US Head of Tax

US Head of Tax

New York, United States of America

We are seeking a professional to join our team as Santander US Head of Tax for Santander US operations, that includes a retail bank, an auto consumer finance company, a broker dealer and the branch of our parent company, Banco Santander SA (the "Group" - a Spanish bank with operations in 10 countries around the world). This leadership role will be responsible for overseeing all tax-related activities and strategies for the Group in the US, ensuring compliance with US tax laws and regulations, and providing strategic tax guidance to support the Group's growth and success in the US.

This position includes the oversight of 10 professional tax staff across the US entities (direct and indirect tax) and managing the tax co-source relationship with KPMG.

• Develop and implement tax strategies aligned with the bank's overall business objectives and the broader tax strategy of the Spanish financial group.
• Provide strategic guidance on key initiatives, including acquisitions, restructuring, joint ventures and business expansions.

• Actively participate and advise on specific projects / new product initiatives where tax is a relevant factor ensuring Tax advice provided is consistent with Tax Strategy and Tax Policies of the Group for retail banking, consumer finance, wealth management and corporate and investment banking divisions.
• Review of lending agreements, Multi-Branch ISDA agreements and other type of agreements necessary in the Corporate and Investment Banking business.
• Assist with IRS queries and other information requests as required.
• Advice on transfer pricing and assist in providing information flow on said matter to external advisors, review of output, & communicate internally and with HQ tax department (Group Tax).

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of tax returns, including Federal and state income tax, indirect sales & use tax, and other regulatory filings.
• Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations and assess their impact on the bank's tax position, including the impact of Pillar 2 rules as a result of being part of a Spanish headed multinational group.

• Identify and assess tax risks and opportunities and develop strategies to mitigate risks and optimize tax outcomes.
• Implement effective internal controls and processes to ensure accurate and timely tax reporting and compliance.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior management, business units, and external auditors.
• Coordinate with Group Tax any project or initiative with an US angle that requires the involvement of teams based in the US.
• Respond to ad-hoc queries from Management within agreed time scales.
• Be a key point of contact with Group Tax.
• Represent the bank in tax matters with regulatory authorities, tax advisors, and other external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field. Advanced degree (e.g., Master's in Taxation) and CPA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in tax management, preferably within the financial services industry and/or Big 4 accounting firm.
• Deep understanding of US federal and state tax laws and regulations, as well as international tax principles.
• Deep understanding of agreements present in the corporate and investment banking business.
• Proven track record of leading tax strategy, planning, compliance, and risk management initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex tax laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals.