Direct Tax Manager

Job Title: Direct Tax Manager

Job Description

The Direct Tax Manager will play a pivotal role in 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 the Direct Tax Manager, you will be instrumental in driving income tax compliance, accounting and reporting, forecasting, strategy, and analysis, while managing a professional team to communicate complex tax insights effectively. This position offers 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 and empower their professional development.

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

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

• Manage the preparation and perform the initial review of income tax and franchise tax compliance.

• 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.

• 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 through written technical memos.

• Monitor new and pending US legislation and determine the 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, preferably with progression of increased responsibilities in a Global, Corporate Tax, and/or Public Accounting environment, including 2+ years of leading others.

• Strong knowledge of accounting for income tax rules under ASC 740 and 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.

• Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced environment.

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

• Demonstrated ability to successfully coach coworkers and build high-performing, highly engaged teams.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, Workday, Excel.

• Ability to build and maintain collaborative cross-functional working relationships.

Work Environment

The work environment offers flexibility with a preference for a hybrid model, including two days in the office and more remote work during the first week of the month. There is potential for a fully remote option. The standard working hours are 8-5 PM CST, with occasional assistance required outside these hours and periodic weekend support. The team is small, consisting of five members, and fosters a collaborative and outgoing culture. The organization values passion, integrity, and empowering individuals to excel in their roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Vernon Hills, 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 Vernon Hills,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

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® Platinum Award 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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.