Description:
Job ID: 2600203Job Description:
Role Summary/Purpose:
Synchrony Financial has launched a national search for a Senior Vice President (“SVP”) – Senior Tax Counsel. Reporting to the SVP – Chief Tax Officer. The incoming executive will lead all aspects of General Tax Planning, M&A Tax, International Tax, Transfer Pricing, Tax Audits and Information Reporting and Withholding for the organization, including significant involvement in tax strategy and recommending and pursuing tax strategies that support the operational objectives and optimize the Company's tax position. This position will be based in a Synchrony hybrid location and follow Synchrony's hybrid policy.
Although the responsibilities and expectations are highly technical in nature, it's critical that they also have a well-developed business acumen and the interest and ability to add even broader strategic value and manage enterprise risk. The SVP will be in a tax leadership position, regularly leading tax discussions with senior management and key business leaders regarding tax benefits and risks and the interrelationship between operational decisions and business strategy.
Our Way of Working
We're proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Engage directly with business partners, cross functional teams as well as external advisers to provide real time tax analysis and deal structuring advice during negotiation of major client and vendor agreements. Collaborate with business partners on tax implications of new products, vendor relationships and emerging regulatory requirements.
- Provide tax legal support and advise cross functional teams on US Federal, State and Local and Global Taxation matters including M&A Tax Planning, Business Restructuring, Transfer Pricing, U.S. International rules and Information Reporting & Withholding.
- Partner with key contacts in Legal, Business Platforms, Finance, Treasury, Business Development, Strategic Investments, and Operations to execute transactions, identify and implement tax planning strategies, minimize potential tax risks, and employ best practices.
- Enterprise tax strategy, effective tax rate planning and regular updates to the CFO and Audit Committee on tax strategy, emerging tax risks, audit/controversy status and tax legislative developments.
- Manage relationships with outside law firms and advisors regarding planning, return preparation, and audits, with emphasis on managing relationship with PwC IST in the tax planning and advisory realm.
- Provide tax legal advice on technical questions including, but not limited to Banking, M&A, Federal Accounting Methods, State & Local Tax Matters, and International Tax Matters. Ensure that tax planning initiatives are properly recorded for tax accounting and financial reporting purposes. Evaluate the financial accounting implications of uncertain tax positions and recommend appropriate FIN 48 and FAS 5 reserves.
- Supervise outside counsel and external advisers with respect to tax opinions or tax memoranda.
- Tax controversy strategy and manage Federal, State and International Tax Audits and correspondence with federal, state and foreign tax authorities, partnering with outside law firms and PwC.
- Monitor and analyze existing and proposed tax legislation and advise management on tax changes that will impact the business. Develop and implement strategic tax initiatives to advance organizational priorities on federal/state tax policy.
- Maintain regulatory awareness, drive compliance and support regulatory initiatives.
- Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- JD (or equivalent certification), LL.M. in Taxation preferred.
- 15+ years of tax experience in a major law firm, accounting firm, or multinational company.
- Broad based knowledge of US tax rules (domestic and international).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, fast paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex tax issues, opportunities and risk to non-tax experts in a clear and concise manner.
- Active learner and critical thinker with strong problem solving, organizational and time management skills.
- Leadership experience with senior management interaction and cross functional partnering.
- Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience operating at a strategic level as part of a senior leadership team.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to lead virtual teams and advisors.
- Financial Services and/or Consumer Finance industry experience.
- Readiness for occasional travel, including global travel as required.
- Large corporate experience and/or Big 4 accounting background preferred, including potential National Tax Office experience.
Grade/Level: 16
The salary range for this position is 235,000.00 – 390,000.00 USD Annual. This position is also eligible for an Annual Incentive Plan target of 30% of salary and an Annual Equity target of 30% of salary.
Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.
Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
- You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
- New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months' time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months' time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don't meet the time in position or performance expectations).
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our Commitment:
When you join us, you'll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we're building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.
This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We're proud to have an award-winning culture for all.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time
Job Family Group:
Legal