Associate Director, International Tax
atai Life Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for mental health disorders to improve lives globally.
We are seeking a detail-oriented International Associate Director, International Tax to lead and manage all tax-related responsibilities, including compliance, tax planning, and reporting for our global operations. This role requires a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of U.S. corporate tax laws, with a focus on maintaining tax efficiency across our international entities.
You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, oversee compliance processes, and provide strategic input on tax implications for business decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage timely filing and review of all U.S. federal, state, local, and international tax returns (Forms 1120, 5471, 5472, 1099, FBAR, etc.).
- Ensure compliance with tax obligations across global entities, including VAT and transfer pricing.
- Collaborate with Finance and Accounting teams on accurate tax reporting, including deferred tax positions, valuation allowances, and effective tax rates (tax provision).
- Oversee tax accounting methods and support public filing disclosures.
- Maintain internal controls for tax reporting and ensure Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance.
- Provide strategic tax planning input on business initiatives, acquisitions, and organizational structure optimization.
- If necessary, lead U.S. income tax audits, representing the company to the IRS and state agencies, and negotiating settlements.
- Stay updated on federal and state legislation and communicate key tax issues to senior management.
- Develop a plan to in-source or co-source tax functions to optimize cost.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in corporate tax, with exposure to all key functions.
- Deep understanding of U.S. corporate tax law; knowledge of international tax law is preferred.
- Proven experience leading tax audits and managing compliance for international entities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable working cross-functionally and with senior leadership.
- Strong financial and tax analysis skills, with a focus on translating insights into actionable recommendations.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules and taxation of equity awards.
- Familiarity with general ledger tax account analysis and public company reporting requirements.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and drive continuous improvement in tax processes.
Who will be successful in this role:
At atai, success stems from alignment with our core values:
🌳 Rooted in Purpose: You’re driven by a personal commitment to improving the lives of those with mental health conditions.
👁️ See opportunities where others see none: You’re a problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity and embraces challenges head-on.
🧩 Work the problem: You’re hands-on and adaptable, always finding effective solutions through collaboration.
🛣️ Keep it simple: You prioritize clarity and simplicity, focusing on what matters to drive impactful results.
What We Do
Who we are:
atai is a biopharmaceutical company that leverages a decentralised platform approach to incubate and accelerate the development of highly effective mental health treatments that address the unmet needs of patients.
Our vision:
To heal mental health disorders so that everyone, everywhere can live a more fulfilled life.
Our approach:
By pooling expertise, best practices, and resources across our entire portfolio, we mitigate risk and responsibly accelerate the development of impactful and evidence-based treatments.
