AKUA SHULER
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Results-driven Indirect Tax Manager with extensive knowledge of tax law and codes, ensuring compliance with global regulations. Proven expertise in research and training, delivering accurate and efficient tax solutions for organizations. Seeking a challenging role that fosters growth and professional development.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Treasury and Tax Manager
Avail Infrastructure Solutions
Suwanee, GA
11.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize indirect tax compliance processes.
- Conducted research on the changing laws, regulations, and policies related to indirect taxes.
- Managed the preparation of sales and use tax returns, property tax returns, ammual returns, business licenses, and other required filings.
- Reviewed financial documents for accuracy and completeness in relation to indirect taxation matters.
- Assisted with managing audits from taxing authorities regarding indirect taxes.
- Researched applicable state and local tax codes for new product launches or services.
- Prepared monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts related to indirect taxes.
- Analyzed current processes and procedures related to Indirect Taxation practices.
- Advised internal business teams on best practices when dealing with local jurisdictions' Indirect Taxation requirements.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of developments in the area of Indirect Taxation law.
- Compiled data necessary for filing annual reports pertaining to Indirect Taxes.
- Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
- Coordinated preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
- Manually prepared, reviewed, filed, and paid tax returns for 9 entities monthly.
- Analyzed financial documents to ensure accuracy of information reported on tax forms.
- Performed calculations to determine estimated taxes due or refunds expected.
- Advised clients on strategies to minimize their future tax liabilities.
- Interacted with IRS personnel to resolve discrepancies between taxpayer records and IRS requirements.
- Collaborated with the accounting staff to ensure timely journal entries and reclass entries.
- Identified discrepancies in GL and made necessary adjustments.
- Developed and implemented treasury policies and procedures to ensure compliance with internal control regulations.
- Reviewed monthly bank reconciliations for accuracy and completeness.
- Executed transactions related to debt offerings, foreign exchange hedging programs, derivatives trading activities.
- Reconciled accounts with statements and invoices on monthly basis, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to maintain records accuracy.
- Evaluated financial information to determine present and future financial performance.
- Interfaced with accounting for bank general ledger upload, journal entry differences and general troubleshooting.
Tax Specialist
Knapp Logistic Automation, Inc.
Kennesaw, GA
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Supported daily functions of a billion-dollar company's tax division as a direct subordinate to both the tax manager and finance director.
- Researched and interpreted complex tax regulations in order to advise clients on the most advantageous methods of filing their taxes.
- Handled scheduling of business license renewals, sales tax permit applications, and sales tax registration updates.
- Evaluated complex tax regulations for engineering/construction fields as both contractor/retailer; assessed nexus, project's taxable status, filing necessities; identified potential cost savings and liabilities under new laws.
- Assist with creation and implementation of policy and procedures for department, and maintain manual, ensuring most current updates and changes are made.
- Managed Est payments, calculated CY versus PY obligations against differences from current and upcoming change requests, and considered obligation and remittance when required. Communicated with authority to request waiver, filed waiver response, created payment request, paid tax, and submitted documentation to AP.
- Assist with end of month closing, ensuring tax accounts tie to GL and identify, document, and explain anomalies for audit defense and reclasses.
- Coordination and interaction with the finance department, project managers, and legal to project tax liabilities of new and current services and projects. Use various resources to create project SAUT tax matrices and answer sales and use tax related questions and projections.
- Reduce the ongoing dependence and costs of outside taxation services for recurring tax preparation and management activities.
- Identify and gather supporting information, and summarize details of pressing issues, along with possible solutions to tax manager. Assist with audit defense and preparation.
- Expertly manage departmental communication processes through box, mail log, e-mail, and e-help ticketing portals.
- Conducted onboarding sessions to orientate new staff members about company policies and procedures.
- Provided feedback on employee performance based on observed results during training sessions.
Product Specialist II - Desktop and SMB Support
TaxAct
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Responsible forsupport operations for the TaxAct desktop and online SMB/FFA/VITA product line, taking incoming calls and responding to customer emails pertaining to the functionality of the software.
- Scope of support includes program navigation, connectivity, compatibility, usability, and general product knowledge.
- Requires knowledge of tax code and changing regulations and the ability to communicate them appropriately and clearly to customers and lead for a quick resolution.
- Provide information to callers on gathering tax information or documents required to clear IRS and state rejection filing errors and obtain refunds and returns from prior years from software, IRS, and state. Properly categorize calls and write closing notes within a reasonable time.
- Escalating to supervisor when required. Assist clients in navigation, explanations, and e-filing state returns using forms: 1040, 1041, 990, 1120, 1120S, and 1065, and Schedules C, Kl, L, M1-M2.
