Director, Tax Planning & Strategy

Job Overview:

The Director of Tax is tasked with managing all aspects of tax planning, compliance, and reporting for our client and its subsidiaries. This role requires an in-depth understanding of tax laws and the ability to craft and execute tax strategies that support the company's goals. The successful candidate will bring extensive corporate tax experience, ideally within the food industry (though not a necessity), and demonstrate outstanding leadership, managerial, and communication abilities.

Primary Duties:

1) Strategic Tax Management:

• Formulate and implement tax strategies to reduce the company's tax obligations while ensuring adherence to applicable laws.
• Conduct comprehensive tax planning, analyzing the impact of business transactions, investments, and organizational changes.

2) Compliance and Reporting:

• Oversee the accurate and timely preparation and filing of federal, state, and local tax returns in coordination with external tax consultants.
• Develop and uphold tax accounting policies and procedures in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other standards.

3) Cross-Border and Local Tax Optimization:

• Identify and employ strategies for optimizing tax positions across different jurisdictions.
• Stay updated on changes in tax legislation, advising senior management on potential effects and opportunities.

4) Audit and Advisory Coordination:

• Work closely with external auditors and tax advisors to support the annual audit process and address any tax-related queries.
• Provide expert tax guidance to cross-functional teams, including finance, legal, and operations, supporting various business projects.

5) Regulatory Relationships and Issue Resolution:

• Manage relationships with tax authorities and oversee the resolution of tax audits and disputes.
• Prepare and deliver regular updates to senior management on tax matters, highlighting risks, opportunities, and compliance status.

Qualifications:

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. A Master’s in Taxation or CPA certification is preferred.

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years in corporate taxation, focusing on tax planning, compliance, and reporting.
• Extensive knowledge of US federal and state, as well as Canadian federal and provincial corporate tax matters.

Skill Set:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to interpret complex tax issues and offer strategic advice.
• Proven leadership and management skills with a track record of developing and maintaining relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with various organizational levels.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficient in tax software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).