Director of Tax

KLR Executive Search Group is proud to partner with Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” www.oceanstatejoblot.com) to recruit their new Tax Director. Headquartered in North Kingstown, RI Ocean State Job Lot is a leading $850 million general merchandise retailer operating over 150 stores in the Northeast and a $75 million shopping center business with OSJL as the anchor tenant in over 50% of its centers.

OSJL champions positive change in their communities through initiatives such as The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This nonprofit supports an array of causes in their communities, including food insecurity, homelessness, veterans, child welfare, animal rescue, and healthcare services. During times of humanitarian crisis, the foundation’s focus broadens to provide aid to those in need, both domestic and abroad.

Mission: “To provide exceptional value to our customers while championing positive change in our communities, inspiring a more responsible model for business.”

Position Overview:

OSJL seeks a seasoned Tax Director with a proven track record to lead their tax department and ensure optimal tax compliance and planning across our diverse entities. This role spearheads the Company's tax strategy leading a team responsible for all tax matters from assessment and planning to tax return preparation. Responsibilities extend beyond filing to include designing and implementing tax-saving strategies, managing audits, evaluating the tax implications of business decisions, and overseeing both internal tax staff and external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all tax compliance and planning for the Company and affiliates.
• Prepare timely and accurate federal, state, and local tax returns for retail, real estate operations, and affiliated entities.
• File for payment extensions with supporting documentation as needed.
• Oversee monthly sales/use, tangible personal property, and real estate tax returns for all locations and entities, ensuring accuracy of assessments.
• Analyze tax codes to optimize tax strategies and deductions, minimizing Company tax burden through legal means.
• Research complex tax issues and legal changes, consulting with internal/external professionals to gain insights.
• Manage interactions with tax agencies regarding audits, inquiries, and notices.
• Continuously evaluate and improve tax procedures. This includes designing new procedures, implementing efficient solutions (software, outsourcing), etc.
• Manage performance through coaching and delegation, and actively participate in team development to build a strong and knowledgeable department.

Job Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in a senior tax role including a strong track record with pass-through entities and complex tax matters.
• 5 or more years of direct supervisory experience leading and developing a tax team.
• Experience with Federal and Multistate tax return preparation for Individual, C Corp, S Corp, Partnerships, Foundations and Trusts along with exposure to sales, use and property tax is required.
• Research experience with commonly controlled groups, partnership and multi-state issues is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, tax software and Google workspace (i.e. Sites, Slides, Drive, Docs, Sheets).
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant and/or Master of Science in Tax is required.