Director, Tax Controversy

Locations

• Redwood City, California, United States of America
• Austin, Texas, United States of America

Role Detail

Electronic Arts seeks a strategic and experienced leader to drive the company's global tax controversy and transfer pricing strategy. The Director, Tax Controversy will own U.S. federal audit and controversy efforts, lead APA strategy and negotiations, and build trusted relationships with tax authorities.

The role requires deep technical expertise, strong judgment, and the ability to influence outcomes in complex, high-stakes situations relating to U.S. international and domestic taxation and transfer pricing. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading tax audits and disputes, shaping controversy strategy, and partnering across the business to align tax positions with EA's global operating model.

This role reports directly to the Senior Director, Transfer Pricing & Controversy and is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week in an EA office.

• Lead EA’s U.S. federal tax audits, controversy strategy, manage IRS examinations and assist with negotiation and settlements.
• Develop and execute audit defense strategies supported by robust technical documentation and analytics. Ability to advise on the interpretation of IRS Code and Regulations by the IRS Exam Team and Counsel assigned to EA’s case.
• Prepare strong, technically supported responses to audit queries and documentation requests.
• Manage and assist with negotiating Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) and maintain documentation for U.S. uncertain tax positions (FIN 48).
• Provide strategic input on cross-border transactions, IP integration, entity rationalization, and business expansions.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Treasury to assist in implementing tax-efficient global structures while ensuring compliance.
• Represent EA in discussions with tax authorities, demonstrating professionalism, transparency, and strategic negotiation skills.
• Advise senior leadership on controversy risk, audit developments, and resolution strategies, including financial statement implications (e.g., FIN 48)
• Collaborate effectively across the organization — including Finance, Legal, Accounting, People Experience, and business units — to ensure tax alignment with operational goals.
• Communicate complex tax matters clearly to non-tax stakeholders, executives, and the Tax Leadership Team.
• Mentor and develop team members globally, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and technical excellence.
• Contribute to EA’s broader tax strategy through proactive engagement with policy, industry trends, and technology transformation.
• Support process and system improvements leveraging automation and data analytics and participate in strategic initiatives related to EA’s ongoing digital and operational transformation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA, JD, or LLM in Taxation strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of tax consulting, compliance, and reporting experience in Big 4 and/or U.S. multinational corporate tax department, with focus on U.S. and domestic international tax (experience with R&D credit helpful).
• Proven success leading IRS tax audits and controversies (controversy experience outside the U.S. also helpful).
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. international tax provisions (GILTI/NCTI, FDII/FDDEI, BEAT, FTC) and OECD developments (BEPS, Pillar Two) would be beneficial.
• Experience with digital economy taxation, IP structuring, and transfer pricing.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and tax authorities.
• Experience managing teams and collaborating across global, matrixed organizations.

Benefits

The compensation offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).

• PAY RANGES
• * California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$182,600 - $276,300 USD

EA offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid time off (3 weeks per year to start)
• 80 hours per year of sick time
• 16 paid company holidays per year
• 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) to regular full-time employees
• Opportunities for bonuses and equity

About Electronic Arts: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to provide a supportive and respectful workplace for all employees.