Head of Returns & Automation - Sales and Use Tax - Commenda

About Commenda.io

Commenda empowers cross-border companies to streamline and automate their global tax workflows. From incorporation to indirect and direct tax automation, transfer pricing, inter-company agreements, and business licensing, we simplify every aspect of international operations. We’re backed by leading investors including Pelion, 1517 Fund, Urban Innovation Fund, and Boost VC among others.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Head of Returns & Automation to own and drive the development of our Sales and Use Tax (SUT) returns product from end to end. This is a senior-level position where you will build, mentor, and manage the tax compliance and business licensing teams while collaborating closely with our world-class engineering team to automate the returns process. With deep domain knowledge of U.S. sales and use tax, you will oversee the entire returns workflow, from registrations and filings to managing state portals and audit processes.

This role requires a strong blend of strategic leadership and technical expertise to identify and implement automation opportunities. While engineering experience is not required, you will partner with engineering leads to leverage a modern tech stack and ensure scalable, efficient solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full end-to-end development and management of the Sales and Use Tax returns product, ensuring accurate and timely filings across multiple jurisdictions.
• Build and lead the tax compliance and business licensing teams, mentoring and training junior analysts on best practices for tax return preparation, compliance processes, and resolving jurisdictional notices.
• Drive automation in the tax returns process, collaborating with the engineering team to implement cutting-edge technology solutions, including process automation, data aggregation, and workflow optimization.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of U.S. Sales and Use Tax regulations, state portal management, and tax audit processes.
• Identify and prioritize process improvement opportunities to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in compliance workflows.
• Ensure compliance with filing deadlines, and lead the implementation of best practices to mitigate penalties, interest, or late fees.
• Manage escalations, troubleshoot filing and data issues, and ensure a positive experience for clients through prompt issue resolution.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure the tax compliance and business licensing teams are consistently updated on relevant legislation.
• Lead cross-functional projects to ensure automation and compliance tools are aligned with evolving regulations and business needs.
• Deliver executive-level reporting on product performance, automation initiatives, and team productivity.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in Sales and Use Tax compliance, with deep expertise in U.S. Sales and Use Tax regulations, filings, and state portals.

• Proven ability to build, manage, and mentor high-performing tax compliance and business licensing teams.
• Strong understanding of tax technology solutions, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams to drive automation.
• Experience in managing complex tax return workflows, including audit readiness and ensuring compliance with multi-jurisdictional tax laws.
• Expertise in identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities, streamlining manual tasks, and driving operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with filing deadlines, penalties, and interest processes, ensuring accurate and timely submissions across state and local jurisdictions.
• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications in tax compliance or finance are a plus.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex tax issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

Our Culture

At Commenda.io, we are building the next hyperscale enterprise software company. We have a fast-paced, intense, and hard-working environment coupled with a strong "work hard/play hard" culture. We’re looking for candidates who are:

• Willing to go above and beyond in their role.
• Enthusiastic about joining a high-growth startup.
• Comfortable in a non-standard work environment (this is not a 9-5 job).
• Excited about tackling complex challenges in the global tax and compliance space.

If you’re ready to own the Sales and Use Tax returns process and lead the development of automated compliance solutions, apply now.