Tax Director - Research and Planning

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

Nelnet is corporate taxpayer with growing and diverse business lines, each with their own unique taxation issues - including federal, state, and international income taxation; mergers and acquisitions; consolidated returns; indirect taxes; partnership taxation; incentives; and tax audit controversy. The robust nature of Nelnet’s business lines requires an individual that leads and supports enterprise value through effective tax planning, in-depth research, presentation, knowledge sharing, and consulting.
This position will be integral in performing federal and state tax research projects, international tax planning, incentive program negotiations, defending tax positions with authorities, and assisting with the implementation of tax planning strategies and analysis. Other responsibilities include assisting with presentations, numerical analysis, special projects, consultation, and legal/transaction structure planning.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 
1.    Review various investment/acquisition documents and structure for optimal tax efficiencies.   
2.    Assist in the tax planning and research process associated with international, federal and state taxation.  Includes gross receipt, sales/use, employment, property, VAT, excise, and other indirect taxes. 
3.    Communicate findings and recommendations in a concise, understandable manner. 
4.    Ensure compliance with tax regulations and rulings while maximizing value to the enterprise with tax planning strategies and analysis. 
5.    Research various tax positions to ensure compliance and document for purposes of tax return and financial statement substantiation.  Facilitate these findings with other Tax team members for incorporating into their work product. 
6.    Assist with the correspondence and dealings with taxing authorities with respect to federal, state, or international controversy items. 
7.    Consult with various business units to provide new ideas and a means to incorporate tax policy for their clients. 
8.    Collaborate with various tax department members and prepare educational presentations to enhance organizational knowledge. 
 

Annual compensation for this role is $170,000 depending on experience

This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

EDUCATION:  
Required: Bachelor’s Degree required in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or Finance.  Juris Doctorate (JD), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Master of Public Accounting (MPA) preferred. 
Preferred: Postsecondary education with an emphasis in Taxation or Master in Business Administration (MBA).

EXPERIENCE:  
7+ years (may include job-specific education) of tax or corporate legal research & planning.  Tax research, writing, and consulting experience is preferred. 

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES: 
1.    Consistent, High Quality Results:  Establishes credibility and finance leadership by producing timely, accurate and insightful results, consistently.  Earns the respect of others through effective interaction with all teams. 
2.    Efficiency/Accountability:  Allocates time efficiently, focusing on ever-shifting priorities, continually seeks ways to improve individual and team productivity.  Highly accountable and able to manage multiple complex tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  Effective follow through skills. 
3.    Energy, Drive, and Motivation:  Embraces challenges enthusiastically, then executes relentlessly. Willingness to expand role and find ways to support members of the tax department. 
4.    Entrepreneurial: Encounters new business ideas and continuously assesses the proposals. 
5.    Excellent business judgment and strong analytical skills. Comfortable influencing corporate decision making. 
6.    Possesses strong project management and organizational skills. 
7.    Broad business knowledge (law, accounting, tax, and human resources preferred). 
8.    Proficient and tax research, documentation, compilation, and presentation. 
9.    Experience with structuring transactions and proficient in partnership taxation. 
10.    Proven ability to work under stress in emergencies, flexibility to handle pressure coming from all directions simultaneously.  Able to work independently. 
11.    Strong/confident communication style:  Effectively communicates with and engages all levels of the organization from peers to executive management both verbally and in writing.  Displays confidence in expressing opinions and in offering a point of view.  Strong interpersonal skills. 
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Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

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