Specialist Property & State Income Tax

Purpose of the Position

The Specialist Property and State Income Tax will lead and oversee all property and state income tax activities for the U.S. subsidiaries of CPKC, a Class I railroad operating across 18 states. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant tax reporting, while providing strategic guidance, managing audits, and driving process improvements.

Position Accountabilities

• Lead and oversee property tax compliance across approximately 18 states, ensuring the accurate and timely preparation and filing of property tax returns
• Manage the collection, validation, and analysis of data required for property tax reporting and filings
• Review and approve property tax payments, ensuring compliance with deadlines and accuracy of amounts
• Oversee monthly property tax accruals, reconciliations, and financial reporting processes
• Lead property tax forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis, providing insights to support financial planning and decision-making
• Lead and coordinate property tax audits, including managing relationships with tax authorities and external advisors
• Identify opportunities for tax savings and support tax planning initiatives to optimize the organization’s tax position
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, and drive continuous improvement in tax processes and controls
• Monitor and interpret changes in federal, state, and local tax legislation, assessing impacts to the organization and recommending appropriate actions
• Provide cross-functional leadership and guidance within the Tax Department, supporting broader tax initiatives and projects as needed
• Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure alignment between tax reporting and financial reporting
• Implement and enhance tax systems, tools, and automation to improve efficiency and data accuracy
• Perform and/or review complex tax research and provide recommendations to support business decisions

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA, CMI or similar designation strongly preferred)
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in centrally assessed property tax (strongly preferred), or other relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of state and local tax regulations, including centrally assessed property tax
• Experience managing tax audits, compliance, and reporting across multiple jurisdictions
• Knowledge of railroad operations and industry-specific tax considerations is considered an asset
• Advanced experience with excel and ERP systems (SAP experience preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex tax regulations and apply practical solutions
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to lead and mentor team members while fostering a collaborative work environment
• Ability to travel as necessary (10-15%)

What CPKC Has to Offer

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension plan
• Employee Share Purchase Plan
• Performance Incentive Program
• Annual Fitness Subsidy
• Part-time Studies Program

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug Testing
• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Social Security Number verification

BECOMING A RAILROADER

• The possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.
• Management Conductor Program

CULTURE OF INCLUSION

• For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
• For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion.
• We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities.
• Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request.