Indirect Tax Manager - Lisle, IL

Company Overview · Founded in 1910 , KONE is a global leader that provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization that add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Our mission is to improve the flow of urb ...

Job description

Company Overview

Founded in 1910 , KONE is a global leader that provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization that add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Our mission is to improve the flow of urban life and make our world's cities better places to live by providing innovative solutions that help make people's journeys safe, convenient and reliable.

Our operations in over 60 countries around the world has helped us achieve our position as an innovation and sustainability leader with repeated recognitions by Forbes , Corporate Knights for clean capitalism and others.

Job Overview – Indirect Tax Manager (KONE Americas)

Are you a senior indirect tax professional who thrives on owning outcomes, not just executing

tasks? Do you enjoy working in complex environments where success depends on influence,

judgment, and collaboration?

KONE Americas is seeking an Indirect Tax Manager to lead U.S. indirect tax and property tax

compliance, governance, and advisory across project-based construction and after-sales

service businesses (maintenance, repairs, modernization, spare parts, and service contracts).

This is a high-impact individual contributor role with end-to-end ownership of indirect tax

outcomes across all state, city, and county jurisdictions. You will partner with Finance,

Accounting, Sales, Service Operations, IT, Legal, and external advisors to ensure compliant,

scalable, and business-aligned solutions.

1) Is this role for you?

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Take ownership of indirect tax outcomes across multiple teams and jurisdictions
• Lead through influence in a matrixed organization
• Translate complex sales and use tax rules into practical, operational guidance
• Thrive where tax intersects service, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, construction, and property tax obligations
• Manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments
• Prefer preventive controls and system-driven solutions over manual workarounds
• Communicate risks and recommendations clearly to non-tax stakeholders

2) What you will do

As Indirect Tax Manager, you will:

• Lead U.S. state, city, and county indirect tax compliance (sales and use tax, contractor taxes, and related requirements)
• Oversee property tax return review, modernization, and transition toward electronic filing and retention
• Own and manage indirect tax audits end-to-end and implement improvements
• Govern the tax technology landscape (Vertex) to ensure accurate tax determination
• Partner with Sales, Service, Finance, and IT to embed tax into contracts, billing, and systems
• Advise on complex project and service transactions while managing risk
• Drive process improvements, automation, and controls to reduce exposure and manual effort

3) What makes this role unique

• Influence outcomes across the organization without direct reports
• Operate at the intersection of tax, finance, systems, and frontline operations
• Shape how indirect and property tax are embedded in business processes and offerings
• Exercise judgment, escalate risks, and strengthen tax governance

4) What we're looking for

• 8–10+ years of U.S. indirect tax experience (sales and use tax); property tax exposure a plus
• Hands-on experience with Vertex or similar tax engines; SAP a plus
• Experience supporting service-based and/or project-driven businesses
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive execution
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Tax; CPA or advanced degree preferred

5) Location & Work Model

Eligible locations: Lisle, IL; Moline, IL; Allen, TX (hybrid).

6) Why KONE

KONE values care, collaboration, courage, and customer focus. You'll be trusted to take

ownership, partner across functions, and make a meaningful impact on customers and business

growth.

Job Description – Indirect Tax Manager (Sales, Use & Property Tax)

Role Purpose

The Indirect Tax Manager leads U.S. state, city, and county indirect tax and property tax

compliance, governance, and risk management across KONE's construction and after-sales

service businesses.

Operating in a matrixed environment without direct reports, success depends on influencing and

coordinating across Finance, Accounting, Operations, Sales, Service, IT, Legal, and external

advisors to deliver compliant, efficient, and scalable tax outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sales and use tax compliance across all U.S. state, city, and county jurisdictions for:

• Construction and modernization projects

• Maintenance, repair, spare parts, and service businesses
• Service contracts, time & material billing, warranties, renewals, and digital sales
• Ensure timely preparation, review, and filing of returns
• Own monthly reconciliation of indirect tax balance sheet accounts and support the close process
• Manage reconciliations covering customer invoices, vendor invoices, and use tax accrual
• Ensure accurate tax treatment for bundled transactions, mixed supplies, contract billing, digital sales, and multi-state service delivery

