Director - Taxation

at  American Express

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience, knowledge and skills:-

• College / university degree, graduate degree or certifications desirable, with 12+ years of experience in Japanese taxation. A Japan CPA, and preferably a Zeirishi too (registered tax agent), with a degree in tax or law is preferred.
• Experience with a US MNC is desired but not a must. Experience working in a global matrix organization is a plus.
• Understanding of international and domestic direct and indirect tax concepts; experience with Japan tax system and requirements in both tax domains would be a big advantage.
• Familiarity with accounting rules is a plus.
• Must be highly analytical and be able to creatively apply tax rules to business situations to achieve positive results, while assuring full compliance with applicable laws.
• A strong, proactive and collaborative leader with good teamwork, partnership & negotiation skills.
• Must be a self-starter with high integrity and ethics. Can work independently with high effectiveness, diligence and speed of actions.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, with excellent interpersonal skills to deal with a wide range of individuals (including government tax officials) across the different markets.

QUALIFICATIONS

We back our colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being. That means we prioritize their physical, financial, and mental health through each stage of life. Benefits include:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Job ID 24011202

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT IN THIS ROLE?

American Express ("AXP") is looking for a colleague who will Lead and handle Tax advisory responsibilities in designated APAC markets, in particularly for Japan and South Korea and provide best in class tax support to different business lines and other stakeholders of the corporation. This is an advisory and controversy focused role working closely with the wider regional tax and finance organization and reports to VP-Taxes, APAC region located in Singapore.
In the capacity of Tax director, you will act as trusted advisor to stakeholders in Japan and Korean markets as well as AXP Global Tax Organization. This covers direct and indirect tax advisory related to domestic and international transactions as well as ensuring strong tax posture through tax planning, audit management and interaction with internal and external interest groups. If required, the scope of responsibilities may be extended to cover other markets.
The position is based in Singapore.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide sound tax analysis, practical and accurate tax advisory and identify improvement opportunities from direct tax, transfer pricing and indirect tax perspectives.
• Work strategically with auditors for efficient outcomes and ensure that most appropriate positions are taken in external audits.
• Proactively participate in business initiatives and projects to drive tax efficiency. Establish relationships with local management and share the importance of corporate relationships and planning to tax matters and favorable business outcomes. Maintain a collaborative and proactive partnership with stakeholders.
• Analyze pending local and international tax legislation (including OECD’s BEPS initiatives) to ensure relevant cost/benefit impact are correctly assessed.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies while keeping stakeholders promptly informed of developments;
• Develop internal and external network with the relevant stakeholders.
• Support internal and external tax compliance teams by recommending the most appropriate tax positions to be taken at tax returns. Support final review of returns for technical accuracy.
• Drive effective governance and support control of the markets’ tax processes to ensure AXP’s full and effective compliance with tax laws, Sarbanes-Oxley and similar requirements.
• Support tax processes and systems transformation to improve digital and process efficiency.
• Perform/support other tax tasks as required from time to time.
  Provide leadership and mentorship for the team as well as non-reporting colleagues participating in common initiatives.