State and Local Tax, Associate Director

About Cognizant Corporate Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose - always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference? About the role As an Assistant Director, State and Local Tax , you will drive impactful contributions and focus on outcomes. You will be a key member of the Global Tax team, collaborating with senior tax leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to lead, innovate, and improve workflows while upholding our commitment to quality and continuous learning. As a team of self-starters, you can work with impact with our vibrant people and culture all while enjoying unmatched learning opportunities. In this role, you will: Oversee all state and local direct and indirect tax matters, including income, franchise, sales/use, and property taxes Lead state and local tax planning initiatives and manage audits across multiple jurisdictions Coordinate state income tax rate calculations with the global tax accounting team and review tax provisions and filings Manage tax implications of acquisitions, including integration, uncertain tax positions, and mitigation strategies Drive process improvements, automation, and standardization of tax compliance, reporting, and audit support activities Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, and commit to continuous learning. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy and impactful work. What you must have to be considered Bachelor's degree in Accounting Minimum of 8 years of experience in a corporate tax function, including public accounting or law firm experience Strong experience in U.S. state and local tax, including direct and indirect taxes Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel Experience with financial and tax systems such as Oracle, Hyperion Financial Manager, or PeopleSoft A strong sense of ownership, desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges. The embodiment of

Cognizant's Values of:

Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The Right Thing, & Own It These will help you succeed CPA, JD, or Master of Taxation preferred Knowledge of indirect tax engines such as Vertex or similar tools Strong management and leadership capabilities with a hands-on approach Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and business functions Work model - Onsite At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring presence in a Cognizant or client office in Bergen County, NJ . The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. Work Authorization Must be legally authorized to work in the country without the need for employer sponsorship, now or any time in the future.