Director of Tax

Executive Search – Head of Tax – Chicago, IL

Korn Ferry has been exclusively retained to recruit a Director of Tax for a highly regarded large scale impact investment philanthropy platform with $20B in Investment AUM located in Chicago, IL. The Director of Tax will be the right hand of the CFO and will be involved in partnership tax matters, oversee tax compliance, partner with investment teams on structuring, diligence, and tax implications of funds and direct investments

This role will have a flexible hybrid work model.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Tax Advisory

• Participate alongside our investing team in due diligence and structuring related to all domestic and global funds and direct investment transactions.
• Navigate ambiguity in tax treatment of innovative structures; research guidance and develop well-reasoned positions.
• Review, assess, and advise our investment teams regarding tax assumptions and computations reflected in their financial models and projections for a given transaction.
• Identify and analyze tax risks and opportunities while advising on alternative tax strategies for exits and restructuring investments and portfolio companies.
• Provide advice to investment professionals and program officers on the tax implications of investment and charitable gift structures under consideration and offer recommendations to mitigate tax related risks.

Tax compliance

• Oversee tax compliance for the organization, including partnering with accounting and external tax providers in gathering and preparing information for various filings and ensuring completion of all federal and state tax filings and timely delivery of K-1s to respective parties.
• Analyze tax implications of fund structures, capital calls, distributions, carried interest, and management fees.
• Research complex issues: partnership allocations, disguised sales, investment expenses, at-risk limitations.
• Participate in due diligence to identify tax considerations including UBTI, state nexus, and novel investment types.
• Ensure appropriate level of information flows to the principal’s personal tax team.
• Support 3rd party tax providers and the Legal team for all Foundation tax compliance matters.
• Manage the tax compliance calendar and coordinate with service providers for timely filings.

Organizational Strategic Advisory

• Support CFO with developing multi-year tax projections; lead planning initiatives and estimated tax calculations; and modeling transaction optionality to manage cash.
• Monitor tax legislation, assess impact on investment activities, and develop implementation plans.
• Become a broader strategic financial advisor to the CEO, General Counsel, and other team leaders over time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA required.
• 8 - 10 years tax experience with 4 - 5 years specializing in investment management (PE, hedge funds, VC, fund-of-funds).
• Big Four or national firm experience required, senior manager or director level preferred or combination of Big Four or national firm experience along with relevant industry experience.
• Deep expertise in partnership taxation (Subchapter K): allocations, distributions, profits interests, disguised sales, etc.
• Hands-on experience preparing/reviewing complex Form 1065s and K-1 packages.
• Strong knowledge of fund structures carried interest taxation and management company tax.
• Experience with Form 990-PF and foundation excise tax rules is helpful.
• Familiarity with UBTI and tax-exempt investor considerations.
• Comfort with ambiguity; track record navigating tax issues without clear precedent.
• Strong technical writing and research skills (RIA Checkpoint, Bloomberg Tax) with ability to present complex tax matters to non-tax management and board members.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.