International Tax Director

Job Description

Vortex Strategy & Recruitment is actively seeking a Director, International Taxation for its client, a leading accounting firm based in Montreal.

The Director, International Taxation serves as a technical expert in international tax matters for corporations and globally mobile individuals. The incumbent manages complex tax planning, compliance, and research engagements while ensuring the quality and compliance of advice provided to clients. The Director collaborates closely with partners and multidisciplinary teams and contributes to the development of team capabilities by acting as a mentor and resource person for tax specialists and Associate Directors.

Your Role and Responsibilities

International Tax Research and Analysis

• Identify and analyze applicable Canadian and international tax rules (legislation, case law, and tax authority positions) and guide teams toward appropriate solutions.

• Interpret tax treaties and relevant regulations and formulate clear, practical recommendations.

• Conduct in-depth research on cross-border tax issues, including the tax implications of corporate structures, foreign investments, and cross-border transactions. Summarize and synthesize findings.

International Tax Compliance

• Supervise and review the preparation of Canadian and international tax returns (T2, Treaty-Based Returns, Branch Tax Returns, etc.).

• Coordinate and prepare international components included in Canadian corporate tax returns (thin capitalization rules, Forms T106, T1134, and T1135).

• Advanced knowledge of international tax rules (for example, EIFEL Rules and Pillar Two) is considered an asset.

• Prepare and review surplus account calculations. Ensure quality, compliance, and adherence to professional standards within engagements.

• Manage communications with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), foreign tax authorities, and clients regarding information requests, audits, and adjustments.

• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax reports produced.

• Communicate applicable concepts and technical considerations related to specific tax issues to relevant stakeholders.

Participate in Tax Planning and Reorganization Engagements

• Draft technical memoranda and tax opinions.

• Participate in and prepare planning analyses (tax residency analyses, permanent establishment assessments, corporate reorganizations, international tax compliance diagnostics, etc.).

Coaching and Team Development

• Coordinate the work of tax professionals involved in international engagements.

• Prepare, lead, and deliver internal training activities in international taxation while ensuring clear knowledge transfer of tax concepts.

• Act as a technical resource for colleagues in other departments and contribute to knowledge sharing throughout the firm.

• Provide functional rather than hierarchical supervision to junior team members through coaching, guidance, support, and by fostering planning-oriented thinking.

• Provide constructive feedback and support the technical development of team members.

• Support Canadian tax, audit, and assurance teams in identifying tax issues affecting their clients.

• Contribute to workload allocation and the operational efficiency of the team.

Engagement, Budget, and Deadline Management

• Plan and manage engagements to ensure deadlines, budgets, and client expectations are met.

• Work with a high degree of autonomy on moderately complex files.

• Coordinate stakeholders and ensure ongoing communication regarding engagement progress.

• Validate priorities, timelines, and fee budgets with partners.

• Notify managers or partners of anticipated budget overruns and propose solutions.

• Participate in the review of draft invoices and ensure effective profitability management of engagements.

• Be responsible for preparing interim and final engagement billing drafts.

Client Communication and Relationship Management

• Present and explain tax analyses, recommendations, and tax filings to clients.

• Maintain proactive, transparent, and professional communication throughout engagements.

• Advise clients on their international tax obligations and compliance best practices.

• Represent the firm professionally and act as a trusted advisor to clients.

• Collaborate with other departments (audit, advisory services, payroll, legal services, etc.) to provide an integrated approach.

• Identify business opportunities and discuss them with partners.

Requirements

• Completed Master's degree in Canadian Taxation or completion of the In-Depth Tax Program.

• CPA designation considered an asset.

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of tax experience, including at least 4 to 6 years of expertise in international taxation.

• Excellent command of both French and English, spoken and written, due to the nature of the role, which requires communication and the preparation of professional documents in English.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.

• Proficiency with tax research tools (Taxnet Pro, CCH, etc.).

• Proficiency with professional software and tools (Taxprep, iFirm, Advanced Excel, CaseWare).

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Natural leadership skills and the ability to mentor and guide a team.

• Ability to communicate complex tax concepts clearly to a variety of audiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary based on your experience;

• Comprehensive and flexible group insurance program;

• Annual wellness allowance;

• Flexible time, flexible schedule, and flexible workplace: flexibility is offered in various forms to maximize autonomy. Flexible time allows employees to recover time accumulated during busier periods, flexible scheduling provides the ability to adapt working hours to personal routines, and flexible workplace options allow employees to choose where they work based on personal needs while respecting operational requirements.

• 100% remote work option if desired.

• Telemedicine services.

• Social activities such as happy hours, BBQ lunches, outdoor activity days, tax season celebrations, game and quiz nights, prize draws, and more.

• And much more.