Head of U.S. Tax and Partners' Affairs
A&O Shearman

It's Time
A&O Shearman is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. By turning our insight, technology and talent into ground-breaking solutions, we've earned a place at the forefront of our industry. Our lawyers are leaders in their field-and the same goes for our support teams. Ambitious, driven and open to fresh perspectives, we find innovative new ways to deliver our services and maintain our reputation for excellence, in all that we do.

The nature of law is changing and with that change brings unique opportunities. With our collaborative working culture, flexibility, and a commitment to your progress, we build rewarding careers. By joining our global team, you are supported by colleagues from around the world. If you're ready for a new challenge, it's time to seize the opportunity.

Department purpose and structure
To deliver relevant information and a value for money service to the decision-makers of A&O Shearman.

Role purpose
The Head of U.S. Tax & Partners' Affairs is a member of the Partners' Affairs and Taxes (PAT) team responsible for tax matters relating to the Firm's U.S. operations including both advisory and compliance matters, as well as providing support in relation to Partner finance matters for the U.S. Partners

Key relationships

• Partners' Affairs & Tax Team
• U.S. and global CFOs
• U.S. (and non-U.S.) Partners and U.S. Management Team
• External tax advisers and IRS

Context
The support functions operate in an environment where the provision of a top-quality service and product is paramount, while needing to be as cost efficient as possible. Innovation and creative ideas are encouraged.

This role is a member of the PAT leadership team and involves regular interaction with the firm's U.S. management team, other support functions and Partners in the U.S. and across the business.

The role has oversight of the day-to-day operation of the U.S. tax team within the Partners Affairs & Tax function, setting the direction for the team and working with the PAT leadership team to manage U.S. tax risk across the group and support the delivery of the firm's global strategy, as well as supporting the U.S. based Partner population in relation to personal finance and tax matters.

Role and responsibilities

• Lead and develop the c. 15 person U.S. tax team, providing supervision and coaching.
• Act as a key contact point for U.S. based Partners and U.S. Management in relation to Partner personal finance matters (including capital contributions and understanding distribution cashflows) and tax matters.
• Responsibility for Partner accounting in relation to the U.S. business and U.S. Partners, including management and reconciliation of capital, drawings, and current accounts.
• Lead the team managing systems to calculate tax distributions to U.S. Partners and to ensure allocation all U.S. tax payments to relevant Partners.
• Lead the team managing tax reserves both in GBP and in currency, for U.S. Partners, and input into release of tax reserves.
• Plan and manage the U.S. tax related year-end work of the team to produce U.S. tax reserve calculations for both resident and non-resident Partners, tax equalization calculations and contribute to preparation of statutory accounts notes.
• Ad-hoc projects requiring understanding of internal accounting and revenue processes and working with global finance staff and revenue teams to deliver results, in particular in relation to withholding tax management.
• Constant review of processes to identify scope for improvement.
• Advisory, technical analysis and project management work in relation to U.S. tax matters impacting the Firm.
• Oversight of tax risks and exposures arising from both domestic and international business travel.
• Manage advisors and A&O personnel, to ensure all U.S. federal state and local tax filings for both the firm (including its primary practicing U.S. and U.K. LLPs) and its Partners, and the related tax payments are made on a timely and accurate basis.
• Oversight of U.S. tax audits and support the management of the firm's relationship with the IRS in the U.S.
• Oversight of U.S. Foreign Tax Credit calculations for 200+ U.S. resident Partners.

Team
Lead the U.S. based tax team, working closely with the other Heads within the Partners' Affairs and Tax leadership team, comprising the Head of International Tax, Head of Partner Finance & Accounting and Head of PAT Projects alongside the PAT Managing Director to deliver excellent client services to the Partners and business globally.

Key requirements

• Certified Public Accountant with substantial post qualification experience.
• Must be a team player, able to develop and lead staff.
• Personable with ability to develop strong relationships with Partners, finance staff, and tax advisors.
• Ability to communicate complex tax and accounting issues both orally and in writing at the highest levels.
• Strong project management skills and IT skills (including MS Excel).
• Numeracy and eye for detail is essential for this role.

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