Country Tax Head , VP/SVP

Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to deliver compelling returns for institutional and individual investors by strengthening the companies in which the firm invests. Blackstone’s over $1.3 trillion in assets under management include global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, credit, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, secondaries and hedge funds. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow @blackstone on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram. 

Blackstone Tax

The Blackstone Tax team comprises of over 100 tax professionals globally. We provide tax support for all aspects of Blackstone’s global business, organized around the key areas of Tax Planning, House Tax Compliance & Reporting, Fund Tax Compliance & Reporting and Tax Transformation.

Blackstone is seeking a senior tax professional to lead all aspects of the firm’s tax function in Japan, including tax planning, strategy and compliance for Blackstone and Blackstone Fund Investments in Japan (Private Equity and Real Estate). The successful candidate will be a dynamic and innovative leader with significant tax experience in the Private Equity and Real Estate sectors with a proven track record of leading complex tax planning, managing tax risk and litigation strategies and implementing complex structures. Success in this role will require the ability to drive and influence change across multiple functions and geographies to achieve operational goals, strategic initiatives and business growth strategies for Blackstone and Tax in the region.

This individual will report to Blackstone’s APAC Head of Tax, who is based in Sydney.

Job Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Lead tax planning, structuring and diligence for Japanese private equity and real estate transactions, including working with local Blackstone Finance and deal teams, tax advisors and legal counsel.

• Provide local tax planning and strategy support to the Blackstone International Tax Group, including development and implementation of global and regional initiatives to support Blackstone’s tax strategy in Japan.

• Responsible for ongoing structuring and maintenance of investment platforms and holding structures for Japanese investments.
• Work with Blackstone’s Japanese portfolio companies to identify, assess and implement tax optimization, risk management and process improvement initiatives.
• Partnering with Blackstone Finance and external advisors to meet all Japan tax compliance and reporting requirements.
• Maintain a robust control environment for all tax processes and compliance with all relevant local tax obligations.
• Principal tax contact with local tax authorities, tax advisors and legal counsel in respect of tax audits, disputes, and litigation.
• Advise senior leaders and other parties regarding tax issues related to strategic business decisions.
• Lead Blackstone impact assessment and response to Japanese tax legislative reforms.
• Lead tax input related to Blackstone carry/co-investment structures from a Japanese perspective.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• A successful candidate should have extensive experience advising on real estate and private equity backed transactions and advising on complex tax structures.
• Strong written and verbal Japanese and English communication skills with the ability to interact effectively both within tax and with various executives and corporate stakeholders.
• Excellent business acumen including broad knowledge and perspective on the business as well as the ability to anticipate future consequences and trends accurately.
• Exceptional command of Japanese corporate taxation (including TMK, GK/TK structures), international tax principles and OECD positions. Extensive technical knowledge regarding tax planning, accounting, and financial reporting issues.
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential tax issues and exposures, establish an effective mitigation plan and influence senior management regarding risks and exposures.
• Comfortable in a dynamic environment as a change advocate and has ability to identify new processes and approaches.
• Degree qualified, Chartered Accountant with at least 10+ years’ experience in a Big 4 tax practice.

The duties and responsibilities described here are not exhaustive and additional assignments, duties, or responsibilities may be required of this position.  Assignments, duties, and responsibilities may be changed at any time, with or without notice, by Blackstone in its sole discretion.

Blackstone is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other class or status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.  All Blackstone employees, including but not limited to recruiting personnel and hiring managers, are required to abide by this policy.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, please contact Human Resources at 212-583-5000 (US), +44 (0)20 7451 4000 (EMEA) or +852 3656 8600 (APAC).

Depending on the position, you may be required to obtain certain securities licenses if you are in a client facing role and/or if you are engaged in the following:

• Attending client meetings where you are discussing Blackstone products and/or and client questions;

• Marketing Blackstone funds to new or existing clients;

• Supervising or training securities licensed employees;

• Structuring or creating Blackstone funds/products; and

• Advising on marketing plans prepared by a sales team or developing and/or contributing information for marketing materials.

Note: The above list is not the exhaustive list of activities requiring securities licenses and there may be roles that require review on a case-by-case basis.  Please speak with your Blackstone Recruiting contact with any questions.
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