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…