Tax Director

Overview

***Must live in Orlando and be in office 4 days a week***

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY 

The Tax Director leads the company’s tax strategy and compliance for a large, multi‑unit restaurant organization operating across the United States and Canada. This role is responsible for overseeing income and indirect tax matters, managing tax reporting and audits, and advising senior leadership on the tax implications of business activities. The Tax Director partners closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support the company’s strategic objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly oversee all income tax matters, including U.S. federal, state, and Canadian income tax compliance, planning, audits, and related reporting.
• Provide strategic leadership and review oversight for indirect taxes, including sales and use, property, and other transactional taxes across U.S. and Canadian operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local tax laws, including timely and accurate filing of all required tax returns and related reporting.
• Direct responsibility for the preparation, review, and accuracy of the tax provision and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Lead income tax audits and examinations, including coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors, and oversee indirect tax audits, including the resolution of related tax notices, assessments, and disputes.
• Evaluate the tax impact of business transactions, operational changes, and strategic initiatives, and provide practical, risk‑based tax advice to senior leadership.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Legal, Operations, and external service providers to support business objectives and ensure tax considerations are appropriately addressed.
• Identify and implement tax planning opportunities to optimize the company’s effective tax rate while maintaining compliance and minimizing risk.
• Establish and maintain scalable tax processes, controls, and documentation
• Provide leadership and development for a team of four, including two direct reports, establishing performance expectations and driving continuous improvement and technical excellence

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Tax required; CPA required
• 6+ years of progressive tax experience, including significant experience with multi‑state and cross‑border (U.S. and Canada) taxation; restaurant, retail, or multi‑unit experience strongly preferred.
• Strong experience with tax provision, compliance, audits, and tax planning in a corporate environment.
• Proven ability to translate complex tax issues into clear, actionable guidance for senior leadership and non‑tax stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, highly operational environment with competing priorities and deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Big Four or national public accounting experience, particularly in tax advisory or compliance services.
• Prior experience in a restaurant, retail, hospitality, or other multi‑unit, consumer‑facing industry.
• Experience leading or overseeing indirect tax functions (sales/use, property, GST/HST, PST) across multiple jurisdictions.