Senior Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs
Senior level state and local tax associate jobs place experienced professionals in charge of complex multi-jurisdictional compliance, technical research, and the junior staff who execute the day-to-day work. Openings are concentrated in Accounting & Auditing and Technology & Software, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions available, and employers like BDO, Baker Tilly Canada, and PwC hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Senior Level State and Local Tax Associate jobs
Job Summary:
A Tax Experienced Manager, State and Local Tax is responsible for advising clients of the tax implications relating to their business objectives, recommending alternate courses of action, as well as identifying different methods of complying with tax regulations. In this role, the SALT Experienced Manager will be charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and recognizing potential changes in tax policy and applying new policies to tax compliance. In addition, the SALT Experienced Manager will work with the Core Tax Partners, Directors, and Senior Managers to provide SALT expertise to their clients.
Job Duties:
- Research
- Identifies complex situations when research is necessary providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted
- Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report of the research findings
- Develops relationships with in-state and out of state Department of Tax (DOT)/Department of Revenue (DOR) personnel
- Tax Compliance
- Conducts detailed reviews of tax returns with the ability to identify most significant state tax issues
- Composes responses to notices from state taxing authorities
- Provides assistance with exam support
- Tax Consulting
- Drafts tax memorandums, tax opinions and other documentation on various tax issues
- Applies all applicable state tax consulting sub-specialties and confers with other Tax professionals when appropriate
- Determines tax planning process
- Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing and manages engagements
- Assists in the development of consultative selling strategies
- Manages the expectations of assigned clients
- Tax Controversy
- Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues
- Tax Related Software
- Utilizes GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
- Tax Specialization
- Provides technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local tax issues
- Conducts negotiation of settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements and state tax audit representation
- Drafts technical memoranda regarding state and local tax issues
- Accounting for Income Taxes – SFAS109
- Prepares tax accrual workpapers
- ASC740-10
- Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48, as well as FAS5 for sales tax and unclaimed properties
- Strategy Development
- Reviews studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients
- Develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel through reduction in taxes or expenses or offering of non-tax benefits
- Assists with researching potential tax strategies
- Suggests marketing approaches for new client acquisition
- Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervises the day-to-day workload of SALT Managers, Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and reviews work product
- Ensures SALT Managers, Senior Associates, Associates and Interns are trained on all relevant tax software
- Evaluates the performance of SALT Managers, Senior Associates and Associates and assists in the development of goals and objectives to enhance professional development
- Delivers periodic performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for SALT Managers, Senior Associates, Associates and Interns Acts as Career Advisor to SALT Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate
-
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education :
- Bachelors degree , required
- Masters degree in Accounting/Taxation or J.D., preferred
Experience :
- Six (6) or more years of prior experience in state and local/multistate experience, required
- Experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis, required
- Experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions, preferred
- Experience with corporate taxation, consolidations and partnerships, preferred
License/Certifications :
- CPA certification or other relevant certification, preferred
Software :
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Superior analytical and research skills
- Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
- Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
- Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Capable of effective managing a team of tax professionals and delegating work assignments as needed
- Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel
- Ability to encourage team environment on engagements and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel
- Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
- Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
- Advanced knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
- Advanced knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues Exposure to and familiarity with standard tax applications and research tools, preferred
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $94,500 - $189,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $94,500 - $189,000
Washington DC Range: $94,500 - $189,000
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more !
Job Summary:
A Tax Experienced Manager, State and Local Tax is responsible for advising clients of the tax implications relating to their business objectives, recommending alternate courses of action, as well as identifying different methods of complying with tax regulations. In this role, the SALT Experienced Manager will be charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and recognizing potential changes in tax policy and applying new policies to tax compliance. In addition, the SALT Experienced Manager will work with the Core Tax Partners, Directors, and Senior Managers to provide SALT expertise to their clients.
