Head of Tax - Canada (Tax Manager)

General Motors • Oshawa, ON

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Tax, Canada serves as the senior in-country tax leader and strategic advisor for all Canadian tax matters, overseeing both direct (corporate income tax) and indirect taxes (GST/HST, PST, QST and other sales and consumption taxes). This role is accountable for tax compliance, reporting, planning, risk management, and controversy in Canada, while acting as a strategic business partner to Finance, Legal, Operational and Business Leadership. The ideal candidate is an experienced tax professional with a strong technical foundation in corporate and indirect tax, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate complex tax rules into clear business insights and strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field required.
• CPA, CA, JD/LL.M. (Tax), or equivalent professional designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive tax experience in a multinational company and/or leading law or accounting firm, with significant exposure to Canadian corporate and indirect tax.
• Demonstrated experience leading tax compliance, reporting, and planning activities for complex organizations.
• Proven track record managing tax audits, disputes, and negotiations with tax authorities.
• Experience working in a matrixed, multinational environment and collaborating across jurisdictions and functions.
• Proficiency with tax compliance and reporting software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel (or similar analytical tools).
• Strategic vision: Able to develop and articulate a clear tax strategy for Canada aligned with overall business and finance objectives.
• Business acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand the company’s commercial drivers and integrate tax considerations into business decisions.
• Leadership & people management: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop professionals and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex tax concepts in clear, concise, non-technical language to senior stakeholders.
• Decision-making & judgment: Strong analytical skills and sound professional judgment, with a balanced approach to risk vs. opportunity.
• Results orientation: Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Integrity: High ethical standards, commitment to compliance and governance, and willingness to challenge and be challenged constructively.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced tax or accounting education (e.g., in-depth tax programs, master’s in taxation) considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee preparation, review, and timely filing of Canadian federal and provincial corporate income tax returns, elections, and disclosures.
• Identify and execute tax planning opportunities consistent with business objectives and risk appetite (e.g., SR&ED, financing and other incentives, structuring of transactions).
• Manage the quarterly and annual income tax provision process under applicable accounting standards (e.g., US GAAP), including effective tax rate analysis, deferred tax positions, and tax account reconciliations.
• Evaluate and advise on the tax implications of business initiatives (e.g., new products, reorganizations, acquisitions/dispositions, cross-border transactions).
• Maintain robust documentation and support for tax positions, including technical memoranda and support files.
• Manage transfer pricing documentation and initiatives in partnership with our Global TP Team.
• Oversee accurate and timely filing of all indirect tax returns, remittances, and related compliance obligations (including registrations, elections, and information returns).
• Provide leadership and subject-matter expertise on GST/HST, PST, QST and other indirect tax regimes applicable to the company’s Canadian operations.
• Implement and maintain effective indirect tax controls, including system configuration, tax codes, and business process design to support accurate tax determination.
• Monitor indirect tax audits and reviews, coordinating responses and supporting documentation, and managing dispute resolution strategies.
• Partner with business and finance teams to assess indirect tax implications of new business models, supply chains, and customer arrangements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Canadian and regional leadership on tax aspects of strategic and operational decisions.
• Proactively communicate tax risks, opportunities, and scenario analyses in clear, business-focused language.
• Collaborate with Finance, Accounting, Government Relations, Legal, Treasury, Supply Chain, HR, and Operations to align tax strategies with broader business and financial objectives.
• Support evaluation and execution of legal entity restructurings, financing structures, and cross-border arrangements involving Canada.
• Participate in budgeting and forecasting processes, providing tax inputs to cash flow planning and long-term financial models.
• Establish and maintain a strong tax control framework for Canadian operations, consistent with global tax policies and internal control requirements.
• Monitor and manage tax risks, ensuring appropriate documentation, controls, and escalation where needed.
• Lead and coordinate tax audits and controversies with the CRA and provincial authorities, including preparation of responses, negotiations, and resolution strategies.
• Track and report on key tax metrics and KPIs, including cash tax, effective tax rate drivers, and exposures/contingencies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Canadian tax team and/or oversee external advisers to support all aspects of the Canadian tax function.
• Set clear objectives and priorities, ensuring alignment with global tax and finance strategies.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct.
• Manage relationships with external advisors, auditors, and tax authorities, ensuring quality, efficiency, and value in all engagements.
• Monitor changes in Canadian tax legislation, case law, administrative guidance, and global initiatives (e.g., Pillar Two) and assess their impact on the business.
• Lead or support implementation projects resulting from legislative changes, including systems changes, process redesign, communication, and training.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to finance and business stakeholders on key tax topics and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and supplemental benefits for pregnancy, parental and adoption leave.
• Healthcare, dental and vision benefits including health care spending account and wellness incentive.
• Life insurance plans to cover you and your family.
• Company and matching contributions to a Defined Contribution Pension plan to help you save for retirement.
• GM Vehicle Purchase Plan for you, your family, and friends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees