Head of Tax

Gensler • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve the world’s most challenging problems, like designing a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for our communities and cities. Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” philosophy promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together. Gensler is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Head of Tax to oversee and advance the firm’s global tax strategy, compliance, and planning initiatives. This position reports to the CFO and is responsible for leading all aspects of the firm’s tax function, including corporate income tax, indirect taxes, transfer pricing, and tax risk management while collaborating closely with Finance, Legal, and Business leadership to support Gensler’s continued international growth and operational excellence. As Head of Tax, you will own global end‑to‑end tax strategy, planning, and compliance across a complex, multinational professional services organization. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior Finance, Legal, and business leaders while building and leading a high‑performing global tax function. This role is ideal for a tax leader who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys partnering across the business, and wants to help shape the future of a global, purpose‑driven firm. This position is based on-site in Gensler's Los Angeles office 5 days a week

Requirements

• CPA, JD, or equivalent professional certification required
• 12+ years of progressive tax experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a multinational service organization
• Deep expertise in international tax, U.S. tax law, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes
• Forward-thinking mindset with interest in how AI and technology can shape the future of tax strategy, compliance, and risk management
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and geographies and develop talent
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex tax concepts and influence non-tax professionals
• Experience navigating tax issues in complex, multi-entity, international service-industry environments
• Working knowledge of employment and payroll tax regulations

Nice To Haves

• Master's in taxation or related field preferred
• Experience in architecture, engineering, or consulting environments is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead Global Tax Strategy & Planning: Design and implement enterprise‑wide tax strategies aligned with business objectives and long‑term growth at Gensler
• Optimize global effective tax rate and improve tax efficiency of legal/entity structures
• Identify planning opportunities tied to growth and market entry
• Provide strategic tax guidance for cross‑border transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and business expansions
• Oversee external tax advisors supporting planning initiatives
• Partner with Finance and Technology leaders to identify opportunities where automation and AI can improve scalability, accuracy, and insight across global tax processes
• Own Compliance & Reporting Excellence: Oversee global tax compliance and reporting, including U.S. federal and state, international corporate tax, VAT/GST, and other indirect taxes
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of all required tax filings and disclosures
• Manage transfer pricing policies and documentation, ensuring alignment with OECD guidelines
• Review of tax-related disclosures for consolidated and statutory financial statements
• Manage external providers supporting statutory and income tax filings across the markets where Gensler operates
• Manage Risk & Governance: Monitor changes in tax legislation and evaluate their impact on Gensler’s operations
• Lead tax audits, inquiries, and controversies, partnering with external advisors as needed
• Establish strong internal controls and scalable processes to manage risk
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Lead, develop, and mentor a distributed team of tax professionals across multiple regions
• Foster collaboration with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, HR, Payroll, and regional leadership teams
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors and government authorities
• Serve as a thought partner to senior leaders and build trusted relationships throughout the firm

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• wellness programs
• flex spending
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401k
• profit sharing
• employee stock ownership
• twice annual bonus opportunities
• reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• reimbursement tuition for certain eligible programs or classes

What This Job Offers

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