Director, State and Local Tax (SALT)

POSITION PURPOSE

The Vice President, Corporate Controller and Tax (VP, Tax) has created this new functional area within the tax department to support the advancement of the tax department as a more strategic, value-add partner to the business, drive audit currency and strategy, and develop cross-functional SALT expertise . Previously, the SALT function was split between the global planning team (SALT audit and planning) and the tax reporting team (compliance).

Reporting to the VP Tax initially, the Tax Director, SALT, will interact with business partners to represent tax in critical business decisions. This person will serve as a tax department ambassador for SALT planning matters to educate key business unit leaders on the tax issues relevant to operations and planned transactions. This person will interface closely with corporate and business unit leaders to develop and implement strategies, which minimize tax liability through sound and informed application of tax laws and regulations, aligned with the company’s operating and strategic plans. The Director SALT will also interface with tax authorities on audit matters, regulations, and legislation and partner with government relations to represent the Company regarding SALT legislative matters.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Create and monitor a tax legislative strategy to include tax policy, evaluating changes in tax legislation or treatment of items in The Home Depot’s jurisdictions and overall tax risk mitigation.
• Monitor changes in state and local tax law as a result of case law, regulation or other guidance. Advise on impact to The Home Depot and develop strategies to mitigate risk and/or optimize tax as a result of new law.
• Ensure corporate and business unit leaders understand the value tax strategies bring to the company and support the execution of the plan.
• Support, develop and implement tax planning strategies that are defensible, minimize cash taxes, and are in line with company goals. Ensure the proper reflection of tax planning transactions from a financial reporting and tax return compliance perspective.
• Gain an understanding of all key constituents (internal and external) involved in driving critical tax initiatives and cultivate these relationships.
• Recommend and implement changes in corporate structure, policies, operations and business practices in order to reduce state and local taxes.
• Partner with business units in the tax analysis of acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings in association with strategic planning, legal, treasury and accounting disciplines; provide leadership in advising management regarding the state and local tax impact of potential transactions.
• Drive audit currency and strategy in defense of tax positions taken. Create an “audit ready” strategy for all positions and planning undertaken. Develop and maintain tax reserve positions for direct and indirect state and local taxes.
• Provide strategic support to the Indirect Tax team as needed.
• Lead SALT compliance function, including the preparation and filing of tax returns, estimated payments, amended state returns and handling of tax authority notices.
• Effectively manage use of advisers by optimizing all internal and external resources.

MAJOR TASKS, RESPONSIBILITES AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• 50% Direct Tax Planning, Accounting, Research, Compliance, Audit Defense, and Appeal as needed to meet the goals of the Department. Manages contacts with one or more projects with governmental officials, outside counsel, and business partners. Leads special studies to determine tax implications of company operations. Responsible for oversight to ensuring the accurate and timely filing of tax returns, and for the accurate statement of accounting reserves, including FAS 109 and FIN 48 where applicable. Serves as liaison between SSC and subsidiary businesses in the US and internationally.
• 25% Participation on cross-functional teams as a subject-matter expert
• 25% Coaching and mentoring of associates in the department

NATURE AND SCOPE

• Typically reports to Vice President Tax
• Accountable for the management of a department or functional group through subordinate supervisors/managers and for all personnel issues -- including selection, termination, performance appraisal and professional development of subordinates.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Environment:
Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
Travel:
Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.

Education Required:
The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Years of Relevant Work Experience: 10 years

Physical Requirements:
Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrate technical tax skills appropriate for the years of experience in the one or more tax disciplines.
• Demonstrate leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and implement multiple complex projects, people management, and communications to both technical and non-technical audiences. Proven analytical and problem resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in state and local income tax in a multi-state environment, and some U.S. Federal income tax law preferred.
• Candidates will have a JD (preferred)
• An undergraduate degree in accounting, tax, or a closely related discipline
• CPA, MST, and/or LLM
• 15 years of working experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Technical expertise in tax.
• Proven analytical and problem resolution skills
• Coaching, counseling, and leadership skills
• Ability to work with teams in diverse functional areas
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexibility in meeting multiple goals