Senior Tax Counsel, Head of Tax Controversy & Planning (U.S.)

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.•Torrance, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Tax Counsel is responsible for leading North America on complex tax legal issues. This position works with senior management and business unit leaders in North America and Global HQ to provide strategic tax law counselling on ongoing, new and evolving business transactions, while managing tax law risk and enabling opportunities from operations subject to many legal jurisdictions. This role also is Department Head of Federal & State Tax Audit, Controversy and Planning, and in that role manages Department associates, operations, systems, processes, and high financial impact tax projects for the Division, Business Unit, Region and Global HQ.

Requirements

J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
LLM in taxation or equivalent experience
10+ years tax experience in law firm or tax department of a Fortune 500 company.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Maturity and judgment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic tax counsel to senior leadership and business units on complex U.S. federal, state, and international tax matters, enabling business growth while managing legal and financial risk across evolving transactions and operating models.
Lead the Federal & State Tax Audit, Controversy, and Planning function, overseeing high‑impact audits, disputes, appeals, and litigation with tax authorities, and driving optimal outcomes through strong advocacy and technical judgment.
Partner closely with global and regional stakeholders, including Global HQ, Finance, Legal, Government Relations, and external advisors, to align tax strategy with business objectives, market dynamics, and regulatory developments.
Assess, quantify, and manage significant tax risks, including advising on tax positions, confidence levels, and methodologies for accurate financial statement reporting, reserves, and SOX controls.
Develop and execute forward‑looking tax strategies, balancing compliance, cash flow, effective tax rate, and reputational considerations while supporting new and evolving business initiatives.
Represent the company before tax authorities and auditors, leading negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation strategies from initial challenge through final resolution.
Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team, providing coaching, oversight, and growth opportunities while managing departmental resources, systems, and processes.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, proactively advising leadership on potential impacts and advocating positions that protect the company’s long‑term interests.