Executive Director, Tax

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

3d•$267,000 - $333,500•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced tax leader to oversee the Company's global tax function, including corporate income tax, indirect tax, property tax, tax accounting, compliance, transfer pricing, and tax planning initiatives. This role will partner closely with executive leadership, Finance, and external advisors to optimize tax strategies, ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support business growth. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team while driving process improvements and maximizing tax-saving opportunities globally.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA designation or Master's degree in Taxation required
Minimum 15 years of progressive corporate tax, accounting, or finance experience
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in senior-level finance or tax roles with direct people management responsibilities
Strong understanding of federal, international, and multi-state corporate income taxation and complex tax issues
Knowledge of finance, accounting and control principles including GAAP and SOX
Motivation as a self-starter, ability to show initiative/independence and drive to make important business contributions.
Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong expertise in tax provision software and ERP systems.
Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment, gain results and be goal oriented.
Highly collaborative and perceptive and shows prudent analysis in problem solving.
Demonstrated skill at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
Proficiency at creating and communicating a clear vision among team members effectively aligning resources and activities to achieve functional area and/or organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute federal, state, and global tax planning strategies based on company goals and objectives to minimize the Company's effective tax rate.
Lead the quarterly and annual tax accounting function including overseeing the preparation of quarterly tax provisions including application of ASC 740-10 (FIN 48), tax-related account reconciliations, return-to-provision, and tax footnote disclosures for 10K/10Q filings.
Oversee the preparation, review, and timely and accurate submission of global tax returns including all US federal and state corporate income tax returns reports, and payments.
Direct the Company's global transfer pricing strategy, including intercompany pricing policies, annual documentation, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Support international expansion initiatives, legal entity formation, and tax-efficient operating structures across global markets.
Lead the Company's global research and development tax credit strategy, including identification, documentation, calculation, and defense of federal, state, and international R&D incentives, while partnering with Finance, R&D, and external advisors to maximize available tax benefits and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Collaborate with cross-functional finance colleagues to lead effective reporting and financial planning.
Develop tax forecasts to allow for tax planning and long-range projections of effective tax rates.
Monitor U.S. and relevant global tax law changes and resulting impact to the Company.
Develop and maintain calculations and methodology to ensure accurate intercompany transactions and related contracts.
Lead mentor, and develop a high-performing tax organization, fostering talent development, succession planning, and continuous process improvement.
Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, consultants, and service providers to ensure high-quality support and efficient resource utilization.
Assist in due diligence for business development activities advising tax related matters.
Manage indirect tax compliance including VAT, GST, sales and use tax, and other international reporting obligations.
Oversee preparation of personal property tax returns.
Effectively manage all tax audits.
Ensure SOX 404 documentation reflects best practices and procedures for tax processes.
Works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to achieve department, company and personal goals.

Benefits

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance