare clear, concise memoranda and technical support for key positions
• Partner with the federal tax team to ensure alignment where relevant

Process & Infrastructure
• Improve organization, documentation, and workflow across state compliance
• Develop and maintain standardized workpapers and support files
• Identify opportunities to reduce risk and increase efficiency

Collaboration
• Work closely with federal tax, accounting, and finance teams
• Support the state tax provision process
• Assist with special projects as needed

Qualifications
• 7-10+ years of experience in state & local tax; Big 4 or strong regional firm background strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing multi-state income/franchise tax returns
• Direct experience managing state tax audits, including auditor-facing interaction and IDR response drafting
• Ability to identify tax exposures during compliance and audit processes and develop a recommended response
• Strong written communication skills - must be able to produce well-reasoned, polished written responses and memoranda
• High degree of ownership mentality; comfortable operating with limited day-to-day oversight
• Strong organizational and project management skills across a high-volume workload

Additional information

The expected salary range for this role is $150,000 - 170,000 annually. We are committed to offering competitive compensation, and the final salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position.

This job description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties as requested by any person authorized to provide such instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the role that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are considered essential job functions and may be modified as needed to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) must possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and aptitudes necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to their own health or safety or that of others. The qualifications listed in this document represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.

This document does not create an employment contract, express or implied, other than employment at will.

Publicis Groupe offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), wellness, and other employee programs. For additional information regarding available benefits, please visit Publicis Connections.