Associate Director, Tax Accounting

Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Role Summary

The Associate Director plays a key leadership role within the tax function and is responsible for managing the income tax provision and return related activities, ensuring accurate tax reporting, timely compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements, and strong internal controls across the tax function.

This is a hands-on leadership role with the opportunity to broaden technical tax experience, strengthen team leadership skills, and contribute to tax planning, audit support, and special projects in a dynamic corporate environment. The Associate Director reports directly to the Director of Corporate Tax.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the income tax provision and reporting process under ASC 740 and SSAP 101, including related tax entries, disclosures, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Lead tax forecasting, effective tax rate analysis, and other ad hoc tax reporting and modeling needs.
• Oversee federal, state, and local income tax compliance, including return preparation, review, filing coordination, and return-to-provision analysis.
• Review tax deliverables, improve processes, and strengthen internal controls to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Manage external tax advisors to ensure timely, high-quality, and cost-effective tax engagements.
• Support tax planning initiatives by identifying opportunities to optimize the company’s tax position and mitigate risk.
• Conduct technical tax research and provide guidance on compliance, reporting, and business matters.
• Respond to audits and regulatory inquiries while monitoring changes in tax laws and industry-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with Financial Reporting, Accounting, Investment, Legal, PF&A and other internal stakeholders to provide tax insights on business operations and initiatives.
• Mentor and coach tax team members, supporting technical development, accountability, and achievement of departmental goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or Enrolled Agent required.
• 5 to 10 years of U.S. federal income tax experience required; life and annuity insurance industry experience and public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong experience with income tax provision and tax compliance, including federal, state, and local tax matters.
• Strong knowledge of ASC 740 and SSAP 101 tax accounting and disclosure requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills required; experience with OneSource Tax Provision, OneSource Income Tax, and Workday preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop tax professionals.
• Excellent analytical, communication, organization, and project management skills.

AI Proficiency Expectations

At National Life Group, we view AI as an enabler of human potential. We use AI to help us work smarter, serve more clients, and keep our promises, while remaining a relationship-driven business where our people are our greatest strength.

All applicants are expected to:

• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life’s AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention and intellectual property.

Benefits

• Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!