Role Overview for VP, Corporate Tax Compliance with a Global Logistics Firm – Portland, OR
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded global logistics firm in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Corporate Tax Compliance. Based in their dynamic corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the company’s financial leadership team. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the entirety of the company’s global tax strategy, compliance, and accounting for income taxes. This is a rare opportunity to shape the tax function of a rapidly expanding, multi-billion-dollar organization that is a critical player in the global supply chain.
As the VP of Corporate Tax, you will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and serve as the primary tax advisor to the executive team and the Board of Directors. You will lead a dedicated team of tax professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous professional development. Your mandate will be to not only ensure flawless compliance across all jurisdictions but also to provide proactive, strategic tax planning that supports the company’s long-term growth objectives, M&A activities, and operational efficiency. We are seeking a leader who can navigate the complexities of a multinational enterprise, translating intricate tax regulations into actionable business strategy. The ideal candidate is a hands-on yet strategic leader, capable of managing the granular details of tax provisions while maintaining a high-level perspective on global tax risk and opportunity. You will be the architect of a world-class tax department, leveraging technology and best practices to create a scalable and efficient function that adds tangible value to the organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Tax Compliance with a Global Logistics Firm – Portland, OR
Global Tax Strategy and Planning
Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s global tax strategy to optimize the consolidated effective tax rate, manage cash taxes, and mitigate tax risk. Proactively identify and execute tax planning opportunities related to business operations, international expansion, and corporate structuring.
Compliance and Reporting Oversight
Direct and oversee all aspects of global tax compliance, ensuring the accurate and timely filing of U.S. federal, state, local, and international income tax returns, as well as indirect taxes such as sales/use, property, and VAT. Ensure full adherence to the ever-evolving landscape of complex U.S. corporate tax laws and regulations.
ASC 740 Financial Reporting
Lead the global income tax provision process in accordance with ASC 740. This includes managing the quarterly and annual tax provision calculations, maintaining deferred tax assets and liabilities, analyzing uncertain tax positions (FIN 48/ASC 740-10), and ensuring the accuracy of all tax-related disclosures in SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q).
Tax Controversy and Audit Management
Serve as the principal point of contact for all tax audits and inquiries from tax authorities worldwide. Develop and implement strategies to effectively defend the company’s tax positions and negotiate favorable resolutions to disputes.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team of internal tax professionals and manage external advisors. Set departmental goals, manage performance, and champion professional growth and development to ensure the team has the skills and resources needed to succeed.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Advisory
Provide critical tax leadership for all M&A activities. This involves conducting tax due diligence, structuring transactions in a tax-efficient manner, and overseeing the tax aspects of post-acquisition integration.
Transfer Pricing
Oversee the company’s global transfer pricing policies, documentation, and defense. Ensure all intercompany transactions are conducted at arm’s length and are compliant with OECD guidelines and local country regulations to mitigate risk.
Technology and Process Improvement
Champion the use of technology and automation to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and control environment of the tax function. Continuously evaluate and improve tax processes and workflows.
Strategic Business Partnership
Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leadership across the organization. Provide expert tax guidance on business initiatives, contracts, new market entry, and other operational matters to ensure tax implications are considered in all key business decisions.
Internal Controls and SOX Compliance
Ensure the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over the income tax reporting process, in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Tax Compliance with a Global Logistics Firm – Portland, OR
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in Taxation or a Juris Doctor (JD) with an LL.M. in Taxation is highly preferred.
Professional Certification
An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory for this role.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive corporate tax experience is required, with at least 7 years in a significant leadership capacity managing a tax function. A blended background of experience in a “Big 4” public accounting firm and a publicly-traded multinational corporation is strongly preferred. Direct experience within the logistics, transportation, or a similarly complex, asset-intensive industry is a significant advantage.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated deep technical expertise in U.S. federal and state corporate income tax law. Comprehensive knowledge of ASC 740 (Accounting for Income Taxes) is essential. Strong understanding of international tax concepts, including transfer pricing, BEPS, GILTI, FDII, and foreign tax credits.
SEC Reporting
Extensive experience with tax-related disclosures and reporting for SEC-registered companies is required.
Leadership and Management
Proven track record of successfully leading, managing, and developing a team of tax professionals. Ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve high performance and meet critical deadlines.
Strategic and Analytical Skills
Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Must possess the ability to analyze complex issues, make sound judgments, and implement effective solutions.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to articulate complex tax concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-tax professionals, including senior executives and the Audit Committee. Strong executive presence and influencing skills are critical.
Technology Proficiency
Proficiency with tax research platforms (e.g., CCH, BNA, Thomson Reuters Checkpoint) and corporate tax compliance and provision software (e.g., OneSource, CorpTax). Experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle is a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term equity incentive plan (RSUs/Stock Options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with low employee premiums. Also includes Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and numerous paid company holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuing professional education (CPE), certifications, industry conferences, and other learning opportunities to support your career growth.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates and their families to ensure a smooth transition to the vibrant city of Portland.
Additional Perks
Employee wellness programs, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, an employee assistance program (EAP), and various employee discount programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative tax leader with the experience and strategic vision to guide a global enterprise, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners specializes in placing top-tier talent in finance, accounting, and tax leadership roles. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities within this space. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how this role aligns with your career aspirations.
