Tax Accountant

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders , soldiers in battlefield scenarios , and beyond .

About the role:

The Tax Accountant will be responsible for the preparation and filing of various federal, state, and local tax returns, ensuring compliance with all tax regulations, and assisting with the quarterly and annual income tax provision process. This role is essential for accurately managing Skydio’s tax obligations and supporting the company's financial reporting and strategic tax planning. The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of US tax law and a base understanding of international tax concepts and a commitment to accuracy and detail.

Location: This is an office-based position that requires 3 days/week onsite at our HQ in San Mateo, CA.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Prepare and file various US indirect tax returns (e.g., sales/use, property tax, franchise, business licenses) and ensure timely payments.

• Assist with managing domestic tax audits and responses to governmental tax inquiries.

• Assist in documentation of cross-border transactions of establishing new legal entities, transfer pricing, and other items as Skydio expands globally.

• Coordinate and assist our external accounting firm with the preparation and filing of US federal and state income tax returns, providing necessary data and documentation.

• Manage sales/use tax compliance by handling audit requests, and assisting the Company in managing state and local indirect tax compliance.

• Prepare the quarterly and annual income tax provision in accordance with ASC 740/IAS 12, including calculating current and deferred tax balances and maintaining necessary documentation.

• Maintain accurate tax calendars, records, and work papers to support all filings, provisions, and general ledger tax accounts.

• Perform research on specific tax issues, new business ventures, and legislative changes to determine the impact on Skydio.

• Assist in managing the legal entities of the Skydio Group

• Support external tax advisors with required documentation for R&D tax credit studies and other specialized tax calculations.

• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Accounts Payable, Legal, Accounting, HR) to gather information necessary for tax compliance and resolve tax-related inquiries.

• Document and improve tax accounting controls, processes, systems (including Netsuite), and procedures. Assist in implementation of SOX controls for both 404(a) and 404(b).

What makes you a good fit:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related area.

• 2-4 years of experience working in tax accounting, public accounting, or a corporate tax department.

• Foundational knowledge of US federal and state income tax laws.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and experience utilizing tax preparation or compliance software.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of intellectual curiosity.

• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, work autonomously, and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across functional teams.

• Self-starter and proactive personality with a proven track record of following through and delivering on responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA certification or actively pursuing.

• Experience with NetSuite ERP system.

• Experience with Avalara

• Experience with tax research tools

• Prior exposure to state and local sales/use tax compliance within a manufacturing or hardware technology environment.

• Experience in a high-growth startup environment.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,000. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company’s success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.