Senior Manager Indirect Tax - Freelance

Reporting to the Director, Accounting and Reporting, the Indirect Tax Manager will play a critical role in the wide-ranging transformation program currently being undertaken by WPP. This position has substantial growth potential, with the number of business units and agencies supported expected to increase over time; in addition, the responsibilities are expected to evolve from preparation of tax filings to becoming risk and compliance focused, with filing preparation ultimately being completed at our India SSC. This role is perfect for an experienced tax professional that enjoys being in the details, while remaining focused on the strategic vision of the organization and building new capabilities. 

 The Indirect Tax Manager manages the different tax requirements of the various WPP agencies which are serviced by the North American Shared Services Center (SSC). This individual will be responsible for working with the different business units on organizing and compiling data for the monthly, quarterly, and annual filings and any required local tax filings. In addition, this individual will be responsible for coordinating any necessary tax entries such as Sales & Use tax and B&O tax as well as working across functions within the SSC to coordinate any tax implications for any P.O.s and invoices. The Indirect Tax Manager will help lead the internal control improvement initiative of various processes relating to tax and handles the documentation and review of process flows, SOPs, and advising on relevant changes to legislation or tax issues that affect the business, if applicable.  This individual will also be accountable for training a team of tax accountants in India and ultimately oversee the quality, timeliness and compliance of their work.   

What you'll be doing: 

• Work with offshore team to ensure timely and complete tax reporting for all areas of responsibility, such as local sales & use tax requirements. 

• Coordinating any monthly, quarterly, and annual tax entries related to Sales & Use tax as well as any necessary B&O tax entries, property tax entries, etc. 

• Coordinate and complete tax filings as well as submit any required payments in accordance with local country tax timelines, if applicable, 

• Streamlining and optimizing tax accounting and compliance processes, utilizing the newly implemented Thompson Reuters ONESOURCE Tax Engine. 

• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant business stakeholders to ensure timely communications regarding any transaction that may have tax consequences and tax planning opportunities. Communicate tax recommendations to appropriate departments and implement planning ideas as required. 

• Work across functions within the Shared Service Centers locally and globally. 

• Perform any necessary tax research related to any tax implications that arise, such as tax implications related to any SaaS contracts with any vendors. 

• Effectively communicate all tax issues with senior management and WPP Tax and ensure compliance with all WPP group policies and procedures. 

• Creation and management of all required resale and exemptions certificates, as needed. 

• Assist in the design and execution of audit suitable tax controls and governance framework across the area of SSC responsibility in respect of tax activity to mitigate tax risks. 

• Lead tax planning and technology projects, where applicable, and provide timely advice to the key business stakeholders across Finance, IT, and senior management. 

• This position will not have direct reports. 

What you'll need: 

• Work experience: 3+ years in public accounting working with Indirect/Sales & Use Tax. 

• Experience implementing and/or utilizing a Tax Engine (preferably Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE). 

• Excellent knowledge of accounting to record journal entries related to indirect tax filings and accruals. 

• Strong work experience with local sales & use tax filings. 

• Excellent knowledge of tax compliance. 

• Ability to work both effectively within a team and alone. 

• Strong communication skills at all levels, whereby you can provide transparent, clear, and appropriate communication through multiple appropriate communication methods. 

• Ability to build trusted and respected stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally and can manage these constructively. 

• Excellent attention to detail, good judgement showing logical data-based decision making, and a hands-on approach 

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.