Tax Director
Zurich North America (ZNA) is seeking an experienced Tax Director to lead the organization’s tax strategy and operations. This role has enterprise-wide responsibility for developing, managing, and evaluating the tax implications of business strategies, while establishing coherent and effective tax policies across the organization.
You will lead a community of tax professionals and specialists to ensure consistent application of tax policy, high-quality tax accounting, and full compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations.
This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and Group Tax Director. Preferred locations are Schaumburg, IL or New York, NY.
Responsibilities Include:
- Develop and execute tax strategies aligned to the company’s strategic objectives and risk appetite.
- Establish, communicate, and maintain tax policies, standards, and guidelines across direct and indirect taxes, transfer pricing, HR/payroll taxes, and tax accounting/reporting.
- Monitor tax legislative developments, administrative practices, and case law; translate insights into practical guidance and procedures.
- Advise on tax-efficient structures and planning for reorganizations, acquisitions, divestitures, treasury and investment projects, reinsurance treaties, and other complex transactions.
- Draft and/or review tax positions and supporting documentation across all tax disciplines.
- Serve as the lead internal tax advisor to senior leadership and the Board Audit Committee on tax strategy, reporting, and disclosures.
- Oversee timely and accurate tax compliance (returns, payments, audits, inquiries) for all direct and indirect taxes.
- Ensure high-quality tax accounting (ASC 740/IFRS equivalent), including quarterly and annual provisions, effective tax rate analysis, and uncertain tax positions.
- Maintain strong internal controls, documentation, and audit-ready work papers.
- Evaluate litigation risks and exposures; lead and/or supervise tax audits, investigations, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Engage directly, and through industry bodies, with tax authorities on significant industry and regulatory matters.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a community of tax professionals and specialists; build succession and capability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Finance, Legal, HR, Treasury, and Business Units.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and 12 or more years of experience in Tax, Accounting, or Finance
AND - Demonstrated experience leading tax teams and managing external advisors
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep expertise in tax accounting (ASC 740 / IFRS 17), transfer pricing, indirect taxes, and financial reporting
- Proven experience advising leadership on complex transactions, including M&A, reorganizations, treasury/investment structures, reinsurance, and cross-border matters
- Experience leading tax controversy and engaging with tax authorities and industry bodies
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Insurance Industry experience
- CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred
Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply, your unique background matters to us.
The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed salary range for this position is $201,500-$330,100, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 35%. This role is also eligible to participate in the company’s long-term incentive program.
We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]
Why Zurich?
At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.
Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.
Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.
Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.
Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.
Location(s): AM - Schaumburg, AM - New York
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-BK1 #LI-Director
Nearest Major Market: Chicago