Tax & Asset Accounting Director

You know us. You just didn’t know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacturer that prides itself on “Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions”. WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us.

About the role

The Tax and Asset Accounting Director will be responsible for the tax functions of the US-based Wacker entities. This role involves close collaboration with the ultimate parent company and other financial functions within the company (e.g., accounting, controlling, local management). The individual will function as a primary financial liaison with the CFO and CEO for the US group companies and provide leadership for the tax and asset accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee tax compliance and planning (federal, state, and local), including tax accounting under IFRS standards and interaction with local auditors for annual financial audits and half-year reviews.
• Manage tax audits and tax agreements regarding related party tax audit adjustments (including APA requests).
• Apply for, negotiate, and report on tax incentives (federal as well as state & local).
• Handle property tax compliance (primarily personal property).
• Manage co-sourcing arrangements for direct tax return preparation and personal property tax return compliance.
• Provide leadership and direction for the tax and asset accounting teams to ensure effective use of time and resources.
• Review and continuously improve tax workpapers to support direct and indirect tax compliance processes as well as quarterly tax provisions.
• Oversee and manage tax functions: tax structuring, tax returns, tax incentives, and tax accounting.
• Review and approve all filings and tax payments.
• Align with global tax, accounting, and treasury departments, including IFRS, local GAAP, and US tax law requirements; review new tax legislation and filing requirements.
• Manage the Asset Accounting team, assisting with technical issues as needed, including property tax compliance.
• Handle department administration, planning, budgeting, and related tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other business-related field. MBA or MST preferred, as well as CPA.
• 7–10 years of experience as a manager of others, with a background in an industrial setting responsible for tax planning and compliance, tax accounting, and credits & incentives.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Knowledge and managerial experience in US Tax (federal and state & local), computerized SAP accounting systems, and tax accounting (IAS 12).
• Knowledge of general accounting (IFRS preferred), including asset accounting and lease accounting (IFRS 16).
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with corporate personnel and balance business considerations.
• Proven leadership skills to manage and develop a small team.