Senior Tax Counsel, Head of Tax Controversy & Planning (U.S.)

What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a HondaHonda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!Job PurposeThe Senior Tax Counsel is responsible for leading North America on complex tax legal issues. This position works with senior management and business unit leaders in North America and Global HQ to provide strategic tax law counselling on ongoing, new and evolving business transactions, while managing tax law risk and enabling opportunities from operations subject to many legal jurisdictions. This role also is Department Head of Federal & State Tax Audit, Controversy and Planning, and in that role manages Department associates, operations, systems, processes, and high financial impact tax projects for the Division, Business Unit, Region and Global HQ. Key AccountabilitiesProvide strategic tax counsel to senior leadership and business units on complex U.S. federal, state, and international tax matters, enabling business growth while managing legal and financial risk across evolving transactions and operating models.Lead the Federal & State Tax Audit, Controversy, and Planning function, overseeing high‑impact audits, disputes, appeals, and litigation with tax authorities, and driving optimal outcomes through strong advocacy and technical judgment.Partner closely with global and regional stakeholders, including Global HQ, Finance, Legal, Government Relations, and external advisors, to align tax strategy with business objectives, market dynamics, and regulatory developments.Assess, quantify, and manage significant tax risks, including advising on tax positions, confidence levels, and methodologies for accurate financial statement reporting, reserves, and SOX controls.Develop and execute forward‑looking tax strategies, balancing compliance, cash flow, effective tax rate, and reputational considerations while supporting new and evolving business initiatives.Represent the company before tax authorities and auditors, leading negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation strategies from initial challenge through final resolution.Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team, providing coaching, oversight, and growth opportunities while managing departmental resources, systems, and processes.Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, proactively advising leadership on potential impacts and advocating positions that protect the company’s long‑term interests.Qualifications, Experience, and SkillsMinimum Educational QualificationsJ.D. from an ABA accredited law schoolLLM in taxation or equivalent experienceMinimum Experience10+years tax experience in law firm or tax department of a Fortune 500 company.Other Job-Specific SkillsStrong written and verbal communication skills. Flexibility and adaptability. Maturity and judgment.Job DimensionsNo. of Direct Reports - 4Financial Dimensions - $2.5 million in budget. Key responsibility for tax exposures/controversies and tax planning with impacts in excess of $5 billion.Decisions ExpectedDevelop and recommend tax approaches to business transactions that align with compliance requirements, cashflow and effective rate objectives, while supporting market dynamics and business objectives.Recommend and execute controversy approach that maximizes likelihood of success while building relationships and considering reputational risk.Department associate preparedness for stretch assignments and development needs to advance department associates competencies and careers.Working ConditionsTeleconferences outside of regular working hours due to time zone differencesAbility to respond to complex requests quickly, and work outside of regular business hours during work load peaks due to transaction, compliance or controversy deadlinesHybrid - 80% onsite / 20% remote10% TravelWhat differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?Total Rewards: Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)Regional Bonus (when applicable)Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdownCompany Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 401K Plan with company match + additional contributionRelocation assistance (if eligible)Career Growth:Advancement OpportunitiesCareer MobilityEducation Reimbursement for Continued LearningTraining and Development Programs Additional Offerings:Lifestyle AccountChildcare Reimbursement AccountElder Care SupportTuition Assistance & Student Loan RepaymentWellbeing ProgramCommunity Service and Engagement ProgramsProduct ProgramsHonda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.Job SummaryJob number: 10745Profession: Corporate Operations