Job Duties:
- Research
- Identifies complex situations when research is necessary providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted
- Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report of the research findings
- Develops relationships with in-state and out of state Department of Tax (DOT)/Department of Revenue (DOR) personnel
- Tax Compliance
- Conducts detailed reviews of tax returns with the ability to identify most significant state tax issues
- Composes responses to notices from state taxing authorities
- Provides assistance with exam support
- Tax Consulting
- Drafts tax memorandums, tax opinions and other documentation on various tax issues
- Applies all applicable state tax consulting sub-specialties and confers with other Tax professionals when appropriate
- Determines tax planning process
- Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing and manages engagements
- Assists in the development of consultative selling strategies
- Manages the expectations of assigned clients
- Tax Controversy
- Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues
- Tax Related Software
- Utilizes GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
- Tax Specialization
- Provides technical client service to multi-state companies with state and local tax issues
- Conducts negotiation of settlements, voluntary disclosure agreements and state tax audit representation
- Drafts technical memoranda regarding state and local tax issues
- Accounting for Income Taxes – SFAS109
- Prepares tax accrual workpapers
- ASC740-10
- Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48, as well as FAS5 for sales tax and unclaimed properties
- Strategy Development
- Reviews studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients
- Develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel through reduction in taxes or expenses or offering of non-tax benefits
- Assists with researching potential tax strategies
- Suggests marketing approaches for new client acquisition
- Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervises the day-to-day workload of SALT Managers, Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and reviews work product
- Ensures SALT Managers, Senior Associates, Associates and Interns are trained on all relevant tax software
- Evaluates the performance of SALT Managers, Senior Associates and Associates and assists in the development of goals and objectives to enhance professional development
- Delivers periodic performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for SALT Managers, Senior Associates, Associates and Interns Acts as Career Advisor to SALT Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate
-
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education :
- Bachelors degree , required
- Masters degree in Accounting/Taxation or J.D., preferred
Experience :
- Six (6) or more years of prior experience in state and local/multistate experience, required
- Experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis, required
- Experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions, preferred
- Experience with corporate taxation, consolidations and partnerships, preferred
License/Certifications :
- CPA certification or other relevant certification, preferred
Software :
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Superior analytical and research skills
- Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
- Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
- Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Capable of effective managing a team of tax professionals and delegating work assignments as needed
- Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel
- Ability to encourage team environment on engagements and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel
- Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
- Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
- Advanced knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
- Advanced knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues Exposure to and familiarity with standard tax applications and research tools, preferred
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $94,500 - $189,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $94,500 - $189,000
Washington DC Range: $94,500 - $189,000
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more !
See All 6 Senior Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Level State and Local Tax Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing
- Technology & Software
Senior Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level state and local tax associate job?
Employers at this level look for candidates who have handled complex multi-state tax compliance and research with minimal supervision. Demonstrating technical depth in areas like nexus analysis, apportionment, and state income or sales tax controversy sets strong candidates apart. Experience reviewing junior staff work and presenting findings to clients or leadership signals the ownership these roles require.
Which companies hire senior level state and local tax associates?
Companies hiring senior level state and local tax associates right now include BDO, Baker Tilly Canada, and PwC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes primarily from large public accounting firms, regional CPA practices, and in-house tax departments at corporations with significant multi-state footprints.
Are there remote senior level state and local tax associate jobs?
Yes, remote and hybrid arrangements are common at this level given the desk-based nature of tax research and compliance work. About 0% of senior level state and local tax associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broad employer flexibility for experienced professionals who can work independently and manage client relationships without being on-site daily.
What makes a state and local tax associate role senior level?
Senior level state and local tax associate roles are defined by independent ownership of complex engagements, responsibility for technical conclusions on issues like nexus, apportionment methodology, and tax credits, and consistent involvement in reviewing or mentoring junior associates. These roles require exercising judgment on ambiguous positions, communicating directly with clients or business unit leaders, and driving projects from scoping through delivery.
Which industries hire the most senior level state and local tax associates?
Senior Level state and local tax associate roles concentrate in Accounting & Auditing and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they involve large, multi-state operating structures or high-volume client bases where state and local tax complexity is an ongoing, high-stakes concern requiring seasoned professionals.