- Provide tax research using The Tax Book, Avalara, and Shelf, as well as IRS and revenue guidance. State and local DOR guidance and code.
VITA Volunteer Tax Preparer
United Way and IRS
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Gather, analyze, and interpret financial, bank, and personal statements
- Financial Compilations Prepare and process individual returns.
- Compiled data from clients to accurately complete tax forms.
- Identified potential deductions to minimize clients' tax liabilities.
- Researched federal, state, and local laws to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Provided guidance on financial decisions related to taxes.
- Assisted clients in responding to IRS notices of deficiency or audit findings.
- Explained complex tax regulations in an easy-to-understand manner for clients' understanding.
- Advised clients on the best strategies for filing their taxes efficiently and legally.
Professional Tax Preparer
Prestige Tax Firm
Norcross, GA
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Calculate tax payments based on examination of provided documents and interview
- Estimate tax returns, deductibles, liabilities, and expenses and express liabilities or refunds and options to client in a clear and meaningful way.
- Compiled data from clients to accurately complete tax forms.
- Identified potential deductions to minimize clients' tax liabilities.
- Researched federal, state, and local laws to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Provided guidance on financial decisions related to taxes.
- Assisted clients in responding to IRS notices of deficiency or audit findings.
- Explained complex tax regulations in an easy-to-understand manner for clients' understanding.
- Maintained accurate records of all client transactions and filings.
- Advised clients on the best strategies for filing their taxes efficiently and legally.
- Evaluated financial situations of individual taxpayers and businesses to determine appropriate actions for reducing taxes owed or increasing refunds due.
- Reviewed prior year's returns for accuracy and completeness before submitting them.
- Organized paperwork for efficient review by senior staff members.
- Created spreadsheets detailing income sources, deductions, credits, estimated payments.
- Ensured that all applicable deadlines were met when submitting documents.
- Assisted customers with any questions they had about their taxes or filing status.
- Filed electronically through approved software programs.
- Informed clients of potentially beneficial products and services, resulting in additional business opportunities.
Accountant Technician
GA Institute of Technology
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Coordinate reimbursement and reporting of all travel related expenses of faculty and staff for my assigned groups.
- Processed invoices and payments in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Reconciled vendor statements, investigated and resolved discrepancies.
- Maintained accounts payable files and records in an organized manner.
- Entered data into accounting system to maintain accurate financial records.
- Researched and responded to inquiries from vendors regarding invoice status or payment issues.
- Verified accuracy of coding on invoices prior to processing payments.
- Processed invoices, payments, and statements in a timely manner.
- Reconciled financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information.
- Conducted periodic reviews of internal controls to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Provided support to the Accounts Payable department as needed.
- Verified accuracy of vendor invoices against purchase orders before entering into system for payment processing.
Budget Analyst and Purchasing Manager
Virginia State University, Residents Life and Housing
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Create and manage the annual operating budget for Residence Life and Housing.
- Developed and implemented budgeting systems to track income, expenditures, and other financial activities.
- Analyzed budget reports to identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
- Prepared detailed financial forecasts and projections for upcoming fiscal years.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop annual operating budgets.
- Provided guidance on budgetary matters to senior management staff.
- Monitored compliance with approved budgets throughout the year.
- Reviewed financial documents such as contracts, invoices, requisitions. for accuracy and completeness.
- Created ad hoc reports in response to requests from executive leadership team members.
- Evaluated existing internal controls to ensure accurate reporting of financial data.
- Developed training materials for staff on how to use budgeting software applications.
- Coordinated the review process of all submitted budgets prior to approval.
- Prepared monthly variance reports comparing actual results against planned targets.
- Determined and tracked budget expenses with accuracy and transparency.
- Processed statistical files after month-end closing.
- Completed monthly operational reviews to check budget compliance and identify areas in need of adjustment.
Contracts Administration
Virginia Information Technologies Agency
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Administer statewide IT; hardware; software; and telecommunication services contracts for all local and state agencies for the Commonwealth of VA.
- Maintained records of all executed agreements to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Provided administrative support to the office manager and other staff members.
- Prepared documents such as memos, letters, reports, spreadsheets and presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
- Reviewed, analyzed and interpreted contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Drafted and negotiated contract amendments, changes and extensions for review by management.
- Conducted research on applicable laws, regulations and industry trends related to contracts.
- Tracked deadlines for contractual milestones such as payments, renewals or terminations.
