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Role

The Associate General Counsel – U.S. Tax will be responsible for developing and implementing tax planning and strategies that maximize business opportunities while optimizing Tesla’s cash tax position, minimizing the effective tax rate, and managing tax risk. The role will be responsible for “leading the conversation” in tax policy both internally within Tesla and with external stakeholders. The role will also be responsible for tightly managing U.S., State, and international tax audits as well as taking the lead tax partner role with our Tesla Energy business.

The ideal candidate will need to be an innovative driver of change with the technical and leadership capabilities to manage a large portfolio of planning projects independently. The ideal candidate will also need to have experience coaching and mentoring high-performing and innovative tax teams. They will need to be an experienced professional who has deep tax policy and planning experience, has had extensive exposure to managing a complex portfolio of transactions, and is skilled in creating and driving tax planning and strategy. This position will develop collaborative partnering relationships across Tesla and function as a liaison with key business groups for tax planning and will contribute as a key member of the tax team.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing and implementing U.S. and State income tax planning and coordinating global tax planning, including developing ideas to optimize Tesla’s effective tax rate and cash tax position.
• Establish and update tax planning models to forecast the utilization of tax attributes and changes in tax positions.
• Recommend and implement responsive action to manage existing positions and capture new opportunities.
• Partner with Tesla Policy team to lead the conversation on tax policy.
• Support regional teams on and non-U.S. income tax audits.
• Lead tax partner responsibility for Tesla Energy business.
• Responsible for effectively communicating to senior management the tax consequences of tax planning initiatives.
• Interact with the business and functional leaders to proactively identify opportunities to conserve cash by minimizing worldwide tax liabilities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external auditors.
• Tightly manage professional consultants in planning and implementing initiatives.

Requirements

• 15+ years-experience working within a large multinational company, Big 4 public accounting, or a law firm handling complex U.S. tax issues and analysis.
• Must have strong U.S. Federal and state tax experience, Subchapter C, foreign tax credit/tax attribute planning, intercompany restructuring, and international reorganizations.
• Must have proven experience in creating and managing a portfolio of planning projects and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of interfacing with individuals at all levels of the organization both in and outside of Tax.
• Excellent management and leadership skills and demonstrated success in leading, developing, and mentoring a group of tax professionals.
• Ability to handle and proactively manage change and is a strong team player who generates enthusiasm, collaboration, credibility, and commitment.
• Must have excellent tax research, financial and business acumen, and keen analytical skills.
• J.D., LL.M (Taxation), and/or graduate degree in a related field is highly preferred.