Director / Senior Director, Tax

Lila Sciences • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

LILA Sciences is seeking a Tax Director (or Senior Director, depending on experience) to build and lead our tax function. As a foundational hire — the first dedicated tax leader at LILA — you will establish our tax strategy, infrastructure, and ongoing compliance across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. You will work hand-in-hand with Finance, Legal, and the executive team to ensure our tax position is optimized, compliant, and aligned with our long-term goals. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role where you'll have the opportunity to shape the function from the ground up while contributing to the company's strategic direction.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive tax experience, including a mix of Big 4 and/or in-house tax leadership at high-growth technology or life sciences companies.
• Deep expertise in U.S. federal and multi-state corporate income tax, with meaningful exposure to international tax.
• Strong working knowledge of ASC 740 and GAAP-compliant tax accounting.
• Demonstrated track record of building or significantly improving in-house tax functions, processes, and controls in a scaling environment.
• Experience advising on complex transactions — equity rounds, M&A, and strategic partnerships — from a tax perspective.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex tax matters for non-tax stakeholders.
• CPA required.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MST, LLM, or JD).
• Biotech, life sciences, or AI-tech experience with significant R&D operations.
• Familiarity with R&D tax credits (IRC Section 41).
• Experience with equity compensation tax matters (ISO/NSO, 83(b), QSBS).
• International tax experience including transfer pricing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end U.S. and international tax compliance and reporting — federal, state, local, income, sales & use, and R&D credits — and manage all related filings.
• Develop and execute LILA's tax planning strategy, optimizing the effective tax rate (ETR) while supporting the company's growth, capital structure, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead all aspects of ASC 740 income tax accounting — provisions, deferred tax, and uncertain tax positions — and manage relationships with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, and Legal on the tax implications of M&A, equity rounds, equity compensation, intercompany transactions, and major vendor agreements.
• Build scalable tax infrastructure (systems, controls, documentation, advisor network) and advise on international tax matters including transfer pricing, GILTI, and FDII.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and serve as a cross-functional partner to Legal, People Ops, Supply Chain, and Finance — translating complex tax matters for non-tax stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Flexible time off with generous company wide holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• An educational assistance program.
• Commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees.
• A company subsidized lunch program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed