Indirect Tax Specialist

Role Summary:

The US & Canada Indirect Tax Specialist will be responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant management of indirect tax obligations across the United States and Canada for a large, global pumps and seals manufacturing and services group. The role sits within a Business Service Centre (BSC) and supports a complex operating model including manufacturing, distribution, field service, repairs, spare parts, and project-based engineering activities. While Indirect Tax (Sales & Use Tax, GST/HST, PST, QST) will be the primary focus, the role will also support wider tax and finance activities as required. The position requires close collaboration with Accounting, P2P, O2C, R2R, Supply Chain, IT, and the US-based HQ tax team, ensuring indirect tax risks are identified early and managed effectively.

Responsibilities:

• Indirect Tax Compliance & Reporting (Primary Focus)

• Prepare, review, and file US Sales & Use Tax returns and Business Licenses and Canadian GST/HST, PST, QST, and RST returns across multiple jurisdictions.

• Ensure accurate tax determination and reporting for complex transactions including: o Manufacturing and distribution of goods o Service and repair contracts o Spare parts and aftermarket sales o Interstate and intercompany transactions o Drop shipments and third-party logistics o SAAS and software purchases

• Manage exemption certificates (collection, validation, storage, and audits).

• Monitor filing calendars, payment deadlines, and statutory requirements.

• Support indirect tax audits, information requests, and notices from tax authorities. Operational & Transactional Tax Support

• Act as the primary indirect tax point of contact for the SSC's P2P, O2C, and R2R teams.

• Review and resolve indirect tax issues arising from: o Vendor invoices (use tax assessments, incorrect tax charges) o Customer billing (taxability, place of supply, rate application) o Credit notes, rebills, and tax adjustments

• Perform monthly reconciliations of indirect tax accounts and support tax journal entries.

• Assist with indirect tax aspects of month-end and quarter-end close processes. Systems, Data & Process Improvement

• Support the use and optimisation of tax determination engines (e.g. Thompson Reuter Indirect Tax Determination, Vertex, Avalara) integrated with multiple ERPs.

• Work with IT and Finance to: o Improve tax configuration and master data quality o Define and document tax-relevant data fields o Support system upgrades, ERP changes, and tax engine enhancements

• Participate in testing (UAT) of tax-related system changes.

• Identify opportunities to standardise, automate, and streamline indirect tax processes within the SSC. Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide practical indirect tax guidance to business and finance stakeholders, particularly on: o Taxability of products vs services o Nexus considerations in the US o Canadian provincial tax differences

• Support internal controls, SOX documentation, and risk assessments related to indirect tax.

• Assist with identifying and escalating indirect tax risks, exposures, and compliance gaps. Broader Tax & Cross-Functional Support (Secondary Focus)

• Support other areas of tax as required, which may include: o Direct tax provisioning support o Transfer pricing operational matters (intercompany charges, markup application) o Data gathering for global tax projects
  • Work closely with the US HQ tax team and external advisors.

• Contribute to tax knowledge-sharing, documentation, and training within the SSC. Key Stakeholders
  • US HQ Tax Team
  • Shared Service Centre Accounting Teams (P2P, O2C, R2R)

• Supply Chain & Operations

• IT / ERP Teams
  • External tax advisors and auditors

Requirements:

• Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field.

• 8+ years of experience in US and/or Canadian Indirect Tax, ideally in: o Manufacturing, engineering, industrial, or services environments o Shared Service Centre or large multinational setting

• Strong working knowledge of: o US Sales & Use Tax o Canadian GST/HST and provincial sales taxes

• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Great Plains) and tax engines. Desirable / Advantageous

• Experience with Sabrix or similar tax determination tools.

• Exposure to multi-entity, multi-ERP environments.

• Prior involvement in tax audits or system implementations.

• Professional certification (CPA, CPA Canada, or similar) — preferred but not required. Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Strong communication skills — able to translate tax concepts into operational guidance.

• Collaborative mindset and comfort working cross-functionally.

• Continuous improvement mentality with interest in automation and process optimisation.

• Self-starter who is motivated and takes ownership of their responsibilities.