Director of Tax

Job Description

**Only candidates who are a US Citizen or Green card holder will be considered**

The Director of Tax is responsible for all areas of federal, state and local, and international taxes for American Greetings Corporation and its subsidiaries.

The responsibilities include the development, evaluation and implementation of policies and procedures that encompass income and non-income compliance, tax controversy, income tax accounting, tax forecasting, and global tax planning. The Tax Director initiates process improvements, drives efficiencies and identifies/implements tax savings strategies.

In this role, you will be responsible for the activities of six tax professionals, plus occasional contractors and outside vendors. The department's focus is on compliance and provision work (tax returns, ASC 740, etc.) as well as tax planning and tax savings.

Responsibilities of the position include:
Direct Federal, State and local income tax compliance;
Direct the quarterly global tax provision and related GAAP disclosures;
Manage the company's Transfer Pricing Policies and assure compliance with BEPS Pillar 2;
Build eminence with business operations, auditors and other functions within Company;
Manage U.S. and Canadian federal income tax audits;
Oversight for non-US income tax and non-income audits;
Oversight for State and local income and non-income tax audits;
Maintain and continuously update internal controls for tax function;
Provide tax advice on potential acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, and corporate restructuring efforts;
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions;
Conduct research on tax issues and provide guidance to internal stakeholders;
Advise senior leadership on the tax implications of business decisions and transactions;
Assure global tax accounts are timely reconciled;
Prepare budget projections for global income tax accounts;
Train and develop staff and cultivate a continuous process improvement culture;
Direct tax planning and evaluate opportunities for tax savings working closely with Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer;
Analyze tax law changes and assess impact to Company;
Responsible for Tax software applications;
Complete other projects that are consistent with such positions.

Experience Required:

Required Length & Type of Experience:
15+ years of experience in a mid- to large-size corporation or Big Four firm with increasing responsibility for the blend of tax disciplines Federal, International and Tax Controversy.
Must have deep subject matter expertise in Corporate Tax, the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations, ASC 740, internal controls and the ability to apply these principles and assist in the formulation of the companys tax strategy.
Possess substantial experience leading federal tax audits.
The ability to work effectively at all levels within the organization, and the tax team; demonstrate the business acumen and ability to apply judgment in formulating tax policy and procedures; and directs the implementation of those tax policies and procedures for the company.
Familiarity with the calculation of foreign earnings and profits, foreign tax credit planning, UK, Canada, and Australian tax rules, and APB 23 are also requirements of this position.
Prior experience directing and motivating a staff of tax professionals.
Prior experience and working knowledge of private equity ownership and partnership taxation is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
The Tax Director will have a direct impact on the Companys global tax liability. This position has considerable latitude and must exercise judgment to evaluate, implement and defend strategies that minimize the Companys U.S. Federal and Foreign income tax liability to the lowest possible level allowable under existing laws.
The Tax Director will make decisions relating to acquisitions and dispositions, tax examinations (IRS and Revenue Canada) and must be capable of communicating this information to Senior Management.
The Tax Director must have superior team-building skills in order to implement tax planning strategies within the organization. Successful tax planning cannot be performed in a vacuum. A successful strategy often cannot be implemented without the assistance of Legal, Accounting, HR, ISD and Outside Consultants.
Must possess strong negotiation skills (IRS/Outside Advisors and Accountants), the power to persuade and the ability to present complex ideas to Senior Management in a simple and concise manner. These projects usually involve confidential financial information.

Train and develop staff members, recruit individuals as necessary:
Review and evaluate staff work; ensure accuracy and provide feedback.
Manage staff deliverables in accordance with overall tax department objectives and tax calendar due dates.
Recruit new talent to the tax organization as necessary.

Education Required:

Bachelors Degree in Accounting
CPA and/or MS Tax