Specialist, Payroll Tax

Overview

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless. Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This hybrid role is located in Columbus, Ohio and requires coming into the office two days per week.

The Payroll Tax Specialist supports the functional manager in overseeing the accurate and timely remittance and filing of payroll taxes across 48 state withholding and unemployment jurisdictions and approximately 1,800 municipal authorities on a bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. Responsibilities include validating tax payments, resolving tax notices and special assessments, and ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements. The specialist serves as the primary point of contact for projects, represents the team in discussions with business partners, and leads the research and resolution of payroll accounting reconciliation items.

The role partners with system teams to implement configuration updates, resolve system-related issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the department. Monthly balancing and analytical reviews ensure taxable wages and tax liabilities are accurately reflected across Workday, Master Tax, and related platforms.

This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

#nationwide finance #payroll tax

Job Description Summary

Our team collaborates to deliver results that regularly surpass our goals, rewards creative ideas, adopts technology, and emphasizes continuous improvement. The Specialist plays a leading role in all aspects of the tax life cycle (compliance, accounting, audits, planning and projects). You will help in the tax planning process, prepare assigned tax returns, coordinate and review tax returns and supporting schedules, and supervise and assist in compliance programs for federal, state and local taxes for the insurance, subsidiary and affiliated companies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reviews or prepares complex federal, state and local income tax calculations, returns and estimates, including consolidations.
• Adapts to changing assignments because cross-training is integral to our culture and professional development strategy.
• Reviews complex quarterly and annual tax provision calculations. Reviews output from tax software and uses analytics to identify areas of focus. May review or prepare complex statutory deferred tax asset admittance calculations and drives preparation and review of GAAP and statutory financial documents and external auditor support.
• Researches and prepares responses to IRS and/or state information requests. Evaluates technical positions and proposes alternatives. Works closely with IRS or state audit coordinators to assess risk and respond appropriately.
• Approaches work with a broad view and seeks opportunities to improve tax positions and reduce risk. Communicates ideas clearly to senior leadership for consideration. Supports planning projects and leans into new opportunities large and small.
• Champions technology and an operational improvement culture. Active participant in Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt projects. Uses technology effectively in a fast-paced and highly automated environment.
• Acts as a technical resource for business partners and coaches/mentors Tax Analysts. Leads department educational opportunities. May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships
:
Reports to Tax Manager/Director. Responsible for coaching and mentoring of matrixed staff.

Education: Undergraduate degree with studies in accounting, tax or related field.

License/Certification/Designation: Progress toward CPA certification; master's degree in tax or law degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of four years tax or accounting experience in a corporate or public accounting setting. Insurance or financial services experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and

Skills:

Federal, state and local tax law; statutory and/or GAAP accounting; ability to learn tax systems and apply technology to improve and manage risks; strong communication in a fast-paced environment; ability to prioritize and work with minimal day-to-day supervision; curiosity about tax concepts; capable of high-quality self-review and decision-making.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, proficiencies and experiences, may take precedence. Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and HR Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Benefits: We offer medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off (minimum 18 days per year pro-rated), nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime PTO, 8 hours of Unity Day PTO, 401(k) with company match,…