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Job Title: Direct Tax Manager

Job Description

The Direct Tax Manager will play a critical role by supporting the annual and ongoing goals and objectives of the tax function. This individual will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking Finance organization that values innovation and continuous growth. As Direct Tax Manager, you will be responsible for driving income tax compliance, accounting and reporting, forecasting, strategy, and analysis, while effectively managing a professional team to communicate complex tax insights. This position partners closely with leadership within the Tax team and others throughout the organization, offering an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on our organization's growth and success.

Responsibilities

+ Lead a team of tax professionals in administering US income tax compliance, audits, planning, forecasting, and accounting processes.

+ Manage the global income tax compliance calendar to ensure timely and accurate filings.

+ Propose and enable strategies for reducing the corporate tax burden for direct taxes and its accounting impact.

+ Provide performance management, training, and guidance to the Direct Tax team members, empowering their professional development.

+ Identify and implement process improvement ideas to shorten provision and compliance cycle times and/or improve data quality.

+ Maintain current relationships with external consultants and collaborate with other finance teams.

+ Manage the preparation and initial review of income tax and franchise tax compliance, including federal and state consolidated returns and workpapers.

+ Prepare/review quarterly and annual tax provision components, including book-tax differences and tax footnote disclosures.

+ Review effective tax rate calculations and cash tax projections for financial planning and forecasting purposes.

+ Coordinate federal and state income tax audits, prepare and review responses to audit inquiries, and communicate audit progression to management.

+ Research tax issues and communicate conclusions and recommendations to management through written technical memos.

+ Monitor new and pending US legislation and determine its potential impact.

+ Adhere to internal controls and coordinate documentation evidencing that internal controls have been followed.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant tax experience with progression of increased responsibilities.

+ Strong knowledge of accounting for income tax rules under ASC 740 and a good working knowledge of US GAAP accounting.

+ Strong financial acumen and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

+ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.

+ Interest in learning GILTI, FTC, FDII, and BEAT rules developed under the TCJA.

+ Experience working in a fast-paced environment.

+ Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and drive change.

+ Experience in coaching coworkers and building high-performing teams.

+ Strong project management skills with the ability to adapt to changing business needs.

+ Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Knowledge of Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, Workday, and Excel.

+ Experience with tax software such as Vertex, Peoplesoft, CCH, iSeries.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work environment, typically meeting in downtown Chicago or Rosemont for 2 days in the office most weeks, with the first week of the month being fully remote. The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, with the expectation of longer hours in January and potential weekend work, which can be done remotely. The team is collaborative and outgoing, working together to achieve shared goals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lincolnshire, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Lincolnshire,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 28, 2025.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.