Tax Lead (Finance)

At CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies, we're driven by a unifying purpose to help people to experience life's beautiful moments. We are connected through our shared values - dedicated, innovative, friendly, partners, and do the right thing. As a leading global manufacturer of contact lenses, we are committed to helping improve the way people see each day. Through our diverse lens portfolio, we tackle the toughest vision challenges - including astigmatism, presbyopia, and childhood myopia. We offer the most complete collection of spherical, toric, and multifocal products available, enabling us to fit 99% of all contact wearers. Learn more at www.coopervision.com .

Scope

The Tax Manager, Americas is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of Cooper's tax obligations across the Americas region, including indirect, property, and payroll taxes. This role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, external advisors, and government authorities, and plays a critical role in managing audits, implementing tax systems, and maintaining regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Job Summary

The Tax Manager leads and supports Cooper's tax operations across North America and select international locations. Acting as the primary tax contact and Subject Matter Expert (SME), this role oversees filings prepared by external providers, completes indirect tax filings, manages relationships with tax advisors, and ensures compliance with evolving tax regulations. Key responsibilities include tax return filings (monthly, quarterly, annually), audit management, system implementations, and process improvements to optimize tax efficiency. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to complex tax matters.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual indirect tax returns (Sales/Use/VAT) across the U.S., Canada, and other international jurisdictions.
• Manage monthly tax accruals, reconciliations, and analysis of unreconciled balances.
• Oversee payroll tax compliance in coordination with HR and payroll teams.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate direct tax filings (corporate income/franchise).
• Ensure statutory reporting and compliance for international entities within the Americas.
• Guarantee timely and accurate tax filings and payments to mitigate penalties and interest.

Tax Strategy & Advisory

• Serve as the internal SME for all tax-related matters, advising on transaction taxability, nexus, and business decision impacts.
• Monitor and interpret changes in tax legislation across jurisdictions and assess operational implications.
• Identify and implement tax-saving opportunities and process enhancements.

Audit & Risk Management

• Lead and manage tax audits (Sales/Use, Payroll, Property, Income, Statutory), acting as the primary liaison with auditors and government agencies.
• Prepare audit-ready documentation and defend Cooper's tax positions.
• Support internal and external audits, including SOX compliance and financial statement reviews.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Lead or support implementation and enhancement of tax software (e.g., Avalara, Vertex, OneSource), ensuring integration with ERP systems.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate tax calculation and reporting.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and internal controls to strengthen tax processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Procurement, HR, and Legal to ensure tax compliance across business functions.
• Provide training and guidance on tax matters, including taxability and documentation requirements.
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, and insights to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel required; less than 5% annually (approximately 3 weeks per year).

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting required.
• EA, CMA, or CPA certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive Sales/Use/VAT tax experience in the U.S. and Canada; experience in Latin America is a plus.
• Strong background in international indirect tax compliance.
• Proven experience with tax software and statutory reporting.
• Familiarity with ERP and consolidation systems preferred.
• Highly organized and self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong analytical and internal control capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Solid understanding of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience with Sales/Use/VAT software and ERP/consolidation systems.
• Familiarity with international tax regulations.
• High level of professionalism and discretion.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with prolonged computer use.
• Occasional extended hours during peak filing periods or audits.
• Onsite 5-days a week in office.

For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting base pay for this role is between $111,789.00and $149,052.00. per year and may include cost of living adjustments. The actual base pay includes many factors and is subject to change and modification in the future. This position may also be eligible for other types of compensation and benefits.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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