SVP, Senior Tax Counsel

Job 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 intera