What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Tax and Trade Compliance position at Rivian and VW Group Technology?
The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
As the Head of Tax and Trade Compliance, you'll be a strategic leader responsible for directing the entire tax and trade compliance function for a high-profile joint venture between Rivian and theVolkswagen Group. You will serve as the primary architect of the joint venture's global tax strategy, ensuring best-in-class compliance, operational efficiency, and a proactive approach to tax planning. This is a highly visible role that requires a blend of deep technical expertise and executive leadership, as you'll be the key liaison with our joint venture partners, external advisors, and senior leadership teams. Located in our Palo Alto, California office, with a flexible hybrid schedule (three days in-office), you will report directly to the CFO.
Responsibilities:Lead the Global Tax and Trade Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive global tax and trade strategy that supports the joint venture's business objectives, minimizes risk, and optimizes tax and trade efficiency. This includes oversight of all federal, state, international, and indirect tax matters.
Direct Compliance and Reporting: Direct the review and approval of all global tax filings, including US partnership, state, foreign income, US sales/use tax, Canadian GST/HST/PST, and VAT. Ensure all filings are accurate, timely, and compliant with relevant tax laws across multiple jurisdictions.
Strategic Advisory and Partnership Management: Serve as the lead tax expert, providing strategic counsel and insights to our joint venture partners, internal finance teams, and senior executives. Proactively identify and recommend tax efficiency ideas and process improvements.
Transfer Pricing and Tax Planning: Own the development and maintenance of a robust transfer pricing framework. Provide expert advice on cross-border transactions and related party arrangements to ensure compliance and support business growth.
Tax Provision and Financial Reporting: Oversee the quarterly and annual tax provision process, coordinating the delivery of all required financial tax data to joint venture partners for their respective tax accounting calculations.
Manage Tax Audits and Controversies: Lead the defense of the joint venture's tax positions during federal, state, and international tax audits.
Oversee Trade Compliance: Direct the trade compliance function, including customs classifications, valuation, and other import/export regulations, ensuring seamless cross-border operations.
Team and Partner Leadership: Manage the relationship with and provide executive oversight of third-party tax and trade advisors, holding them accountable for performance and strategic advice.
Experience: 10 years of progressive tax experience in a multinational corporate or public accounting environment, with a strong focus on US partnership and international tax. Experience in leading a tax function or a significant tax department team is required.
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. A Master's degree in Taxation (MST) or a Juris Doctor (JD) is highly preferred.
Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in US partnership taxation, international tax laws, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes (VAT, GST, sales/use tax).
Leadership and Influence: Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including C-suite executives and joint venture partners.
Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and translate technical tax concepts into clear, actionable business insights.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to non-tax audiences.
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
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Salary : $161,900 - $293,800