Property Tax

• Review property tax returns and ensure compliance across applicable jurisdictions
• Drive modernization of property tax processes, including electronic filing and digital record retention
• Improve controls and documentation to replace paper-based filing practices

Tax Technology & Systems Ownership

• Own and manage Vertex, including taxability rules and ongoing maintenance
• Oversee external Vertex support partner (Ryan), including ticket creation, coordination, issue resolution, and follow-up
• Lead indirect tax system initiatives (ERP/SAP integrations, billing enhancements, regulatory updates)
• Partner with IT, Finance, and vendors to ensure system-driven compliance and auditability
• Recommend technology and process improvements to support business growth

Exemptions, Refunds & Reverse Audits

• Manage exemption certificate processes, approvals, and preventive controls
• Identify refund opportunities and lead reverse audits
• Serve as primary interface with customers, operations, and tax authorities on exemption matters

Audits, Controversy & Risk Management

• Lead state and local audits end-to-end, including data preparation, negotiations, and resolution
• Respond to inquiries from tax authorities, customers, vendors, and internal teams
• Perform root-cause analysis of audit findings and implement corrective actions
• Act as escalation point for operational tax issues

Monitoring, Planning & Advisory

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting construction, services, digital transactions, and property tax
• Assess business impact and provide actionable guidance
• Identify tax planning opportunities (exemptions, credits, deferrals, process improvements)
• Evaluate tax implications early for new products, services, and contracts

Governance, Controls & Training

• Maintain the internal control framework for indirect and property tax
• Design monitoring, reconciliation, and compliance controls
• Provide training to Sales, Service, Operations, and Finance teams
• Act as a trusted advisor ensuring consistent tax application across business lines

1099 Oversight

• Retain oversight and review responsibility for the 1099 process, including supervision of execution
• Partner with Finance team members performing day-to-day work to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely filing
• Drive process clarity and continuity as responsibilities evolve

Ways of Working – Influence-Based Leadership

• Drive results through influence rather than authority
• Build strong relationships across functions and external partners
• Lead change tied to systems, audits, regulatory updates, and new business models
• Actively manage external advisors and vendors to ensure accountability and issue resolution

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Deep understanding of controls and risk management
• High ownership, accountability, and ability to work independently
• Continuous improvement mindset and change leadership
• Effective stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet tight deadlines

Systems & Communication

• Experience with Vertex (preferred), ERP systems (SAP), and reporting tools
• Ability to translate complex tax requirements into practical business and system solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication, including technical and executive summaries

Experience & Education

• 8–10+ years of indirect tax experience, ideally in construction, engineering, manufacturing, or service environments; property tax experience a plus

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field; CPA, JD, MST, or advanced degree preferred

About KONE

At KONE, we foster an innovative and collaborative culture, valuing each individual's contribution. Employee engagement and sustainability are key focuses, promoting ethical practices and mutual respect. We're proud to offer experiences and opportunities to help you achieve career and personal goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We hire individuals who value culture because we believe culture drives innovation.

• We value your authentic self.
• Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment.
• Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation
• We care about the communities where we live and work.

Just some of our many benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunities to learn and grow
• 401K Employer Match
• 401k Employer Non-elective Contribution
• Well-being Program
• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Digital Health Solutions & Telehealth
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Family & Medical Leave
• Parental Leave
• Leave to Care for a Domestic Partner
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Buy-Up Long-term Disability
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity & Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Legal Insurance
• KONE Credit Union
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter Benefits

Annual Base Pay Range:

The hiring range for this role in Lisle, IL location is $123,400 – $162,015. The compensation package offered will depend on candidate's ability to meet the requirements of the role, needs for the business strategy, and a range of factors unique to each candidate, including their skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and location.

We will also consider candidates in the following areas. Below are the different ranges applicable to those locations:

• Moline, IL area hiring range: $109,600 – $143,850.
• Allen, TX area hiring range: $115,400 – $151,410.

Variable Compensation

KONE Annual Bonus plan at 15% Target Incentive (50/50) based on achievement of company goals and individual goals.

Come share your passion and energy to make a positive impact at KONE for our customers and your career

*Beware of Recruitment Scams*

KONE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Read more on

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on