Indirect Tax Senior Manager / Lead

The Indirect Tax Senior Manager at Anthropic is responsible for leading global indirect tax compliance efforts, which includes sales and use tax, VAT/GST, and other indirect taxes. This role also involves optimizing tax processes, implementing sales tax engine systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing relationships with external advisors, and overseeing tax audits. Ultimately, you'll play a crucial role in supporting Anthropic's international growth and ensuring compliance across various jurisdictions.

Candidates applying for the Indirect Tax Senior Manager position at Anthropic should have 8-10+ years of experience in indirect tax, preferably within public accounting or corporate tax departments. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required, while a Master's in Taxation and/or CPA designation is preferred. Strong knowledge of US sales and use tax systems and international VAT/GST requirements, as well as experience with tax engine systems, will also be essential for success in this role.

The Indirect Tax Senior Manager at Anthropic plays a vital role in our international expansion by overseeing VAT/GST planning and compliance. As we introduce our products into new markets, it will be crucial to navigate diverse tax regulations and implement robust processes to ensure compliance. Collaborating closely with product and finance teams, the Senior Manager will help shape how we align our offerings with local tax requirements, minimizing risks while supporting growth.

Successful candidates for the Indirect Tax Senior Manager role at Anthropic should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Project management capabilities are also essential to juggle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with finance and ERP systems, particularly NetSuite, along with experience in SaaS and cloud-based taxation will further bolster your effectiveness in this position.

The expected salary range for the Indirect Tax Senior Manager position at Anthropic is between $210,000 and $300,000 annually. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer an array of benefits, including equity donation matching, generous vacation and parental leave, and flexible working hours, creating a supportive environment to thrive in your career.

When answering this question, focus on specific systems you've implemented, such as Avalara or Vertex, detailing the approach you took, challenges you encountered, and the outcomes. Highlight key metrics or improvements as a result of your implementation, and emphasize how your work aligned with broader financial strategies.

In your response, mention methods you use to remain informed, such as subscribing to tax newsletters, attending relevant seminars, or participating in professional organizations. Discuss the importance of continuous education in the rapidly evolving field of indirect tax, emphasizing your proactive approach to implementing new knowledge into tax strategies.

Choose a specific incident where you faced a complex tax issue. Discuss your thought process, the steps you took to research, and how you collaborated with other teams or external advisors. Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, and the positive result that came from your resolution efforts.

Discuss your methodology for analyzing current processes and identifying areas for improvement. Mention tools or techniques you would employ to streamline operations, such as automation or enhanced collaboration with teams. Provide examples from past experiences where you successfully optimized tax processes.

Highlight the importance of clear communication in ensuring all teams are aligned on tax treatment and compliance requirements. Discuss how you would foster open dialogue among departments, and share examples of how effective communication has previously led to successful outcomes in tax compliance.

Share your thoughts on key attributes such as strong analytical skills, attention to detail, project management capabilities, and the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments. Discuss how these attributes contribute to the overall success of the tax team and the organization.

Discuss your approach to time management, such as prioritizing based on deadlines and dependencies. Share tools or methods you use to track tasks and ensure timely completion, emphasizing your ability to remain organized even during peak periods.

Be honest about the challenges you face, such as keeping up with changing regulations or managing complex audits. Describe specific strategies you employ to address these challenges, such as seeking continual education or developing efficient procedures.

Share a specific instance where you were involved in a tax audit. Detail your role, the preparation required, and how you ensured compliance with the relevant laws. Highlight any successful outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Discuss how you see the link between compliance and the overall mission of Anthropic to create beneficial AI systems. Highlight the critical role that effective tax management plays in supporting financial strategies that enable growth and innovation.