Tax Technology Program Project Manager

POSITON SUMMARY The Tax Technology Program Project Manager is responsible for Tax Technology Program project training, tracking, support, project management guidance, and management reports. This role will assist with all aspects of the project development and management lifecycle.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-Consult with tax users to develop business needs into requirements to shape solution delivery.-Recommend solution delivery approach and appropriate technologies and to gain alignment with the users to drive rapid and effective execution.-Deep tax compliance and consulting / planning process knowledge-Shape tax user needs from abstract input.-Assess needs against commercially available and firm deployed technologies-Develop and manage requirements throughout the SDLC-Acquire and manage necessary resources including staff, contract or solution vendors.-Develop and maintain IT project management methodology and training materials.-Conduct regular IT project management methodology training sessions.-Responsible for ad hoc coaching and assistance in the use of the IT project methodology and tools for all current and potential IT project managers.-Develop job aids in support of the ongoing adoption and use of IT project management within the department -Responsible for weekly tracking and status of all recorded IT projects using standardized tools and methodology.-Evaluate project manager effectiveness in the use of the tools and methodology based on materials reported.-Ensure that established criteria and metrics for budgets, resources and issues management, and change control are met or enforced. -Responsible for the technical support of all IT project management methodology resources including web-based tools, Microsoft Project (and Project Server 2003 when applicable), and other resources.-Assist IT project managers, IT managers, IT division heads, and CIO in the awareness and coordination of current and upcoming project resource needs to support the business and project objectives.-Ensure all projects on file contain appropriate materials in line with the IT Project management methodology and reporting needs of the department.-Develop, maintain, track, and monitor multiple project plans and produce weekly and monthly status reports for IT senior management to analyze.-Develop and maintain long-term schedules of upcoming projects and forecasts for resource needs.-Create supplemental schedules/presentations in support of project status or issues as needed.-Organize and maintain all project-related documentation on status, metrics, etc. in a central repository.-Collaborate with all teams to assess progress and impact of delays and issues on other dependencies.-Manage issues by notifying appropriate parties and facilitate resolution expeditiously; escalate to the division head as needed.-Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict confidentiality in matters that require discretion.-Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis.-Perform other job-related duties as necessary.QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS-Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or related area. MBA or CPA highly desirable.-Microsoft certification in MS Project Toolset or other project management technology a plus.-PMI/PMP certification a plus.-6+ years information technology experience.-4+ years of project management experience, including implementing large and enterprise projects.-Must be very knowledgeable of tax services business processes and supporting technologies available in the market.-Experience with Microsoft Excel based tax technical and calculation tools.-Experience and knowledge of Thomson RIA Go System, Thomson RIA Insource product suite, CORPTAX product suite, FAS, and Tax Stream.-Knowledge of general ledger trial balance management and analysis tools.-Knowledge of enterprise collaboration, knowledge management and document management solutions ( Share Point, Interwoven and Vignette ).-Experience with enterprise portals.-Ability to define and ensure objective measures of project success.-Demonstrated track record of successful solution delivery and program management.-Ability to assess critical path of projects.-Ability to understand financial aspects of project management.-Understanding of broad aspects of project management including systems analysis, training, infrastructure, and testing as well as code development.-Ability to quickly grasp key business and technical issues of IT projects.-Understanding and application of one or more project management methodologies.-Ability to work with and influence peers and project teams in IT and business.-Ability to communicate effectively with business and IT partners and project staff.-Ability to work at a detailed level while maintaining and retaining the big picture of the overall system goals and objectives.-Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.-Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written skills.-Expertise in MS Office, MS Project, and Visio.-Ability to work additional hours as needed. Company:Grant Thornton LLPLocation:Oakbrook Terrace, ILStatus:Full Time, EmployeeJob Category:Full Time, EmployeeEducation:Bachelor's Degree Company:Grant Thornton LLPReference Code:8166