The Senior Tax Manager is responsible for driving the tax functional agenda to create synergies and efficiencies across Canada, while deploying and executing the tax strategy. The selected candidate will partner closely with senior finance leaders across the business to understand business plans and advise on the tax implications of changes in structure, locations, route to market, and other strategic initiatives.

This person will manage and coordinate the day-to-day tax activities for all business units across all segments in Canada, ensuring they meet their tax obligations and objectives (e.g., tax planning and research, tax compliance, and tax audit support). They will serve as the main point of contact for Business Units, Corporate Tax, and Treasury teams, providing tax expertise and helping implement appropriate tax policies and procedures to ensure strong governance and controls.

*The selected candidate will have to recruit, onboard and develop engaged ICTC associates to perform quality tax activities to support business units and other stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• University Degree (preferably Business and/or Accounting).
• CPA Designation, Tax In-Depth Program strongly preferred.
• 5 – 8+ years of progressive experience in Canadian Tax in a multinational environment. Prior experience with a Big 4 in tax and FMCG is a definite plus.
• 2+ years line management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of Corporate Planning System & Processes.
• Digital technologies knowledge a plus.
• ERP experience a plus (SAP, MS Dynamics, Oracle).

What will be your key responsibilities?

• The Senior Tax Manager reports directly to the Americas ICTC, Global Statutory & Treasury Director and is responsible for managing the Tax functions for Mars’ legal entities in Canada, in alignment with the ICTC service catalog. 
• This role currently supports the Antech Diagnostics, Biovet, Champion Petfoods, Kind group, Mars Canada, Royal Canin Canada, VCA and Vet Source / Vet Success legal entities in Canada. 
• The Senior Tax Manager leads formal triannual connections with senior finance leaders for both tax and business updates and maintains ongoing relationships with the business.
• This role also has an indirect reporting relationship with Global Tax.
• The Senior Tax Manager will embrace and embody great line management for a team of 3 direct reports.

Tax Policy & Procedures

• Develop, implement, manage and enhance local tax policy, standard operational procedures, process and systems used for tax returns preparation and reporting and monitoring of related compliance.
• Monitor legislation and incentives related to tax, and both explore and identify new local tax planning opportunities and strategies.
• Timely communication of significant legislative changes to internal stakeholder groups, including Corporate Tax and local Finance leadership.
• Support and partner with all client units and Corporate Tax on tax impacts of changing business needs including M&A, restructuring, business model development, etc.

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure the preparation and remittance of accurate tax computations in a timely manner to comply with statutory reporting (including corporate income tax, VAT, etc.) and management reporting (including GAM, FIN48, etc.).
• Ensure proper maintenance of all required documentation in support of tax computations and submissions related to tax and transfer pricing matters.

Tax Audits & Assessments

• At all times, follow the Principle of Mutuality in engaging with both internal (Business Units, Global Tax teams and external stakeholders (PwC, Tax Authorities).
• Ensure Global Tax Teams are informed of any notice for tax assessment or audit.
• Ensure coordination between Business unit, Global tax teams and PwC tax (local and US) prior to engaging with Tax Authorities on tax assessments or audits.
• Ensure terms of engagement of PwC to represent Business Unit is line with global engagement arrangement with PwC (if applicable).
• Ensure PwC transfer pricing rule book is adhered to for any transfer pricing related matters on the tax audit.
• Lead and manage responses to queries from local tax authorities in relation to tax audits or assessments by communicating with Regional and Corporate tax teams and coordinating review and submission of supporting documents and responses in line with the tax defense strategy.

Managing Tax Risks

• Develop a framework for internal and external control and governance in tax management.  Adhere to corporate ICE governance and controls framework and manage related reporting requirements.
• Lead tax risk control initiatives including annual self-assessment to identify, evaluate and mitigate tax exposure.
• Support Execution of tax strategies and support implementation of tax projects initiated by Global Tax

Introduction of New Taxes

• Work with business units in assessing their preparedness for embracing new taxes.
• Advise on impact to business on introduction of new taxes like VAT or other taxes.
• Assist businesses with implementation and compliance.

Liquidity Management

• Support North America Treasury team by ensuring timely submission of tax cash flow forecast for all client units within prescribed timelines to support timely investment and borrowing decisions.
• Assess tax implications of financing decisions and support the determination of appropriate structure, e.g. intercompany loans, capitalizations, repatriation, etc.

Treasury Reporting

• Support North America Treasury team by ensuring Distributable Reserves: Q19 submission on SharePoint (quarterly) is complete.

Other

• Drive the digital agenda for the Canadian tax team, building a culture of continuous improvement.
• Document and report the annual budget plan and ensure periodic updates and variance analysis against plan.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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