Senior Tax Manager – State and Local

About the role

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

Pay

The expected salary range for this role is $150,000 – $170,000 annually. The final salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position.

Benefits

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.