Tax Lead

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is looking for a Tax Lead with strong experience to lead our corporate tax reporting. In this role, you will be responsible for leading all facets of corporate tax reporting. Bring your seasoned tax experience and do your best work at Aerospace! We are looking for a team-oriented, self-starter to join us!

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our campus facility in El Segundo, California.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Prepare and file federal and state tax-exempt returns; compile related tax workpapers
• Prepare and file various state annual property tax returns; compile related monthly fixed asset data
• Lead and coordinate company responses to state property tax audits
• Investigate complex tax questions and brief executive management on findings
• Correspond with state and federal tax authorities regarding tax issues
• Collect data and arrange payments for international tax returns and filings
• Lead and coordinate tax projects and initiatives
• Provide general and detailed information for and interface with internal and external auditors
• Prepare general ledger account reconciliations and related journal entries
• Assist with other Financial Reporting department responsibilities including benefit plan financial statements, benefit plan 5500 reports, and corporate financial statements

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Financial Reporting Staff IV include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related technical discipline

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in the tax field
• Experience in extracting data, preparing tax filings, and managing tax filing process
• Experience interfacing with, responding to auditors
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience preparing audit schedules and/or analyzing accounting data
• Position requires working a standard 5-day schedule from mid-September to mid-December and occasionally working more than standard working hours during month-end and fiscal year-end closes and the year-end corporate audit

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Financial Reporting Staff V include:

• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in the tax field
• History of providing tax conclusions with citations from relevant legal authorities
• Experience leading client or department projects, and/or designing and implementing business processes

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Possess CPA certification with hands-on public accounting experience, demonstrating robust expertise in financial analysis, auditing, and regulatory compliance
• Advanced degree in Taxation or MBA degree, showcasing advanced business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities
• Familiarity with tax complexities unique to non-profits (e.g., unrelated business taxable income)
• Tax software experience (Lacerte)
• Familiarity with government contract accounting regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
• A strong passion for data analysis and dashboard reporting, utilizing data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$107,000.00 - $160,500.00
Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.