Director, Tax

Zenas BioPharma•Waltham, MA

4d•$188,000 - $235,000

About The Position

The Director, Tax is a highly visible individual contributor and the company’s subject matter expert for tax and treasury. This role owns the global tax function, including tax provision, compliance, transfer pricing, indirect tax, and planning, in collaboration with external tax advisors. Initially, the Director will also manage day-to-day treasury responsibilities, including cash, investments, and the company’s debt and royalty financing arrangements. The Director is hands-on and accountable for establishing and executing tax and treasury policies and procedures, directing external advisors and service providers, and partnering with Finance, Legal, executive leadership, external advisors, auditors, and lenders. The role manages risk and supports the company’s growth from clinical to commercial stage, while escalating significant issues to the VP Finance & Corporate Controller.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, and a CPA or advanced degree in taxation.
At least 10 years of progressive corporate tax experience in public accounting and/or industry.
At least 5 years of public company ASC 740 provision experience, with the ability to review and challenge advisor-prepared provisions and returns.
Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and international income tax, including transfer pricing, R&D credits, and the tax treatment of debt, convertible, and royalty financing instruments.
Working knowledge of treasury operations, including cash forecasting, investment management, and debt administration.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX controls.
Proficiency with an ERP system such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle, and advanced Excel.
Ability to work independently as an individual contributor, manage external advisors and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and adapt quickly as the company moves from clinical to commercial stage.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority and explain complex tax positions to senior leaders and auditors.

Nice To Haves

Biotech, pharma, or life sciences experience, particularly experience with the transition from clinical to commercial stage.
Big 4 or national firm experience with life sciences clients.
Experience with convertible notes, term loans, royalty financings, or cross-border licensing.
Experience building tax and treasury processes at an emerging company, including automation and analytics.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute global tax planning strategy aligned with company objectives, including effective tax rate and cash tax forecasting and tracking of NOLs and other tax attributes.
Oversee preparation and review of quarterly and annual income tax provisions under ASC 740, including uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, and Form 10-K and 10-Q disclosures.
Oversee preparation and timely filing of federal, state, and international income tax returns; review and approve returns and payments; and lead tax audits.
Manage and hold external tax advisors accountable, including defining scope of work and overseeing deliverables, budgets, deadlines, and quality.
Own transfer pricing and intercompany policies, oversee related documentation, and support international expansion, entity formation, and cross-border licensing structures.
Manage R&D tax credit and Section 174 analyses with R&D, Finance, and external advisors.
Oversee indirect tax compliance, including VAT and sales and use tax, and coordinate property and employment tax compliance with external providers and Payroll.
Monitor tax law changes and advise on tax implications of business development, licensing, and financing transactions, including the term loan, convertible notes, and synthetic royalty obligation.
Administer the term loan, convertible notes, and synthetic royalty obligation, including payment calculations, covenant compliance, lender reporting, and related accounting and disclosures.
Initially manage day-to-day treasury operations, including cash management, forecasting, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and foreign currency exposure.
Manage the investment portfolio in accordance with the investment policy, emphasizing capital preservation and liquidity.
Maintain SOX 404 controls and documentation for tax and treasury, drive automation and process improvements, and escalate significant issues to the VP Finance & Corporate Controller.