Head of US Tax

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 400,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is seeking the Head of US Tax to oversee the Firm’s federal, state, and local tax compliance and advisory services. You will partner with US leadership and the Global Tax team to optimize the US tax position while guiding senior partners and professionals across the firm.

The role requires over ten years of tax accounting experience, exceptional analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage complex tax issues and audits for a leading global law

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience providing strategic and proactive tax advice with risk awareness.
• Ten or more years’ experience in tax accounting.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• Organized and flexible with deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work with senior management and across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead US federal, state, and local tax strategy development and guidance.
• Oversee US tax compliance with the US Tax Manager and local advisors.
• Collaborate with Global Tax and cross-functional teams on US implications of business decisions.
• Manage relationships with external advisors and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior tax professionals and support partner onboarding.

Skills

Strategic tax advice

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Deadline management

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Overview of the Function

Tax operates within Finance and ensures financial control and compliance with local regulatory requirements; in addition, the team partners with functions across the Firm to advise and influence strategic decision making that drives long-term profitable growth.

We achieve our vision by working collaboratively with a shared culture of respect and commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Role summary/purpose of job

The Head of US Tax is responsible for all aspects of the US Firm’s Federal, State and Local tax consulting, including communication with and providing support to the US leadership team. In addition, and working with the US Tax Manager, the individual will be responsible for all US tax compliance. They would also be a key member of the Global Tax team contributing to decisions on tax matters outside the US.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Working with the Global Head of Group Tax to develop and implement tax strategies to optimize the organization’s US tax position and provide guidance on complex tax issues related to US federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Identify and respond to current and emerging tax risks impacting the US business.
• Liaise with US Management group on tax related matters.
• Lead point of contact for US partners and senior Business Service personnel on US taxes as they impact the individual and the Firm.
• Partake in discussions on global tax planning including identifying any US implications.
• Proactively advise on potential US tax code changes communicating the impact on both the Firm and individual partners and sharing insight.
• Proactively advise the firm on US tax implications of broader commercial decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional global teams to address tax implications of business transactions.
• Responsible for US tax compliance, including working with the US Tax Manager and local tax advisors on the preparation and review of tax returns and filings as well as evaluating the filing footprint.
• Participate in partner on-boarding and staff mobility discussions.
• Oversee the application of global transfer pricing policies in the US and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Ensure adherence to the Firm’s established financial accounting, partnership accounting and tax accounting processes, making recommendations to improve accuracy, efficiency and compliance.
• Lead the Firm’s response to US tax audits and inquiries from US tax authorities.
• Coordinate with the Global Finance, Global Partnership Accounts and Global Tax team to support global reporting needs and processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with external advisors and stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior tax professionals.
• Respond to enquiries and ad-hoc analysis, and other duties as assigned.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

_ Essential _

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Knowledge of partnership and individual income tax.
• Experience of providing strategic and proactive tax advice combined with an awareness of risk.
• Ten or more years’ experience in tax accounting.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities with a focus on accuracy and effectiveness while working independently.
• Organized and flexible with an ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to prioritize daily workload while simultaneously managing multiple deliverables.
• Experience of working with senior management.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships across functions and geographies. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

_ Desirable _

• Prior experience working in a legal or professional services environment.
• Experience with 3E

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $400,000 to $450,000.

_EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.