Vice President, Tax - Americas and International

Organisation Description
EMD Serono, Inc. is a leader in US biotechnology, focusing on reproductive health, metabolic endocrinology, and neurology. More than 500 people work in the world-class facilities in Rockland, MA, and approximately 250 work in the field.
Description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:Develop, plan, implement and direct all aspects of North America tax policies and objectives. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations while working to minimize tax liability and maximize after tax profits. Lead and provide advice on international tax issues, including transfer pricing, cross border transaction and other in-bound issues. Provide strategic counsel, expertise, and support to various projects including mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. Responsible for developing and implementing systems to compile information for various governmental reports. Direct and provide oversight for all tax filing and ensure continued compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations. MAIN INTERFACES:INTERNALLY: US Finance, Business Development, Corporate Finance and Tax, EMD Chemicals, Canada Finance and Tax, Sr. and Executive Management in US, Darmstadt and Geneva, Corporate AuditorsEXTERNALLY: Auditors, IRS, all Federal, State or local tax and reporting agencies, Tax Consultants KEY TASKS && RESPONSIBILITIES: MANAGEMENTResponsible for direct management of Manager, Corporate Tax and Pricing Exercises Sr. Management control through the formulation and establishment of policies on tax planning, accounting, reporting, information management, and internal audit systems. Develops and manages business contacts in the North America tax and finance communities. Key Sr. member of the CFO team Key Sr. member of the Corporate Tax function for the US and Canada territories, as well as relevant international tax mattersACCOUNTABILITY AREAVice President accountability with responsibilities and impact to North America Tax, Finance, and overall Balanced Score Cards (BSC).AUTONOMY && AUTHORITYSignatory authority as appropriate to Vice President level.FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGEProvide expertise and strategic leadership in Tax in support of stated Finance and North America business objectives.BUSINESS EXPERTISEAs appropriate to Vice President level, business and Tax expertise in support of Finance, North America BSC objectives.Expertise level of understanding in Tax (both international and domestic), R&&D Credit Rules, Federal, state or local tax returns and audit, all Tax compliance functions including income and franchise returns, extension estimate payment, sales and use tax, non-recurring business transactions, transfer pricing, cross border transactions.LEADERSHIPProvide strategic tax expertise, advice and consulting to Sr. Management, Business Development, and Executive teams throughout Merck. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations while working to minimize tax liability and maximize after tax profits. Lead and provide advice on international tax issues, including transfer pricing, cross border transaction and other in-bound issues.PROBLEM SOLVINGIdentify, troubleshoot, and lead all tax relations issues as needed and direct and coach staff, business, management, or executives on resolution of these issues Initiate and lead, as appropriate, activities to address cross-functional issues in North America.NATURE && AREA OF IMPACTDirect and in-direct impact to North America Tax, Finance, and Balanced Score Cards (BSC) Direct and indirect impact on Corporate Tax goals in the frame of special projects (i.e., Mergers && Acquisitions, financing, external agreements, etc.)INTERPERSONAL SKILLSInteraction with Sr. Management and Executive and levels, which requires flexibility and maturity. Ability to effectively communicate and present confidential, complex and diverse tax issues to various groups both internally and externally to the Company. Ability to effectively access, interact with and influence various internal and external audiences as needed to support strategic Tax initiatives, goals and objectives. Advanced negotiation skills in the context, notably, of tax audits management.


EDUCATION LEVEL AND LANGUAGES REQUIREDRequires a bachelor&'s degree with at least 15 years experience in the field and related experience. CPA, MBA, JD, MST or LLM strongly preferred. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE (years experience minimally necessary for success in role)Demonstrated expertise in a variety of Tax field concepts, practices and procedures in both the US and Canada. Expert knowledge in international tax issues. Expertise and knowledge of Biotech, Pharmaceutical or high tech industries required. Minimum of 8 years, and attainment of Manager level, in the tax division of a Big 5 public accounting firm Extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Leads the work of the Tax Manager. COMPETENCIES (knowledge, skills, abilities, traits)Ability to interact with Sr. Management, Business Development and Executive levels of Company worldwide on confidential, complex and highly detailed Tax matters. Ability to utilize quantitative analysis and sound business judgment. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to balance several on-going projects simultaneously. Adaptability with the ability to remain focused in the presence of shifting priorities and strategies in timely response to the business climate. Strong PC skills and software knowledge. Strong communications skills, both verbal and written ADA REQUIREMENTS (i.e., normal office duties; must be able to push, lift, pull up to 30 pounds; etc.)Normal Office duties Flexibility in travel schedule - travel estimated at 25-50% depending on business need