The Tax Manager is responsible for overseeing the preparation and filing of all tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, and strategic tax planning to optimize the company's tax position. This role involves managing tax audits, collaborating with various departments to support business initiatives, and leading a tax professionals, providing mentorship and ensuring efficient tax operations. Additionally, the Tax Manager specializing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) focuses on managing the tax compliance, planning, and reporting functions for REITs within the organization. This role requires extensive knowledge of REIT taxation and relevant federal and state tax laws and regulations. The Tax Manager will work closely with the finance, legal, and real estate teams to ensure tax compliance and optimize tax strategies for the company's real estate investments.

Role and Responsibilities

Tax Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all federal, state, and local tax returns.
• Maintain compliance with all tax regulations and guidelines.
• Manage and oversee the preparation and review of federal, state, and local tax returns.
• Ensure compliance with all REIT-related tax regulations and filing requirements.
• Oversee the Company’s internal REIT investor reporting and annual 1099-DIV requirements.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors and auditors to facilitate accurate and timely tax filings.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with the 90% income test and 75% asset test required for REIT qualification.

Tax Planning and Strategy:

• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimize the company’s tax liabilities.
• Conduct tax research and stay updated on new tax laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement tax planning strategies to optimize the tax position of the REITs.
• Advise on the tax implications of real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions.
• Conduct research and analysis on tax issues related to REITs and propose solutions to minimize tax liabilities.
• Collaborate with legal and real estate teams to structure transactions in a tax-efficient manner.

Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of tax provisions and disclosures for financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of tax information for quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Liaise with the accounting team to integrate tax considerations into the overall financial reporting process.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

• Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations affecting REITs.
• Assess the impact of new tax laws on the organization and advise management on necessary actions.
• Implement internal controls to mitigate tax risks and ensure compliance with all relevant tax regulations.

Audit Management:

• Manage tax audits and correspondences with tax authorities.
• Prepare documentation and responses to audit inquiries.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the tax function.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments (e.g., Accounting, Legal, HR) to support business initiatives and provide tax insights.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA certification required.
• Advanced degree in Taxation or JD preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in tax, with a focus on REITs and real estate taxation.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws applicable to REITs.
• Experience in public accounting or a large corporate tax department preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. Familiarity with international tax issues is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Proficient in tax software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals.
• Strong project management skills.