Director of Tax

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Director of Tax to join our team as the first member of our tax function. This position will support us as we work to build and deploy some of the coolest robots on Earth.

As the first dedicated corporate tax hire, you will have the unique opportunity to build and lead the tax function from the ground up. You will establish and maintain the company’s tax policies, processes, and governance, with the opportunity to grow the function as the Company scales. You will collaborate internally with the accounting team to ensure accurate tax accounting and serve as the central point of contact with external auditors on tax matters.

Reporting directly to the Controller, you will partner closely with external advisors to ensure direct tax compliance at the federal and state level, support tax planning initiatives, and coordinate data gathering for R&D tax credit studies.

Additionally, you will oversee our indirect tax processes, including coordinating with external advisors on property tax renditions, sales and use tax compliance, and the administration of the company’s indirect tax software.  

We offer a competitive compensation package, health benefits, and paid time off, as well as a hybrid work schedule at our location in north Austin.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage and review work performed by third-party providers regarding federal and state income tax compliance including filings, extensions, and payments
• Oversee indirect taxes, including sales/use and property taxes, and eventually international VAT matters.
• Manage income tax accounting and reporting under ASC 740, including tax provision preparation, deferred tax calculations and reconciliations, and related disclosures.

• Work with external advisors to support the development and implementation of tax strategies & planning opportunities
• Identify and develop processes to increase efficiency, including data gathering for R&D tax credit reviews and general accounting process improvements
• Build and maintain effective internal controls over tax accounting and reporting
• Support the CFO and Controller on ad hoc projects, education for internal stakeholders, and presentations to management
• Participate in month-end close activities for tax-related accounting matters
• Act as liaison with external auditors

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax regulations
• Strong understanding of GAAP tax accounting and ASC 740; previous experience in preparation of federal income tax provisions
• Knowledge of sales and use regulations and compliance; experience using Avatax software preferred
• Experience with stock-based compensation, deferred revenue, and R&D tax credits
• Experience in managing relationships with external providers of tax services
• Experience working in high-tech manufacturing or R&D environment preferred
• Ability to take initiative and operate in a rapidly changing environment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA designation preferred
• 12+ years of combined tax experience in public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and in-house tax experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate