Senior Tax Accountant

• Manage the Vertex (Series O)implementation project, coordinated with external resources (i.e. vertex, Swedish IT firm). Review company article and classifications, ensured the taxability matrix and tax decisions were correct.  Uploaded and reviewed Monthly Vertex Rate and Rule software, created vertex reports, configured new stores, performed testing and verified new rules.
• Managed the entire Sales and Use tax function for Company, including all retail, distributions centers, indirect purchasing and property management entities.  Improved the efficiencies in the compliance process to ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and annual filings.  Reviewed, processed and reconciled electronic funds wire transfers.  Reviewed the sales and use tax returns and worked with outside consultants to effectively and efficiently ensure accuracy of returns and their corresponding payments. 
• Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual spreadsheets for the miscellaneous filings including the sales tax refund programs, urban enterprise program and commercial activity tax returns.
• Researched and interpreted tax law applicability and possess the ability to communicate findings effectively.  Desires and constantly driven to improve company's tax position.
• Researched and developed a process to incorporate the correct tax application and law for various projects (i.e. distribution and production of catalogs).
• Managed the audit process by working directly with external state tax auditors and partnered with external tax counsel to effectively resolve outstanding audit issues. Helped reduce audit assessments by effectively managing data gathering to find areas that were opportunities to decrease assessed amounts through tax legal research that resulted in favorable positions for IKEA. Facilitated initial and on-site meetings.
• Prepared reconciliations and reviewed IKEA’s sales tax liability and use tax accrual accounts on a monthly basis to ensure accurate general ledger reporting.
• Prepared monthly journal entries to record and report the sales tax liability and use tax accrual return payments.
• Prepared and presented a power point presentation to the tax department on click through nexus “Amazon Tax” that included the concept of nexus, new nexus, state specific legislation, state specific litigation, federal legislation and the impact and/or implications that may affect company  
• Built strong relationships with store accountants, administration managers and distribution center contacts by providing technical sales and use tax taxability support to help facilitate compliance; improve the accuracy of self-assessing use taxes and create awareness.
• Prepared business registration for new retail store locations.

Resume to: taxstaffing@gmail.com.  Call Matt Ruben at 914-944-3111