Director, Tax

Applied Systems • Chicago, IL

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

Transforming the insurance industry is ambitious, we know. That’s why at Applied, we’re building a team that shows up every day ready to learn, willing to try new things, and driven to deliver innovative software and services that make us indispensable to our customers – all within a culture built on values that make us indispensable to each other, too. With 40+ years of experience in the Insurtech game, we’re not just redefining what’s achievable, we’re creating a place where amazing career moments are made possible. Position Overview Applied Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in insurance technology, is currently searching for a Director of Tax to join our Finance team, you will be responsible for the strategic vision, planning, and compliance of the global tax function. Reporting to the SVP-Finance, this role ensures the company remains fully compliant with all international, federal, and local laws while optimizing the total tax cost of doing business. The position serves as a key advisor to leadership and the Audit Committee, aligning tax architecture with long-term corporate growth and risk management goals.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive tax experience.
• 5+ years in a significant leadership role.
• Mastery of global tax policy and its impact on corporate strategy.
• Visionary leadership and organizational design skills.
• Exceptional political acumen and ability to influence at the C-suite level.
• Deep understanding of the intersection between tax, cash flow, and shareholder value.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance required; Master’s in Tax or JD/LLM preferred.
• CPA or other relevant tax certification required.

Responsibilities

• Global Tax Strategy: Alignment of tax architecture with the 5-year corporate growth plan.
• Stakeholder Confidence: High levels of trust from the Executive team, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors regarding tax transparency.
• Legislative Influence: Proactive positioning of the company in response to global tax shifts (e.g., OECD Pillar Two).
• Organizational Excellence: Scaling the tax function to support business growth including utilization of AI & technology tools to minimize cost.
• Strategic Vision: Define and execute the global tax strategy and long-term vision, ensuring alignment with overarching corporate goals.
• Executive Advisory: Serve as the lead internal authority for the executive team and Board Audit Committee on tax implications of corporate strategies, reporting, and disclosures.
• Policy & Philosophy: Establish the company’s global tax philosophy and lead the organizational response to major international policy shifts (e.g., Global Minimum Tax).
• Reporting & Compliance: Oversee the end-to-end global tax compliance framework and the preparation of quarterly income tax provisions for the parent company and its subsidiaries.
• Financial Optimization: Manage the "total tax cost of doing business" by optimizing direct/indirect tax structures and managing departmental budgeting and professional fee analysis.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and refine the efficiency of tax compliance processes to minimize costs and ensure technical accuracy.
• Corporate Development: Drive tax due diligence and deal structuring for M&A, capital structure changes, and significant financing transactions.
• Risk Management: Design and govern the enterprise-wide Tax Risk Management framework to mitigate global exposure.
• Authority Management: Develop and maintain strategic relationships with global tax authorities and external advisors to navigate complex technical interpretations.
• Public Disclosure: Approve and take accountabilities for all major tax-related disclosures in annual reports and regulatory filings.
• Talent Strategy: Define the long-term talent roadmap for the Tax department, focusing on recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Performance Management: Supervise departmental workflow, establish quality standards, and conduct performance evaluations to ensure operational excellence.
• Mentorship: Provide high-level coaching and technical guidance to the tax group to resolve complex issues and foster professional growth.

Benefits

• A culture that values who you are and recognizes that you aren’t just an employee; you are a teammate, and you matter. We thrive on the benefits of our different experiences and celebrate the uniqueness our teammates bring to work with them every day.
• We flex our time together, collaborating remotely and in-person to empower our teams to work in the ways that work best for them.
• A comprehensive benefits and compensation package that centers our teammates and helps them to bring their best to work every day:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Holiday and Vacation Time
• Health & Wellness Days
• A Bonus Day for Your Birthday

What This Job Offers

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