Director of International Tax Strategy

Director Of International Tax Strategy

At FORTÉ, every role plays a part in reimagining how the modern workplace works. Whether you're on the front lines with customers or behind the scenes making things run, your work helps people connect, collaborate, and get things done. From classrooms to control centers, we design and deliver the systems that power smarter, more connected workplaces – and it all starts with the people who make them possible. FORTÉ (formerly AVI Systems) is a 100% employee-owned company with 50+ years of experience and a bold new identity.

The director of international tax strategy is responsible for designing, governing, and continuously improving FORTÉ's global tax strategy in support of rapid international growth within a very low tax risk ‑ tolerance environment. This role serves as the company's first in ‑ house international tax leader, providing strategic oversight across income tax, indirect tax, and transfer pricing while ensuring audit ‑ defensible positions, strong governance, and protection of the company's ESOP structure. Serving as the primary international tax advisor to the CFO and executive leadership, the role initially operates as a hands ‑ on strategic leader with strong influence across finance, legal, M&A, and operations, and will assume increased decision ownership as global tax frameworks mature.

What you will be doing:

1. Global tax strategy, governance, and risk management

• Own international tax compliance governance, including income tax, withholding tax, and indirect tax compliance across all jurisdictions, leveraging external advisors as appropriate
• Establish compliance frameworks, filing calendars, review standards, and controls to ensure timely accurate, and audit defensible filings worldwide
• Proactively identify and mitigate tax risks related to global expansion, restructuring, and intercompany activity
• Provide executive‑level visibility into material tax risks, exposures, and mitigation strategies
• Protect the company's ESOP structure through conservative, audit‑defensible tax positions

2. Indirect tax leadership (U.S. and international)

• Provide direct leadership and oversight of the U.S. sales tax team, ensuring scalable processes, strong internal controls, and audit readiness
• Ensure the sales tax manager retains ownership of day‑to‑day U.S. sales tax audits, with strategic oversight and escalation support provided by this role
• Extend indirect tax governance globally, including VAT/GST exposure, invoicing models, registration risk, and permanent establishment considerations

3. Transfer pricing strategy and implementation

• Design, implement, and govern a global transfer pricing framework aligned with business operations and OECD principles
• Lead transfer pricing strategy across priority corridors, including EU/UK/Nordics and anticipated future acquisition intercompany activity
• Coordinate benchmarking studies, documentation, and local filings through external advisors
• Partner with finance and operations to operationalize transfer pricing through intercompany billing, markup policies, service catalogs, and legal agreements

4. International acquisitions and strategic growth support

• Support international M&A activity in partnership with the director of M&A and international finance
• Provide tax structuring input, risk identification, and post‑acquisition integration guidance
• Develop repeatable tax integration playbooks to support future acquisitions and global expansion
• Enable rapid growth while prioritizing risk mitigation and governance

5. External advisor and stakeholder management

• Manage relationships with external tax advisors across multiple jurisdictions
• Coordinate international tax audits, inquiries, and examinations through local advisors
• Serve as the primary internal tax subject‑matter expert for international tax matters
• Educate finance, operational leaders, and executive leadership on tax developments, risks, and implications

What you bring to assure success:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, tax, or a related field required
• CPA, JD, LL.M. (tax), or equivalent professional credential preferred
• 10–15+ years of progressive tax experience with significant international exposure
• Demonstrated expertise in international corporate income tax, indirect tax, and transfer pricing
• Clear understanding of and experience with legal entity formation, nexus, and permanent establishment rules and regulations
• Experience supporting international acquisitions and post‑deal integration
• Experience operating in a low tax risk‑tolerance environment with strong governance expectations
• Combination of big 4 public accounting experience and in‑house global industry experience preferred
• Strong understanding of OECD transfer pricing principles, BEPS initiatives, and global tax reform trends
• Ability to operate independently in a first‑in‑role environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex tax issues into practical, business‑focused guidance
• Ability to influence senior leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders prior to formal decision authority

Why should you apply?

At FORTÉ, your work matters, and it's easy to see the impact you make. That's because we're 100% employee-owned, and everyone here has a stake in how we show up – for each other, our customers, and the future we're building. You'll join a team that values your strengths, supports your growth, and shares your commitment to doing work that moves people and organizations forward. With bold momentum and a clear mission, FORTÉ is a place where you can bring your best – and build what's next.

The benefits of ownership

At FORTÉ, you're not just covered – you're supported. Our employee-owners have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and help you do your best work.

Here's a look at what we offer:

• Healthcare, vision & dental coverage to keep you and your family well
• Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) for more control over your healthcare dollars
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• 401(k) with company match to invest in your future
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) so you benefit directly from our shared success
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning opportunities to support your growth
• Employer-paid employee assistance program to care for your physical, mental, and financial health
• Paid time off that helps you truly disconnect

FORTÉ is an equal opportunity employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.