Job Description
Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.
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PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Specialist Property and State Income Tax will lead and oversee all property and state income tax activities for the U.S. subsidiaries of CPKC, a Class I railroad operating across 18 states. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant tax reporting, while providing strategic guidance, managing audits, and driving process improvements.
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The Specialist will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, and will play a key role in strengthening internal controls, supporting tax planning initiatives, and enhancing overall tax efficiency.
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The position is located in Kansas City, MO.
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POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Lead and oversee property tax compliance across approximately 18 states, ensuring the accurate and timely preparation and filing of property tax returns
Manage the collection, validation, and analysis of data required for property tax reporting and filings
Review and approve property tax payments, ensuring compliance with deadlines and accuracy of amounts
Oversee monthly property tax accruals, reconciliations, and financial reporting processes
Lead property tax forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis, providing insights to support financial planning and decision-making
Lead and coordinate property tax audits, including managing relationships with tax authorities and external advisors
Identify opportunities for tax savings and support tax planning initiatives to optimize the organization’s tax position
Ensure compliance with internal controls, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, and drive continuous improvement in tax processes and controls
Monitor and interpret changes in federal, state, and local tax legislation, assessing impacts to the organization and recommending appropriate actions
Provide cross-functional leadership and guidance within the Tax Department, supporting broader tax initiatives and projects as needed
Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure alignment between tax reporting and financial reporting
Implement and enhance tax systems, tools, and automation to improve efficiency and data accuracy
Perform and/or review complex tax research and provide recommendations to support business decisions
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POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA, CMI or similar designation strongly preferred)
Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in centrally assessed property tax (strongly preferred), or other relevant experience
Strong knowledge of state and local tax regulations, including centrally assessed property tax
Experience managing tax audits, compliance, and reporting across multiple jurisdictions
Knowledge of railroad operations and industry-specific tax considerations is considered an asset
Advanced experience with excel and ERP systems (SAP experience preferred)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex tax regulations and apply practical solutions
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Proven ability to lead and mentor team members while fostering a collaborative work environment
Ability to travel as necessary (10-15%)
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WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:
Flexible and competitive benefits package
Competitive company pension plan
Employee Share Purchase Plan
Performance Incentive Program
Annual Fitness Subsidy
Part-time Studies Program
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PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Drug Testing
This position is subject to a negative company drug test.
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Background Investigation
Criminal history check
Education verification
Professional references
Social Security Number verification
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BECOMING A RAILROADER:
As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.
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Management Conductor Program
Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.
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CULTURE OF INCLUSION:
For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, ...