Information Manager / Office Manager
US Air Force National Guard, Dept of Military Affairs
Richmond, VA
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Perform IM functions such as workgroup administration and Conduct Information Analysis to determine proper information workflow.
- Managed the installation, configuration and maintenance of company-wide hardware and software systems.
- Developed and implemented IT policies, procedures and best practices to ensure maximum efficiency, security and compliance with industry standards.
- Created disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in case of system failure or data loss.
- Provided technical support to users in troubleshooting computer hardware and software issues.
- Monitored network performance and identified potential areas of improvement.
- Maintained inventory records of all IT equipment such as computers, printers, scanners.
- Conducted regular audits of systems to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary changes for improved security.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements related to information security management.
- Trained personnel on proper usage of IT tools and resources available within the organization.
- Configured networks for secure access from remote locations using VPN technologies.
- Developed documentation outlining processes and procedures related to daily operations.
- Implemented multiple software conversions, desktop setup, and staff training.
Information Manager / Military Pay Clerk
US Army Guard, Dept of Military Affairs
01.1989 - 01.1996
- Prepare and compute, process and reconcile discrepancies, verify, and resolve military pay actions.
- Developed and implemented strategies for improving information management systems.
- Created and maintained databases to store, organize, and analyze data.
- Provided technical support to staff in the use of information systems.
- Managed the integration of new technologies into existing infrastructure.
- Performed maintenance tasks such as backups, software upgrades, patching.
- Implemented security measures such as firewalls, antivirus protection, encryption.
- Monitored system performance metrics and generated reports accordingly.
- Prepared detailed documentation for all changes made to the system architecture.
- Maintained an up-to-date inventory of all installed hardware and software components.
Education
EA - Taxation
Auburn University
Auburn06-2025
AS - Information Mgmt. -
US Air Force
Diploma_ Information Mgmt. -
US Army Training Center
Skills
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Resourceful
- Self-motivated
- Tax planning strategies
- Collaboration
- Compliance Assessment
- Decision-Making
- Willing to Learn
- Dependable
- Trustworthy
- Excel
- Research Skills
- Tax Software
Additionaltrainingandcertificates
- Secure Act and 2023 Business Tax Deductions
- 2023 Tax Changes
- Managing IRS Tax Forms
- Business Writing Principles
- SAP Financials Essentials
- Accounting Foundations - Understanding GAAP
- Finance and Accounting Foundations
- Financial Accounting 1 and 2
- Accounting Foundations - Bookkeeping
- Budgeting
- Key Account Management
- Writing Formal Business Letters and Emails
- Creating and Giving Business Presentations
- Strategic Planning Foundations
- TaxAct
- TaxSlayer Pro
- IF Statements
- Excel CEO
- Essentials office 365
- Management Accounting
- Formulas and Functions
- Pivot Tables
- VLOOKUP / XLOOKUP
- Excel for Accounting
- ASC105
- ASC205
- Avalara/TTR
- The Tax Book
- Shelf Research
- Genysis
Additional Information
EA Candidate, Proficient in Excel, IRS PTIN, Microsoft Office Suite, Excellent Research Skills, Industry Standard Tax Software
Volunteerandinterests
- Chris180
- DE&I Co Chair
- CASA
- IRS VITA
- National Linguistics Practitioner
- Cigna - iPreval- LIFE COACH
Notablequalities
- Time Management skills utilizing Critical Thinking to prioritize work.
- Complex Problem Solving and Resourceful solution gathering.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Personable but not personal with a focus on diversity and equitable work environment
- Dependable and Trustworthy
Timeline
Treasury and Tax Manager
Avail Infrastructure Solutions
11.2023 - Current
Product Specialist II - Desktop and SMB Support
TaxAct
01.2023 - 04.2023
VITA Volunteer Tax Preparer
United Way and IRS
01.2023 - 04.2023
Tax Specialist
Knapp Logistic Automation, Inc.
06.2022 - 11.2023
Professional Tax Preparer
Prestige Tax Firm
01.2017 - 01.2022
Accountant Technician
GA Institute of Technology
01.2005 - 01.2006
Budget Analyst and Purchasing Manager
Virginia State University, Residents Life and Housing
01.2003 - 01.2005
Contracts Administration
Virginia Information Technologies Agency
01.1999 - 01.2003
Information Manager / Office Manager
US Air Force National Guard, Dept of Military Affairs
01.1996 - 01.2000
Information Manager / Military Pay Clerk
US Army Guard, Dept of Military Affairs
01.1989 - 01.1996
EA - Taxation
Auburn University
AS - Information Mgmt. -
US Air Force
Diploma_ Information Mgmt. -
US Army Training Center
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