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

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

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.” We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team. If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future! Job Purpose 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.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
Regional Bonus (when applicable)
Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)
Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
Relocation assistance (if eligible)
Advancement Opportunities
Career Mobility
Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
Training and Development Programs
Lifestyle Account
Childcare Reimbursement Account
Elder Care Support
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
Wellbeing Program
Community Service and Engagement Programs
Product Programs