Tax Director

Zenlayer is seeking an experienced and strategic Tax Director to lead and optimize our global tax operations. Reporting directly to CEO, the Tax Director will oversee all aspects of U.S. federal, state, and international tax compliance, planning, and strategy. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex tax environments across multiple jurisdictions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation, review, and timely filing of U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns (direct and indirect).
• Develop and implement strategic tax planning initiatives to optimize the company’s overall tax position.
• Manage global tax arrangements, ensuring compliance with local tax laws and regulations in multiple jurisdictions.
• Build, mentor, and lead a tax team to support global compliance and strategic initiatives.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures over all aspects of the tax process.
• Lead the management of IRS and state income tax audits, including preparation of responses, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory tax law developments, advise leadership on potential impacts, and design strategies to address changes.
• Partner with finance, legal, and business teams on cross-functional projects involving tax implications (e.g., transfer pricing, intercompany transactions, M&A, or new business models).
• Provide tax support for internal and external audits, quarterly/year-end tax provisions, and special projects.
• Review and validate tax returns, quarterly/yearly projections, and deferred tax calculations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required (or equivalent international certification).
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive tax experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership/management capacity.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local tax regulations; exposure to international tax compliance and planning highly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing tax audits, compliance processes, and tax planning strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and geographies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global technology environment.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin is a required, given Zenlayer’s global footprint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Big 4 public accounting experience and/or experience in a multinational technology company.
• Expertise in international tax structuring, transfer pricing, and cross-border transactions.
• Experience with tax provision (ASC 740) and deferred tax accounting under U.S. GAAP.
• Familiarity with IPO readiness, internal controls, and public company audit standards.
• Strong background in indirect taxes (VAT/GST) in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM regions.