Financial Services - Tax Controversy - Manager

Will you shape the future or will the future shape you?

The opportunity

EY is a leader in serving the global financial services marketplace and the only professional services firm with a separate business unit dedicated to the financial services industry – the Financial Services Organization (FSO). Our focused model and bold ambition have put us at the center of the events that continue to reshape and redefine our industry, working side by side with a range of clients from our most venerable institutions to dynamic new entrants across Banking and Capital Markets, Wealth and Asset Management, Insurance, and Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction. Our purpose is to help build a financial services industry in which financial institutions are trusted and flourish, and the global economy is healthy, growing, and secure. If you have a passion for rallying together to solve complex challenges, then come join our dynamic FSO team!

As a Manager in Tax Controversy, you will assist clients in responding to and managing tax controversies—from risk identification, to dispute prevention, through to litigation and appeals. You will utilize EY’s Tax Controversy Framework effectively through all phases of tax risk assessment, tax risk management, and tax audit management. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting tax risk assessments to help clients end controversies by identifying and tracking evolving risks before they arise.
• Creating risk assessment procedures and a global tax risk register, and implementing heat maps to help identify specific pain points.
• Supporting clients in devising comprehensive risk management strategies, validating tax controls, improving documentation, and using dispute prevention tools and techniques.
• Supporting tax audit management through exam management, appeals, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Utilizing tax governance activities and technology tools to support the overall tax controversy lifecycle.

Your key responsibilities

Our global tax controversy network is uniquely positioned to help businesses with their tax controversy issues. You will be involved in all aspects of controversy management and dispute resolution including assisting clients before the IRS Exam and Appeals Divisions, penalty relief and abatement requests, and advising on Alternative Dispute Resolution. 

The core purpose of this role is the effective management and delivery of one or more processes, solutions, and projects, ensuring a focus on quality and effective risk management. You will be responsible for continuous process improvement, the identification of innovative solutions through research and analysis, and the application of best practices. You may manage professional employees or supervise others to deliver complex technical initiatives, with accountability for performance and results. You will apply your depth of expertise to guide others and interpret internal/external issues to recommend quality solutions. You will meet performance objectives and metrics set locally (client service, quality and risk management, sales and business growth, solution development and teaming, etc.). Regular travel may be required to meet client needs, and you will actively participate in client working sessions on a daily basis.

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities:

• Develops solutions to complex problems.
• Recommends changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect your immediate work area and possibly the broader business function.
• Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Skills and attributes for success

Success in this role will be driven by your ability to manage complex projects, deliver high-quality solutions, and lead teams with broad visibility. Your analytical skills, commercial acumen, and ability to drive outcomes will set you apart.

• Researching tax issues to develop effective tax resolution strategies
• Translating complex data from a range of sources into client-ready insights and deliverables
• Building effective long-term relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs to provide a tailored service
• Communicating complex tax issues to non-tax professionals and clients 

• Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver processes, solutions, and projects while maintaining a focus on quality and risk management.
• Experience in continuous process improvement and identification of innovative solutions through research and analysis.
• Proven ability to guide and supervise others to deliver complex technical initiatives, with accountability for performance and results.
• Depth of expertise in interpreting internal and external issues to recommend quality solutions.
• Track record of meeting performance objectives and metrics in client service, risk management, sales, and business growth.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Bachelor’s degree required (4-year degree)
• Typically, no less than 4 - 6 years relevant experience in government or a professional tax organization dealing with controversy matters
• Be a licensed attorney or CPA
• Excellent collaboration and negotiation skills, and the confidence to challenge senior colleagues and stakeholders from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• The ability to adapt your work style to work with both internal and client team members

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience leading workstream delivery and tracking project status.
• Ability to implement resource plans and budgets for complex initiatives.
• Experience managing engagement economics and identifying opportunities for additional services.
• Exposure to leading RFP responses and participating in client working sessions.

What we look for

We seek top performers who are passionate about delivering high-quality solutions, thrive in dynamic environments, and demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills. The ideal candidate is adaptable, commercially minded, and committed to continuous learning and innovation.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.