Senior Director, Indirect Tax

New Yesterday

About the Team
The Tax Team at OpenAI is part of the broader Finance organization and plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with evolving global tax obligations. Our mission is to develop scalable, automated, and accurate tax infrastructure that supports OpenAI’s operational speed, transparency, and global growth. We are transforming tax operations from a traditional, manual process into a forward-looking capability that leverages intelligent systems and integrated workflows. About the Role
The Senior Director, Indirect Tax will be a critical leader within the tax function of OpenAI, responsible for all aspects of domestic and international indirect taxes. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep tax expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate a dynamic and complex regulatory landscape. This role is based in San Francisco. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees. In this role you'll: Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement indirect tax strategies to optimize tax efficiency and minimize risk across all lines of business, including new products and services. Advise on tax implications of strategic initiatives like mergers, acquisitions, and new legal entity structures. Stay abreast of changes in global tax laws and regulations, anticipating impacts and adapting strategies proactively.
Compliance and Reporting: Oversee the accuracy and timely filing of all indirect tax returns (sales and use tax, VAT, GST, excise taxes, property taxes, etc.) across multiple jurisdictions. Ensure compliance with tax regulations, collaborating with internal teams (finance, accounting, legal, product, engineering) to embed tax compliance into business systems and processes. Manage tax audit defense strategies and represent the company during examinations by tax authorities. Must have extensive global audit experience with a fine sense of the types of arguments, legal strategies and inquiry and critical factual developments that can lead to optimal outcome. Complete understanding of audit procedures for indirect tax matters.
Tax Technology and Automation: Drive the adoption and optimization of tax technology solutions, including tax engines (like Vertex or OneSource), ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, familiarity with Netsuite would be a bonus), data tools (Alteryx, Power BI), and automation technologies (RPA). Familiarity with GPTs and other AI tools as means to enhance efficiencies and productivity. Lead initiatives to improve data quality, enhance tax processes, and leverage technology for efficient tax compliance and reporting.
Team Leadership and Development: Mentor, develop, and manage a team of tax professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. Provide ongoing feedback, identify opportunities for growth, and guide team members in navigating complex tax issues.
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners (executive management, financial reporting, accounting, treasury, legal, HR, and business operations) and external advisors (tax consultants, auditors). Effectively communicate tax implications and strategies to various audiences, including senior leadership.
You might thrive in this role if you: Extensive experience in SaaS, PaaS, B2C indirect tax.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a Master's degree in Taxation, Accounting, or a related field is a plus.
CPA certification or equivalent.
Law Degree is a bonus or an alternative to a CPA certification.
20+ years of progressive experience in indirect tax, with a focus on a tech or e-commerce environment.
Proven expertise in US and international indirect tax regulations (sales and use tax, VAT, GST, excise taxes).
Experience with tax technology platforms (Vertex, OneSource, etc.) and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle).
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a track record of building and developing teams.
Excellent people development skills.
Location:
San Francisco

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