Now Hiring - Industrial Bearing and Transmission Inc. - Sales Tax Accountant (Tax & Compliance Focus) in Merriam, KS

Full description of the position

IBT Industrial Solutions is searching for engaging professionals passionate about delivering high-caliber service to our customers. We offer a rich culture fueled by highly-experienced, technically savvy individuals at the top of their field. As an employer, we recognize and reward our team with a comprehensive benefits program, flexibility through generous time off policies, and career growth opportunities. Position Summary Were seeking a detail-obsessed, systems-savvy Sales Tax Accountant to own day-to-day sales and use tax operations for a mid-sized, multi-state business. This role has primary responsibility for sales tax management using Avalara as the core engine (rates, exemptions, filings support, reconciliations), and will also play a major role in broader compliance and accounting responsibilities. Youll partner closely with Finance, Sales Ops, and external advisors to keep us accurate, audit-ready, and scalable. This position require a Hybrid schedule working Monday-Tuesday in office and Wednesday-Friday at home. Key Responsibilities Sales & Use Tax (Primary Focus) * Own the end-to-end sales and use tax process across states/localities: configuration support, monitoring, reconciliations, and reporting. * Administer and optimize Avalara (e.g., AvaTax, Returns, Exemption Certificate Management): * Maintain product/service tax codes, customer exemptions, entity/nexus settings, and jurisdiction mappings. * Monitor tax calculation accuracy, troubleshoot errors, and resolve transaction mapping issues with billing/ERP. * Manage exemption certificate workflows (collection, validation, renewals, audit-ready storage). * Perform monthly/quarterly sales tax reconciliations: * Tie Avalara liability reports to the GL and revenue/billing activity. * Investigate variances and correct root causes (data, setup, billing, exemptions). * Coordinate sales tax return preparation and filing through Avalara and/or outside providers: * Review returns, approve filings, and ensure timely payments. * Manage notices, correspondence, and adjustments. * Support nexus analysis and registration needs as the business expands (new states, channels, products). Compliance, Controls, and Risk (Significant Portion) * Maintain a compliance calendar and ensure on-time completion of tax and regulatory filings and payments (sales/use, gross receipts, business licenses, real estate, personal property, 1099s as applicable, etc.). * Assist with internal controls and documentation (SOX-like controls if applicable), including process narratives and evidence retention. * Prepare and maintain audit-ready support for sales tax audits and information requests as well as coordinate related audits. * Draft and maintain tax-related SOPs and training documentation for billing, customer setup, exemption handling, and new product rollouts. Accounting & Cross-Functional Support * Prepare and/or review tax-related journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations (sales tax payable, use tax accruals, refunds/credits). * Partner with AR, billing, and customer service to resolve tax calculation issues and customer disputes. * Support month-end close activities as assigned (reconciliations, variance analysis, reporting). * Provide guidance on tax impacts for new initiatives (new products, pricing models, marketplace sales, drop shipments, new fulfillment footprints). Qualifications Required * Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. * 3+ years of progressive accounting experience with meaningful sales and use tax exposure (multi-state strongly preferred). * Hands-on experience with Avalara (AvaTax/Returns/ECM) as a primary tool. * Strong knowledge of sales/use tax concepts: exemptions, sourcing, product taxability, nexus, certificates, filings, notices. * Proven ability to reconcile large data sets and connect subledger/tax engine outputs to the GL. * Excellent attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to meet deadlines. Preferred * CPA, MBA or progress toward a plus. * Experience in SaaS, eCommerce, manufacturing/distribution, or multi-entity environments. * Familiarity with ERPs and billing platforms (NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicore, Sage Intacct, Shopify, etc.). * Experience supporting sales tax audits and managing state/local notices. * Comfort with data tools (Excel power functions, pivot tables; Power Query/SQL a plus). Key Skills & Competencies * Systems thinking: can translate business flows into correct tax outcomes. * Ownership mentality: sees a problem and drives it to closure. * Communication: can explain tax issues to non-tax teammates without panic or jargon. * Process improvement: enjoys building SOPs, tightening controls, and preventing repeat issues. Reporting & Collaboration * Reports to: Controller * Works closely with: Billing/AR, Sales Ops, Customer Support, FP&A;, Legal/Compliance, external tax advisors Performance Measures * On-time, accurate filings and payments; minimal penalties/interest. * Clean monthly reconciliations of sales tax payable and use tax accruals. * Reduced tax calculation errors and improved exemption certificate completeness. * Audit readiness: organized documentation, timely notice resolution, successful audit outcomes. Work Environment / Logistics * Hybrid schedule (in office Monday-Tuesday, remote Wednesday-Friday) * Occasional extended hours during month-end and filing peaks * May require periodic coordination with external providers and state agencies HP IBT Industrial Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.