Head of Tax - Canada (Tax Manager)

Description

Vacancy Status

Yes - This posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization and is open to new applications. (Backfill)

AI Disclosure

As part of the application process, Artificial Intelligence will be used in the hiring process for this role

Hybrid - This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [Location] three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business].

The Head of Tax, Canada serves as the senior in‑country tax leader and strategic advisor for all Canadian tax matters, overseeing both direct (corporate income tax) and indirect taxes (GST/HST, PST, QST and other sales and consumption taxes) . This role is accountable for tax compliance, reporting, planning, risk management, and controversy in Canada, while acting as a strategic business partner to Finance, Legal, Operational and Business Leadership.

The ideal candidate is an experienced tax professional with a strong technical foundation in corporate and indirect tax, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate complex tax rules into clear business insights and strategies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Tax – Compliance, Reporting & Planning

• Lead and oversee preparation, review, and timely filing of Canadian federal and provincial corporate income tax returns , elections, and disclosures.

• Identify and execute tax planning opportunities consistent with business objectives and risk appetite (e.g., SR&ED, financing and other incentives, structuring of transactions).

• Manage the quarterly and annual income tax provision process under applicable accounting standards (e.g., US GAAP), including effective tax rate analysis, deferred tax positions, and tax account reconciliations.

• Evaluate and advise on the tax implications of business initiatives (e.g., new products, reorganizations, acquisitions/dispositions, cross‑border transactions).

• Maintain robust documentation and support for tax positions, including technical memoranda and support files.

• Manage transfer pricing documentation and initiatives in partnership with our Global TP Team.

2. Indirect Tax – GST/HST, PST, QST and Other Indirect Taxes

• Oversee accurate and timely filing of all indirect tax returns , remittances, and related compliance obligations (including registrations, elections, and information returns).

• Provide leadership and subject‑matter expertise on GST/HST, PST, QST and other indirect tax regimes applicable to the company’s Canadian operations.

• Implement and maintain effective indirect tax controls , including system configuration, tax codes, and business process design to support accurate tax determination.

• Monitor indirect tax audits and reviews , coordinating responses and supporting documentation, and managing dispute resolution strategies.

• Partner with business and finance teams to assess indirect tax implications of new business models, supply chains, and customer arrangements.

3. Strategic Business Partnering

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Canadian and regional leadership on tax aspects of strategic and operational decisions.

• Proactively communicate tax risks, opportunities, and scenario analyses in clear, business‑focused language.

• Collaborate with Finance, Accounting, Government Relations, Legal, Treasury, Supply Chain, HR, and Operations to align tax strategies with broader business and financial objectives.

• Support evaluation and execution of legal entity restructurings, financing structures, and cross‑border arrangements involving Canada.

• Participate in budgeting and forecasting processes, providing tax inputs to cash flow planning and long‑term financial models.

4. Tax Governance, Risk Management & Controversy

• Establish and maintain a strong tax control framework for Canadian operations, consistent with global tax policies and internal control requirements.

• Monitor and manage tax risks , ensuring appropriate documentation, controls, and escalation where needed.

• Lead and coordinate tax audits and controversies with the CRA and provincial authorities, including preparation of responses, negotiations, and resolution strategies.

• Track and report on key tax metrics and KPIs , including cash tax, effective tax rate drivers, and exposures/contingencies.

5. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Canadian tax team and/or oversee external advisers to support all aspects of the Canadian tax function.

• Set clear objectives and priorities , ensuring alignment with global tax and finance strategies.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct .

• Manage relationships with external advisors, auditors, and tax authorities , ensuring quality, efficiency, and value in all engagements.

6. Change Management & Tax Policy Monitoring

• Monitor changes in Canadian tax legislation, case law, administrative guidance, and global initiatives (e.g., Pillar Two) and assess their impact on the business.

• Lead or support implementation projects resulting from legislative changes, including systems changes, process redesign, communication, and training.

• Develop and deliver training and guidance to finance and business stakeholders on key tax topics and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education & Professional Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field required.

• CPA , CA , JD/LL.M. (Tax) , or equivalent professional designation strongly preferred.

• Advanced tax or accounting education (e.g., in‑depth tax programs, master’s in taxation) considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive tax experience in a multinational company and/or leading law or accounting firm , with significant exposure to Canadian corporate and indirect tax.

• Demonstrated experience leading tax compliance, reporting, and planning activities for complex organizations.

• Proven track record managing tax audits, disputes, and negotiations with tax authorities.

• Experience working in a matrixed, multinational environment and collaborating across jurisdictions and functions.

• Proficiency with tax compliance and reporting software , ERP systems, and advanced Excel (or similar analytical tools).

Leadership Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strategic vision: Able to develop and articulate a clear tax strategy for Canada aligned with overall business and finance objectives.

• Business acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand the company’s commercial drivers and integrate tax considerations into business decisions.

• Leadership & people management: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop professionals and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.

• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex tax concepts in clear, concise, non‑technical language to senior stakeholders.

• Decision‑making & judgment: Strong analytical skills and sound professional judgment, with a balanced approach to risk vs. opportunity .

• Results orientation: Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment, with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.

• Integrity: High ethical standards, commitment to compliance and governance , and willingness to challenge and be challenged constructively.

Additional Information

• Reports to: Regional Assistant Tax Director

• Direct reports: 3 Canadian tax professionals and oversight of external advisors

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $131,000.00 to $180,900.00. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

Benefits:

The goal of the General Motors of Canada total rewards program is to support the health and well-being of you and your family. Our comprehensive compensation plan currently includes the following benefits, in addition to many others:

• Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and supplemental benefits for pregnancy, parental and adoption leave.

• Healthcare, dental and vision benefits including health care spending account and wellness incentive.

• Life insurance plans to cover you and your family.

• Company and matching contributions to a Defined Contribution Pension plan to help you save for retirement.

• GM Vehicle Purchase Plan for you, your family, and friends.

THIS JOB IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RELOCATIONS BENEFITS. ANY RELOCATION COSTS WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE .

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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