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Director Federal & State Tax

Generac · Waukesha, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a tax audit you managed. How did it go?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle audits calmly, with good documentation and clear communication.

Tell me about a tax planning idea you brought forward that saved money.

What they are checking: Whether they add value through planning, not just compliance.

What would you do

The effective tax rate moved a lot this quarter. How do you explain it to the CFO?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain tax drivers in clear business terms to leadership.

How do you manage an outsourced tax provider so the work is accurate and on time?

What they are checking: Whether they hold external advisors accountable instead of just passing work along.

How do you lead a small tax team and develop the people on it?

What they are checking: Whether they can build skills on a small team so the work does not depend on them alone.

How do you work with operations or legal when a business decision has tax impact?

What they are checking: Whether they partner across functions early, before tax problems are locked in.

About the work

Walk me through how you would oversee the federal and state filing process for many legal entities, including consolidated and unitary returns.

What they are checking: Whether they can run a complex compliance calendar and know where errors usually hide across entities and states.

How do you track and use tax attributes like NOLs and credit carryforwards?

What they are checking: Whether they manage attributes carefully so value is not lost to limits or expiration.

Walk me through the main pieces of an ASC 740 provision.

What they are checking: Whether they understand current, deferred and uncertain tax positions well enough to review the provision.

What manufacturing incentives and credits would you look for at a company like this?

What they are checking: Whether they know credits like research and manufacturing incentives and the compliance they require.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Director Tax is responsible for managing the company’s U.S. federal and state income tax compliance, planning, and accounting activities. This role ensures accurate and timely tax reporting, supports tax provision processes, oversees audits, and partners cross-functionally to optimize the company’s tax position. This position will lead a small team including managing relationship with outsourced service provider. Major Responsibilities Income Tax Compliance Oversight of the preparation and filing of U.S. federal, state, and local income tax returns for multiple legal entities, including consolidated and unitary filings Tracking and utilization of tax attributes (NOLs, credits, carryforwards). · Manage external tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate tax filings Monitor compliance requirements related to manufacturing-specific incentives and credits. Tax Provision & Accounting (ASC 740) Assist with quarterly and annual income tax provision process, including current, deferred, and uncertain tax positions. Review effective tax rate analyses and related disclosures for financial statements. Ensure accurate recording of income tax entries in the general ledger. Support external and internal audits by providing documentation and explanations related to income taxes. Tax Planning & Strategy · Identify and implement tax planning opportunities related to manufacturing operations, capital investments, supply chain structure, and intercompany transactions. Analyze the tax impact of business initiatives such as plant expansions, restructuring, and mergers or acquisitions. Evaluate state income tax nexus, apportionment, and filing positions resulting from operational changes. Audit & Risk Management Manage federal and state income tax audits, including responses to information requests and coordination with tax authorities. Research tax law changes and assess impacts on the company’s operations and financial reporting. Assist with development and maintenance of tax controls and documentation in support of SOX compliance. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with accounting, finance, operations, and legal teams to support accurate tax reporting and planning. ·Provide guidance on tax implications of manufacturing activities such as inventory capitalization, R&D credits, cost accounting changes, and fixed asset investments. Process Improvement & Leadership Drive process improvements and automation within tax compliance and provision workflows. · Mentor and develop tax staff. Support development of tax policies, procedures, and internal documentation. Minimum Job Requirements Education: · Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or finance Certification / License CPA license or other certification is a plus Work Experience 8 years of progressive experience in federal and state income taxation, including public accounting and/or corporate tax. Experience with consolidated and unitary state filings Experience with SAP or equivalent ERP system Knowledge / Skills / Abilities ASC 740 reporting ability · Project management skills Project management skills Preferred Job Requirements Education Master’s in Tax or Juris Doctorate Certification / License Certified Public Accountant or other certification Work Experience Understanding manufacturing related tax credits and incentives (e.g., R&D, energy, capital investment incentives). Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Strong analytical and critical thinking skills · Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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