Director, Indirect Tax North America

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations.

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Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

Turner and Townsend are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Indirect Tax to lead our North American tax function, with a focus on supporting Project and Program Management, Construction at Risk, and Cost Management operations across the United States and Canada. This role will be responsible for the strategy, implementation, and execution of indirect tax processes and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in sales & use tax, ERP systems, and construction-related tax issues, and will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead indirect tax strategy across NAM, advising on tax implications of construction contracts, real property vs. tangible personal property (TPP), and client/vendor agreements.
• Partner with finance, legal, and operations teams to optimize tax processes and ensure accurate tax treatment across diverse business models.
• Provide guidance on tax implications of servicing various property types and project structures.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure tax compliance and efficiency in construction at risk and program management engagements.
• Support tax planning and execution for large-scale commercial real estate developments and infrastructure projects.
• Oversee tax configuration and integration within ERP platforms (e.g., D365, PeopleSoft, Coupa, Avalara, OneSource).
• Evaluate and implement bolt-on solutions or enhancements to meet complex US and Canadian tax requirements.
• Lead system design efforts in collaboration with IT and finance teams to ensure tax functionality aligns with operational needs.
• Advise on indirect tax considerations in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• Develop roadmaps for tax integration of acquired entities, including ERP configuration and compliance planning.
• Ensure compliance with multi-jurisdictional indirect tax regulations across US states and Canadian provinces.
• Lead audit defense strategies and manage relationships with tax authorities.
• Oversee exemption certificate management, tax return reviews, and business license filings.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline tax operations and enhance accuracy.
• Develop and maintain tax templates, flowcharts, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish governance frameworks for indirect tax compliance and reporting.
• Build and lead a high-performing indirect tax team.
• Provide training and mentorship to finance and tax staff on system functionality, tax law, and business models.
• Support organizational change initiatives and department restructuring aligned with strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; Master's or CPA/CMI preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in indirect tax, with significant exposure to construction and real estate sectors.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and tax software (D365, Avalara, OneSource, PeopleSoft, Coupa); strong Excel and tax research capabilities.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of US and Canadian indirect tax laws, especially as they relate to construction and commercial real estate.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex tax concepts for non-tax audiences.
• Preferred Certifications:
• CMI (Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation).
• CPA or equivalent designation.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $180K-$250K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications.

On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

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Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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