Head of Tax North America / Director of Tax (Finance)

About Us:

How many companies can say they've been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What's the role?

Direct responsibility for heading US tax department. Identify, research and resolve federal, state and local tax issues to minimize liability to the company. Responsible for determining corporate tax policy. Review tax returns and related reports to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local statutes and regulations by properly interpreting tax laws and regulations. Participate with company management in planning corporate activities in all phases of operation to minimize tax costs. Organize and supervise tax research, tax compliance activities and tax risk management. Responsible for all federal, state income and franchise tax, and sales tax audits. Close collaboration with ZEISS group's internal and external stakeholders, i. e. central departments, business segments, external tax advisors, tax authorities and auditors.

Sound Interesting?

Here's what you'll do:

• Oversee the company's tax compliance process including both direct and indirect taxes to ensure complying with the federal, state, and local laws.
• Work hand in hand with the team for year-end closing to ensure tax expense is correctly reported on the financial statements and tax footnotes packages are submitted on time.
• Design and implement a tax strategy that meets the organization's business objectives.
• Collaborate with Group Tax, accounting, payroll, and HR departments on tax matters.
• Provide active support/advising leadership in strategic decision-making, due diligence, mergers/acquisitions, restructuring, etc. to ensure NA business planning accounts for relevant tax considerations.
• Review proposed transactions in their formative stages and advise or propose changes to achieve the best tax results.
• Coordinate matters with outside tax counsel when appropriate to achieve maximum tax benefits on proposed transactions or complex tax issues.
• Recommend adoption of and changes to tax policy of the company.
• Present and advise the management of the impact of new tax laws, decisions, regulations, and rulings and of proposed legislation in taxes and related areas.
• Represent the corporation on tax matters when dealing with federal, state, and local tax authorities.
• Develop and lead US tax strategy, assessing the tax impact of strategic initiatives, and driving tax decision-making that improves shareholder value.
• Partner and manage relationship with both internal business group and external consulting firm.
• Manage US GAAP tax provision, tax reserves and related disclosures preparation. Lead compliance (US Federal, US States), accounting for income taxes, technical research, process improvement, and risk and controls.
• Manage the preparation and filing of federal, state, foreign and local tax returns (US & Canada), estimates, and extensions.
• Manage Canada tax compliance and reporting with the assistance of third-party provider.
• Participate the tax due diligence process in the M&A activities.
• Responsible for US transfer pricing studies and coordinate with Group Tax department on transfer pricing policy.
• Support integrated business planning process and manage the tax department budget.
• Drive the departmental process to achieve operational excellence.
• Manage, develop, and mentor team members in the US to build/ maintain an effective and high functioning tax department.

Do you qualify?

• B.S./B.A. in accounting.
• At least 15 years of corporate tax experience with both a CPA firm and multi-national corporation.
• MBA, master's in taxation.
• Active CPA required.
• Knowledge utilizing Excel, Word, and related tax software such as One Source or Vertex.
• Periodic contact with German Tax counterparts.
• Pressure during August and September Closings may require working overtime.
• Organizational and leadership skill.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay
• The list goes on!

The annual pay range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000.

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Debra Ann Rybolt, Maria Khalil

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).