The Sr. Tax Accountant will control the entire escheat function including responsibility for the annual filings to all state entities as required by state law for all the affiliate companies. This includes preparation of reports, obtaining and preparing state specific forms, preparing addressed envelopes and processing payments. They will be responsible for compilation of these reports, gathering all required executive signatures and notarizations, and ensuring these packets are received by the states; all while complying with all state regulations. Send out due diligence notifications as required by individual state law, using certified mail when necessary. This position will also be responsible for requesting all payments out of Unclaimed Property to the rightful owner in response to the customer search letters and due diligence notifications. Responsible for searching State websites for money belonging to the company or its subsidiaries.

The Sr. Tax Accountant works with state, county, and city government agencies to obtain new and renew existing business licenses.  The individual will monitor the status of existing business licenses using a web-based system that facilitates license tracking and maintenance.  This individual will also initiate business licensing as required for all new stores and ensure applicable licenses are obtained, and are in compliance with state, county and city regulations. In addition, this individual will determine the requirements of various jurisdictions mercantile taxes and business privilege taxes for all locations.

Escheat

• Prepare and process Annual Unclaimed Property reports to all state entities as required by state guidelines using tracker software
• Prepare and mail due diligence letters as required by state regulations.
• Maintain a log of all spreadsheets obtained from Bank Recon for load into tracker; date received, date researched, dated loaded to Tracker, total amount of spreadsheet, dated JE completed, etc.
• Prepare and process all necessary journal entries related to the Unclaimed Property process.
• Complete check requisitions and payments once the owner has been located.
• Research all State websites for money in Unclaimed Property due our company, and process requests to recoup these funds.
• Maintain an Excel spreadsheet logging all results from the search and locate. 

Business licenses

• Review construction reports and obtain necessary licensing for new locations.
• Maintain database of existing licenses and expirations in order to timely file for renewals. Update the requirements for additional licenses as necessary.
• Process payments for renewals and initial licenses with Accounts Payable.
• Timely mail renewal applications and payments in order to have renewed license available at each location.
• Follow-up with licensing officials in all jurisdictions to ensure renewal applications are received in a timely manner.
• Work with various jurisdictions to resolve issues such as noncompliance and late renewals.
• Provide guidance to retail, warehouse, and administrative locations on the proper display of licenses.

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Does not have any direct supervisory responsibilities

Education/Certification:                      

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance or equivalent combination of experience and instruction.

Experience Required:                           

• 1-3 years’ experience with Tax, Unclaimed Property, Escheatment, Accounting, Compliance or Audit
• General understanding of Escheatment and SCRA requirements
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Microsoft Office; intermediate to advanced
• Knowledge of business licensing process and state, local, county and city functions. 
• Knowledge of internet in order to process online

Skill and Ability:                                      

• Excellent PC and Internet skills
• Highly motivated self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to successfully carry out multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize responsibilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels and across diverse cultures
• Ability to set and maintain a high standard of quality for assigned responsibilities.
• Proactively pursue best practices and process improvements.

Equal Opportunity Policy

The Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, separation, recruitment, pay and other forms of compensation, access to facilities and programs, training and general treatment during employment.

We firmly believe that every Health Enthusiast has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of Health Enthusiasts. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, equal application of fair human resources policies, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to all health enthusiast matters. The Vitamin Shoppe is committed to the principle of fair and impartial treatment of our Health Enthusiasts.

Health Enthusiasts with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their Human Resources representative.  We will not allow any form of retaliation against Health Enthusiasts who raise issues of perceived discrimination in good faith.  To ensure our workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.