Assistant Director – U.S. Taxation

Job Description

Vortex Strategy & Recruitment is actively seeking an Assistant Director – U.S. Taxation for its client, a highly reputable and rapidly growing provincial accounting firm based in Montreal. The firm has over 200 employees and continues to expand.

The Assistant Director in U.S. Taxation acts as a technical expert within the Tax department. They are responsible for defined portions of diverse U.S. tax mandates requiring multiple interactions with partners and clients. They handle a variety of mandates in U.S. tax compliance and planning, including corporate mandates and individual mandates (an asset). They work closely with partners, clients, and various internal teams to ensure the quality, compliance, and relevance of tax advice delivered. This role combines technical expertise with team support on assigned mandates.

Your Role and Responsibilities

U.S. Tax Research and Analysis

• Identify and understand applicable sections and positions of tax authorities.
• Collaborate on in-depth research on U.S. federal and state tax laws as well as IRS administrative positions.
• Analyze applicable tax treaties, related provisions, and regulations.
• Summarize, synthesize, and present research findings with clear and actionable recommendations to immediate supervisors.
• Collaborate in communicating relevant concepts to stakeholders related to specific mandate issues.
• Participate in drafting tax opinions and interpretative memoranda based on client needs.
• Participate and collaborate in technical and state-level analyses (state nexus) regarding U.S. tax impacts related to income and investments.

U.S. Tax Compliance

• Prepare U.S. tax returns for individuals (an asset) and corporations, including information gathering.
• Support the team in ensuring file compliance and adherence to quality standards and deadlines.
• Follow up with the IRS and state tax authorities (information requests, audits, assessments, adjustments).
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax reports produced at their level.

Coaching and Development

• Participate in coordinating the work of tax professionals involved in U.S. mandates.
• Review communications prepared by tax professionals and provide constructive feedback.
• Participate in the technical training of tax professionals and actively contribute to their professional development.
• Participate in training activities on basic topics, act as a resource for colleagues, and ensure knowledge transfer of U.S. tax concepts within the team.

Ensure Deadlines, Budgets, and Billing Compliance

• Inform stakeholders of applicable deadlines and take necessary actions to meet them.
• Respect time budgets and notify the engagement lead if additional budget is required.
• Be responsible for preparing draft invoices at mid-engagement and completion for assigned mandates.

Communication and Client Relationships

• Present and explain tax returns and tax analyses to clients.
• Maintain fluid, proactive, and transparent communication regarding engagement progress with stakeholders.
• Advise clients and U.S. entities on their tax obligations and best compliance practices.
• Represent the firm professionally and act as a trusted advisor to clients.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in U.S. Taxation, an asset.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA designation, an asset, or in progress.
• IRS Enrolled Agent certification, an asset, or in progress.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in U.S. taxation and compliance.
• Knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code, residency rules, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess tax preparation software and Checkpoint research tool, an asset.
• Strong writing skills in both French and English (for U.S. clients) and strong ability to synthesize information.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex tax issues to various audiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary based on your experience;
• Comprehensive and flexible group insurance program;
• Annual wellness allowance;
• Flex-time, flexible schedule, and flexible workplace: This flexibility is offered in various forms to maximize autonomy. Flex-time allows you to take time off accumulated during busier periods; flexible scheduling allows you to adapt your work hours to your personal routine; and flexible location allows you to choose where you work based on your personal needs while meeting operational requirements.
• 100% remote work if desired;
• Telemedicine;
• Social activities such as happy hours, BBQ lunches, outdoor days, tax season parties, game and quiz nights, raffles, etc.;
• And much more;