Vice President, Tax

We are looking for an experienced Vice President of Tax! About the Company:Security Benefit is a leader in the U.S. retirement market with more than $60 billion in assets under management. We offer opportunities to thrive, innovate, and make an impact. As part of our team, you will play a key role in driving the future of the U.S. retirement industry. Security Benefit is a PLACE where we promise to help our customers To and Through Retirement®. We are proud to have been recognized as one of the best in the business:

Named to Ward’s 50 list of top-performing life-health insurance companies Recognized on list of Ingram’s Top 100 Private Companies in the Kansas City area in 2024

About the Role: As an Vice President, Tax you will lead Security Benefit's enterprise tax function, owning tax strategy, risk posture, and compliance across the consolidated group, including life and nonlife insurance subsidiaries. This role manages the tax team, owns the co-sourcing relationship, and serves as a strategic partner to Finance, Actuary, Legal, and executive leadership on the tax implications of enterprise decisions.

The Vice President, Tax position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and can be based out of our office in Topeka, or Overland Park, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa, or remotely for the right candidate. We work a hybrid schedule, offering flexibility to work both remotely and on-site.

Enterprise Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop the tax leadership team, building bench strength and succession depth within the function. Own the co-sourcing relationship, including scope, quality, and cost of outsourced work, and continually assess the right mix of internal vs. co-sourced capability. Set vision and roadmap for the tax function, including organizational structure, talent strategy, and technology investment. Represent tax matters to the executive leadership and serve as an external-facing point of contact with external tax auditors and industry groups as needed.

Strategic & Enterprise Advisory

Serve as a senior tax advisor to executive leadership on enterprise initiatives, including capital allocation, investment strategy, reinsurance structuring, and corporate restructurings or M&A activity. Own enterprise-wide tax risk management, proactively identifying and communicating legislative, regulatory, and industry developments that affect the organization's tax posture. Partner with Finance leadership on long-range forecasting, capital planning, and the tax implications of enterprise financial strategy.

Tax Compliance & Reporting Oversight

Oversee the tax compliance for federal, state, local, and international tax compliance for the consolidated group, delegating execution to the Tax Team and co-sourcing partner while retaining final review and sign-off authority. Oversee the ASC 740 tax provision process and SSAP 101 statutory tax calculations, serving as the executive-level point of contact for internal and external auditors on tax control design and effectiveness. Oversee tax treatment and reporting of reinsurance and investment transactions, partnering with Actuarial, Legal and Investment teams. Lead strategy and dispute resolution for federal and state tax audits.

Tax Technology & Controls

Set direction for tax technology infrastructure and process automation, partnering with IT and Finance on system investments that affect tax reporting. Maintain the internal control framework over tax reporting at an enterprise level, ensuring it is integrated into the broader financial reporting control environment.

What We Are Looking For:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required. 15+ years of progressive tax experience, including significant life insurance company taxation experience, with at least 5 years in a people-leadership role. Demonstrated experience managing tax compliance, provision, and planning for a multi-entity corporate group, including consolidated return positions. Deep knowledge of ASC 740 and SSAP 101, with experience overseeing provision and statutory tax processes. Experience managing outsourced/co-sourced tax relationships (Big 4 or similar).

Preferred:

Master's degree in Taxation (MST) or JD/LLM in Tax preferred. Experience in a Big 4 or national public accounting firm insurance tax practice. Experience with reinsurance, partnership and complex investment structures, debt modification, and corporate restructurings.

Why Choose Security Benefit?When you join our team, you are not just getting a paycheck — you are getting a career path full of growth opportunities, plus a robust benefits package that puts your well-being first. Here is what you can expect as a full-time Security Benefit associate:

Competitive salary and annual incentive bonuses to reward your contributions. 33 days of paid time off (including PTO, holidays, Volunteer Day, and days of significance). Paid parental leave after 90 days of service. Comprehensive medical, dental & vision insurance. 401(k) with company match, plus Profit Sharing & Savings Plan. Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance to give you peace of mind. Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care. Life Insurance to protect your loved ones. Educational assistance to support your career development. Associate assistance programs for your personal and professional well-being.

Ready to Make an Impact?Apply today by visiting our career page to submit your resume. We are excited to meet you! Security Benefit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.