Director, Indirect Tax – North America

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend help deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational projects covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations. 

With offices located globally, you're never far away from our services. With over 22,000 specialists in more than 60 countries, we blend local knowledge with global insight to tackle challenges of any scale.   

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Turner and Townsend are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Indirect Tax to lead our North American tax function, with a focus on supporting Project and Program Management, Construction at Risk, and Cost Management operations across the United States and Canada. This role will be responsible for the strategy, implementation, and execution of indirect tax processes and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in sales & use tax, ERP systems, and construction-related tax issues, and will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Strategic Consulting & Business Advisory  

• Lead indirect tax strategy across NAM, advising on tax implications of construction contracts, real property vs. tangible personal property (TPP), and client/vendor agreements.  
• Partner with finance, legal, and operations teams to optimize tax processes and ensure accurate tax treatment across diverse business models.  
• Provide guidance on tax implications of servicing various property types and project structures.  

Project & Program Management Support  

• Collaborate with project teams to ensure tax compliance and efficiency in construction at risk and program management engagements.  
• Support tax planning and execution for large-scale commercial real estate developments and infrastructure projects.  

ERP & Tax Technology Leadership  

• Oversee tax configuration and integration within ERP platforms (e.g., D365, PeopleSoft, Coupa, Avalara, OneSource).  
• Evaluate and implement bolt-on solutions or enhancements to meet complex US and Canadian tax requirements.  
• Lead system design efforts in collaboration with IT and finance teams to ensure tax functionality aligns with operational needs.  

M&A and Integration  

• Advise on indirect tax considerations in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  
• Develop roadmaps for tax integration of acquired entities, including ERP configuration and compliance planning.  

Compliance & Audit Management  

• Ensure compliance with multi-jurisdictional indirect tax regulations across US states and Canadian provinces.  
• Lead audit defense strategies and manage relationships with tax authorities.  
• Oversee exemption certificate management, tax return reviews, and business license filings.  
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable. 

Process Improvement & Governance  

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline tax operations and enhance accuracy.  
• Develop and maintain tax templates, flowcharts, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.  
• Establish governance frameworks for indirect tax compliance and reporting.  

Leadership & Organizational Development  

• Build and lead a high-performing indirect tax team.  
• Provide training and mentorship to finance and tax staff on system functionality, tax law, and business models.  
• Support organizational change initiatives and department restructuring aligned with strategic goals.  

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; Master’s or CPA/CMI preferred.  
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in indirect tax, with significant exposure to construction and real estate sectors.  
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and tax software (D365, Avalara, OneSource, PeopleSoft, Coupa); strong Excel and tax research capabilities.  
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of US and Canadian indirect tax laws, especially as they relate to construction and commercial real estate.  
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.  
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex tax concepts for non-tax audiences.  

  Preferred Certifications:  

• CMI (Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation).  
• CPA or equivalent designation.  

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs 

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. 

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.  

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. 

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ 

Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list or that have not followed due process. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application. 

 
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