Chief Tax Officer

Cushman & Wakefield • Chicago, IL

11d • $276,250 - $325,000

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Tax Officer (CTO) to lead our global tax function. Reporting directly to the Chief Accounting Officer, the CTO will set the strategic direction for tax planning, compliance, and risk management, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This executive will lead a global team, drive process improvements, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all tax-related matters.

Requirements

• CPA, Master of Taxation, JD, or other advanced degree required.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in a corporate tax department with international operations.
• At least 5 years of experience managing and developing teams.
• Deep knowledge of US and international tax law, transfer pricing, and tax accounting (US GAAP, IFRS).
• Experience with large, multi-national, public companies (ideally in real estate or services).
• Demonstrated experience ensuring SEC compliance, including preparing and reviewing tax-related disclosures for SEC filings.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Advanced understanding and practical experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining SOX controls relevant to tax processes and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated global mindset and cultural agility; effective leadership across diverse regions and within a matrix environment.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate with board members and executive leadership.
• High ethical standards and commitment to integrity.
• Strong aptitude for identifying and implementing process improvements, including the use of new tax technology and automation tools.
• Proficiency with tax technology and reporting tools (e.g., Alteryx, OneSource, Microsoft Office suite).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global tax strategies to optimize the company’s effective tax rate, manage cash taxes, and support business growth.
• Advise executive leadership on the tax implications of business initiatives, including M&A, expansions, divestitures, and legal entity rationalization.
• Monitor and respond to changes in global tax legislation, ensuring the company remains compliant and competitive.
• Oversee the preparation and review of all global tax filings, including federal, state, local, and international returns.
• Serve as a technical expert and subject matter authority in sales and use tax regulations, filings, and compliance processes.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, IFRS, and local statutory requirements.
• Lead the quarterly and annual global consolidated income tax provision process.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate tax risks, including uncertain tax positions and audit exposures.
• Develop and maintain robust internal controls for tax processes and reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global tax team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Partner with Controllership, Legal, Treasury, FP&A, and external advisors to support business objectives and ensure tax efficiency.
• Communicate complex tax concepts and strategies clearly to non-tax stakeholders.
• Engage and manage relationships with external tax consultants and advisors as needed.

Benefits

• Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work.
• In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive