Director, Tax

Job Description
Amazing Career Moments Happen Here
Transforming the insurance industry is ambitious, we know. That's why at Applied, we're building a team that shows up every day ready to learn, willing to try new things, and driven to deliver innovative software and services that make us indispensable to our customers - all within a culture built on values that make us indispensable to each other, too. With 40+ years of experience in the Insurtech game, we're not just redefining what's achievable, we're creating a place where amazing career moments are made possible.
Position Overview
Applied Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in insurance technology, is currently searching for a Director of Tax to join our Finance team, you will be responsible for the strategic vision, planning, and compliance of the global tax function. Reporting to the SVP-Finance, this role ensures the company remains fully compliant with all international, federal, and local laws while optimizing the total tax cost of doing business. The position serves as a key advisor to leadership and the Audit Committee, aligning tax architecture with long-term corporate growth and risk management goals.
What You'll Do

• Global Tax Strategy: Alignment of tax architecture with the 5-year corporate growth plan.
• Stakeholder Confidence: High levels of trust from the Executive team, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors regarding tax transparency.
• Legislative Influence: Proactive positioning of the company in response to global tax shifts (e.g., OECD Pillar Two).
• Organizational Excellence: Scaling the tax function to support business growth including utilization of AI & technology tools to minimize cost.

Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Strategic Vision: Define and execute the global tax strategy and long-term vision, ensuring alignment with overarching corporate goals.
• Executive Advisory: Serve as the lead internal authority for the executive team and Board Audit Committee on tax implications of corporate strategies, reporting, and disclosures.
• Policy & Philosophy: Establish the company's global tax philosophy and lead the organizational response to major international policy shifts (e.g., Global Minimum Tax).

Tax Operations & Financial Oversight

• Reporting & Compliance: Oversee the end-to-end global tax compliance framework and the preparation of quarterly income tax provisions for the parent company and its subsidiaries.
• Financial Optimization: Manage the "total tax cost of doing business" by optimizing direct/indirect tax structures and managing departmental budgeting and professional fee analysis.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and refine the efficiency of tax compliance processes to minimize costs and ensure technical accuracy.

Transactional & Capital Strategy

• Corporate Development: Drive tax due diligence and deal structuring for M&A, capital structure changes, and significant financing transactions.
• Risk Management: Design and govern the enterprise-wide Tax Risk Management framework to mitigate global exposure.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Authority Management: Develop and maintain strategic relationships with global tax authorities and external advisors to navigate complex technical interpretations.
• Public Disclosure: Approve and take accountabilities for all major tax-related disclosures in annual reports and regulatory filings.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Talent Strategy: Define the long-term talent roadmap for the Tax department, focusing on recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Performance Management: Supervise departmental workflow, establish quality standards, and conduct performance evaluations to ensure operational excellence.
• Mentorship: Provide high-level coaching and technical guidance to the tax group to resolve complex issues and foster professional growth.

We're Excited to Learn More About You
We're looking for someone who:

• Can work on a Hybrid schedule in our Chicago, IL office

Your experience may include:

• 8+ years of progressive tax experience.
• 5+ years in a significant leadership role.
• Mastery of global tax policy and its impact on corporate strategy.
• Visionary leadership and organizational design skills.
• Exceptional political acumen and ability to influence at the C-suite level.
• Deep understanding of the intersection between tax, cash flow, and shareholder value.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance required; Master's in Tax or JD/LLM preferred.
• CPA or other relevant tax certification required.

We know that talent comes from all backgrounds and experience levels. We encourage military members and their spouses, as well as candidates without a degree or a background in tech to apply!
When You Join Team Applied, You Can Expect:
A culture that values who you are and recognizes that you aren't just an employee; you are a teammate, and you matter. We thrive on the benefits of our different experiences and celebrate the uniqueness our teammates bring to work with them every day.
We flex our time together, collaborating remotely and in-person to empower our teams to work in the ways that work best for them.
A comprehensive benefits and compensation package that centers our teammates and helps them to bring their best to work every day:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Holiday and Vacation Time
• Health & Wellness Days
• A Bonus Day for Your Birthday

Your Security Matters
Our candidates' personal information and online safety are top of mind for us. At Applied, we proactively protect your personal information and only communicate with candidates via a secure @appliedsystems.com email or through our official careers portal. Recruiters will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers.
AI Utilization
We leverage AI tools to streamline parts of our recruitment workflow (such as resume parsing and interview scheduling). However, candidate screening, interviews, and final decisions are conducted by real humans.
EEO Statement
Applied Systems is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Diversity and Inclusion is a business imperative and is a part of building our brand and reputation. At Applied, we don't discriminate, and we are committed to recruit, develop, retain, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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