Tax Manager, State & Local Tax

Diageo

1d

About The Position

The Tax Manager, State and Local Tax (SALT) leads the strategy, oversight, and delivery of Diageo’s state and local tax and indirect tax obligations across the U.S. Operating as a trusted advisor to the business, this role ensures strong technical execution, proactive risk management, and forward looking tax planning aligned with Diageo’s commercial priorities. Reporting to the VP Tax - Americas, the Tax Manager provides technical leadership, manages complex tax positions, drives continuous improvement, and oversees external advisors. The role operates with a high level of independence and judgment, influencing decisions across Finance, Commercial, and Supply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; Master’s degree in Taxation or CPA preferred.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in state and local tax (Big 4 accounting firm and/or multinational corporate experience strongly preferred).
• Deep technical expertise in SALT concepts, including state income/franchise taxes, sales and use tax, property tax and nexus considerations.
• Federal tax experience a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with proven ability to manage complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical matters for non‑tax stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Demonstrated success managing audits, leading planning initiatives, and driving process improvements.
• Strong project management abilities with capacity to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Exhibits Diageo leadership behaviors, including strategic thinking, collaboration, ownership, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation, review, and timely filing of state and local income, sales and use, and property tax returns, including estimates and extensions, in alignment with statutory requirements and Diageo’s internal control framework.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of supporting data, workpapers, and documentation; establish best practice review procedures.
• Identify and resolve technical issues, exposures, and process gaps, providing clear recommendations to leadership.
• Lead complex research and analysis of SALT technical matters, legislative changes, and emerging regulatory trends.
• Develop clear, actionable insights and communicate implications to senior stakeholders to support informed tax and business decisions.
• Monitor state tax policy developments and advocate for tax positions that protect and advance Diageo’s commercial interests.
• Serve as a key advisor on SALT planning, business restructurings, and tax efficient operating models.
• Lead SALT components of M&A due diligence, integration planning, and post transaction execution.
• Identify tax savings or optimization opportunities and partner with business teams to operationalize recommendations.
• Liaise with business operations teams to support indirect tax obligations and manage P&L line items in conjunction with finance teams.
• Manage state and local tax audits, including strategy development, responses to information requests, and coordination with external advisors.
• Ensure all SALT positions are well supported and aligned with Diageo’s risk management, governance standards, and internal controls.
• Proactively assess risk areas and implement controls to enhance audit readiness.
• Champion the use of tax technology tools to improve accuracy, data integrity, and compliance efficiency.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and automation efforts to enhance scalability and consistency across the SALT function.
• Foster a high performance culture grounded in accountability and continuous learning.
• Collaborate effectively with Finance, Supply, Legal, and Commercial teams to align tax outcomes with business objectives.
• Represent the SALT function in cross functional projects, contributing strategic tax insights.

Benefits

• US-based employees are eligible for healthcare benefits, retirement benefits , short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellness benefits and industry leading parental leave, among others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level