Senior Director, Federal Tax

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

Visa is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Director of Federal Tax to lead the U.S. federal tax function reporting to the Vice President of North America Tax Operations.  This executive role is responsible for advancing Visa’s financial strategy through optimized tax planning, compliance excellence, and risk mitigation. The Senior Director will provide strategic direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive initiatives that enhance shareholder value. The role requires collaboration across the enterprise, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering results in a dynamic global environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and execute federal tax strategies aligned with Visa’s long-term business objectives and sustainable ETR optimization.
• Monitor and interpret evolving federal tax legislation, providing proactive guidance to executive leadership.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and timely filing of all U.S. federal tax returns and disclosures.
• Ensure full compliance with IRS regulations and maintain a robust control environment for audit readiness.
• Support federal tax audit strategy, manage IRS examinations, and defend tax positions.
• Provide executive-level transparency into tax risks, exposures, and resolution strategies.
• Partner with Provision, Transfer Pricing, M&A, Planning and U.S. International Tax teams for aligned strategies and efficient compliance.
• Drive operational excellence by streamlining workflows and enhancing cross-functional coordination.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Government Relations, and other stakeholders to integrate federal tax strategy into broader corporate initiatives.
• Advise senior executives on federal tax implications of strategic decisions, transactions, and policy developments.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing federal tax team, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Champion the adoption of tax technology and data analytics to enhance reporting accuracy and compliance efficiency.
• Deliver regular updates to executive leadership on federal tax performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Translate complex tax matters into actionable insights for decision-makers and escalate critical issues as needed.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications
15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9 years of experience
CPA or JD preferred; deep expertise in federal tax law and regulatory frameworks.
Proven track record of strategic leadership and cross-functional influence.
Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and drive alignment.
Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, results-driven cultures.
Experience with tax technology and data analytics is highly desirable. 

Additional Information

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 210,900.00 to 329,500.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.