Director, Indirect Tax - North America

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Job Description

Turner and Townsend are seeking a strategic and experienced  Director of Indirect Tax  to lead our North American tax function, with a focus on supporting Project and Program Management, Construction at Risk, and Cost Management operations across the United States and Canada. This role will be responsible for the strategy, implementation, and execution of indirect tax processes and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in sales & use tax, ERP systems, and construction-related tax issues, and will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Strategic Consulting & Business Advisory  

• Lead indirect tax strategy across NAM, advising on tax implications of construction contracts, real property vs. tangible personal property (TPP), and client/vendor agreements.  
• Partner with finance, legal, and operations teams to optimize tax processes and ensure accurate tax treatment across diverse business models.  
• Provide guidance on tax implications of servicing various property types and project structures.  

Project & Program Management Support  

• Collaborate with project teams to ensure tax compliance and efficiency in construction at risk and program management engagements.  
• Support tax planning and execution for large-scale commercial real estate developments and infrastructure projects.  

ERP & Tax Technology Leadership  

• Oversee tax configuration and integration within ERP platforms (e.g., D365, PeopleSoft, Coupa, Avalara, OneSource).  
• Evaluate and implement bolt-on solutions or enhancements to meet complex US and Canadian tax requirements.  
• Lead system design efforts in collaboration with IT and finance teams to ensure tax functionality aligns with operational needs.  

M&A and Integration  

• Advise on indirect tax considerations in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  
• Develop roadmaps for tax integration of acquired entities, including ERP configuration and compliance planning.  

Compliance & Audit Management  

• Ensure compliance with multi-jurisdictional indirect tax regulations across US states and Canadian provinces.  
• Lead audit defense strategies and manage relationships with tax authorities.  
• Oversee exemption certificate management, tax return reviews, and business license filings.  
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable. 

Process Improvement & Governance  

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline tax operations and enhance accuracy.  
• Develop and maintain tax templates, flowcharts, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.  
• Establish governance frameworks for indirect tax compliance and reporting.  

Leadership & Organizational Development  

• Build and lead a high-performing indirect tax team. 
• Provide training and mentorship to finance and tax staff on system functionality, tax law, and business models. 
• Support organizational change initiatives and department restructuring aligned with strategic goals. 

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; Master’s or CPA/CMI preferred.  
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in indirect tax, with significant exposure to construction and real estate sectors.  
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and tax software (D365, Avalara, OneSource, PeopleSoft, Coupa); strong Excel and tax research capabilities.  
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of US and Canadian indirect tax laws, especially as they relate to construction and commercial real estate.  
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.  
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex tax concepts for non-tax audiences.  

Preferred Certifications: 

• CMI (Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation).  
• CPA or equivalent designation.  

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs 

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