Director Tax

Overview

About PHOENIX 

PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide. Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Bonobos is a menswear brand known for being pioneers of exceptional fit and a personalized, innovative retail model. Customers can experience our brands in over 400 Express retail and Express Factory Outlet stores, 50 Bonobos Guideshops, and online at www.express.com and www.bonobos.com.

About Express

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to creating confidence and inspiring self-expression. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions, Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you.

The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app.

Location Name

Responsibilities

The Director Tax leads the tax function of a privately held, direct to consumer apparel retailer operating the EXPRESS and BONOBOS brands. This role is responsible for overseeing all areas of tax compliance, planning, and controversy management, while supporting the business with strategic and operational tax insights. The Director Tax will play a key role in optimizing the company’s overall tax position, minimizing cash tax liabilities for both the company and its partners, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local tax obligations applicable to a partnership structure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Company’s end-to-end tax compliance process, including federal and state partnership tax filings, sales and use tax, franchise tax, VAT, personal property tax, business licenses, and unclaimed property
• Develop and implement tax planning strategies to minimize cash taxes for both the Company and its partners while ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws
• Provide strategic and operational tax guidance to business leadership on new initiatives, cross-functional projects, and ongoing business operations
• Manage partner tax allocations and distributions in collaboration with finance and legal teams, ensuring they align with the partnership agreement and applicable tax rules
• Monitor and interpret changes in federal, state, and local tax law, and assess their impact on the business; recommend and implement planning strategies as appropriate
• Lead the management of tax audits and inquiries, preparing responses and defending tax positions with external authorities
• Oversee the retail-specific tax footprint, including nexus monitoring, new store openings or closures, and evolving multistate tax obligations
• Manage and build strong relationships with external tax advisors and service providers, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality tax support
• Maintain accurate tax records, processes, and documentation to ensure audit readiness and internal accountability
• Partner with Accounting, FP&A, Treasury, Legal, and HR teams to ensure tax considerations are embedded across the business

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in tax-related roles
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification highly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required; A Masters in Taxation or an advanced degree is preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of ASC 740 (Accounting for Income Taxes) and ASC 450 (Contingencies)
• Extensive experience with both domestic and foreign tax laws, demonstrating a deep understanding of tax regulations
• Strong knowledge of corporate structure and its associated tax implications
• Previous experience in a management role, demonstrating leadership abilities
• Possess a leadership style that fosters rapport, active listening, and the building of constructive and effective relationships within the team
• Ability to connect the tax effects of overall business strategies and decisions with financial accounting rules
• Proven experience in maintaining effective tax control environments

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES 

• Possess strategic thinking abilities to develop long-term tax strategies and solutions
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex tax scenarios and make informed decisions
• Demonstrate ability to take decisive action and drive initiatives forward
• Proven track record of developing and mentoring staff to build a high-performing team
• Ability to communicate complex and potentially controversial concepts clearly and effectively to a diverse audience
• Strong influencing skills to gain buy-in for tax strategies and negotiate effectively

Closing

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An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to AssociateRelations@Express.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Notification to Agencies: Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.