Client Tax Operations Compliance Manager

About the role

We're seeking a Tax Compliance Manager in WM Operations to lead a critical global tax compliance program that enables Morgan Stanley's regulatory obligations while supporting business growth, innovation, and emerging initiatives. In the Operations division, we partner with business units across the Firm to support financial transactions, devise and implement effective controls, and develop client relationships. This is a Director Advanced Specialist position within Risk, Regulatory & Resilience, which performs independent functions to ensure adequate controls are in place through an integrated risk and control framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and ongoing enhancement of the Responsible Officer (RO) Compliance Program supporting FATCA, FFI, QI, and QDD regulatory obligations, including compliance testing, control assessments, sub-certification collection, issue management, and delivery of Global Tax Compliance Awareness Training.
• Lead the preparation and execution of triennial IRS Responsible Officer certifications, including evaluating compliance program results, coordinating independent reviews, engaging senior stakeholders, and driving consensus on certification conclusions and regulatory submissions.
• Identify, assess, and escalate compliance risks, control gaps, and remediation activities.
• Partner with Tax Operations, Tax Legal, Technology, and external stakeholders to strengthen controls and deliver sustainable compliance solutions.
• Assess the impact of new business initiatives, products, and regulatory developments (including digital assets) on the RO Compliance Program, and lead the design and implementation of governance controls and processes.
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance program effectiveness through process optimization, governance improvements, and automation.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level reporting, metrics, and presentations to senior management and key governance forums.
• Develop staff, lead projects, and manage resources, including work queues, checklists, depth charts, and calendars.
• Set direction and expectations for your team(s), defining training plans and transferring expert knowledge.
• Contribute to the business plan for the area, establish risk/contingency plans, and address issues with urgency.
• Build and manage relationships with business unit partners, other Morgan Stanley infrastructure departments, and external contacts in Client or Market organizations.

Requirements

• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to serve as a role model for client service.
• Ability to think commercially and understand the impact of initiatives and risks on the operational budget.
• Experience in managing teams, enhancing controls, continuous improvement, and reducing operational risk.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. tax withholding, reporting, and compliance requirements, including IRS Chapters 3, 4 (FATCA), and 61; familiarity with Qualified Intermediary (QI) and Qualified Derivatives Dealer (QDD) requirements preferred.
• Strong program management skills with experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and delivering against strict deadlines.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risk and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong executive presence with excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and CoPilot.
• Experience with data analytics and end-user automation tools (e.g., Power BI, Alteryx) preferred.
• Experience with digital assets, emerging products, or new business initiatives preferred.
• Must obtain Series 99 license if supervising a covered function.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience.

Benefits

Morgan Stanley offers some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry, supporting employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

Pay

Expected base pay rates for the role will be $120,000.00–$172,500.00 per year at the commencement of employment. Base pay is determined on an individualized basis and is part of a total compensation package that may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short- and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley-sponsored benefit programs.