Head of Tax
Who We Are
Nearwater Capital is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty finance company headquartered in New York City with a global presence and client base. Established in 2017, Nearwater has distinguished itself as a leader in delivering thoughtful, solutions-based financing to some of the largest financial institutions and financial services firms in the world.
Nearwater offers an attractive market compensation and benefits package. As a creative, intellectual capital firm, Nearwater is proud to be 100% work from office.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Head of Tax to establish and lead our tax function. Reporting to the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer, this leadership role will oversee all aspects of domestic and international tax compliance, planning and risk management, with a heavy focus on transaction structuring. You will play a central role in structuring complex financial transactions and legal entities, ensuring that the firm operates in a tax-efficient and well-controlled manner. Working closely with Finance, Legal, and business leadership, you will ensure that tax considerations are embedded into strategic decision-making and aligned with the firm’s broader objectives.
What You’ll Do
- Own and lead the firm’s global tax function, with responsibility for tax strategy, compliance, planning, and risk management across all jurisdictions.
- Understand business initiatives and implement strategies to structure transactions and legal entity organization. Develop and execute a comprehensive tax strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Partner with and advise senior management on tax implications of existing and planned transactions, including complex domestic and cross-border transactions/ investments and other strategic initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all tax regulations and reporting requirements.
- Drive tax efficiency initiatives and identify opportunities for optimization.
- Manage tax compliance activities for the organization, including overseeing preparation and filing of all federal, state, local, and international income and other corporate tax returns, including VAT/ GST and other related tax compliance.
- Lead firm’s involvement in tax audits and manage relationships with tax authorities.
- Develop and execute transfer pricing strategies and oversee preparation of documentation and compliance efforts.
- Manage relationships with external advisors and service providers.
- Foster collaboration across and between finance, legal, and business personnel.
- Stay current on evolving tax legislation and assess impact on the organization.
- Assess tax technology solutions and process improvement opportunities. Work with members of the Finance and Technology teams to implement solutions.
- Document tax positions and maintain technical memoranda.
- Advise on tax implications of new business initiatives and structures.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field 12-15+ years of progressive tax experience
- Experience working in a senior position in the Tax department of a financial services firm or at Law firm or Accounting/Tax advisory firm in a role primarily serving financial services clients
- Strong understanding of US domestic and international taxation, including expertise in tax compliance and planning is required
- Experience in preparation and/or review of tax provision calculations under ASC 740 is a strong plus
- Excellent strategic thinking and business acumen, coupled with strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex tax matters to non-tax executives
- Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
- Ability to influence and build relationships internally and outside the organization
- Preferred - Master's degree in taxation
- CPA license
- Strong excel and financial modeling skills
How You Work
- You take ownership of a function and build with scale and sustainability in mind.
- You balance technical depth with strategic perspective, operating effectively at both detailed and executive levels.
- You are comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity, bringing structure and clarity to evolving situations.
- You collaborate effectively across functions and influence decision-making at senior levels.
- You maintain a high bar for accuracy, control, and accountability.
What You’ll Get
- The opportunity to build and shape a global tax function within a growing firm
- Direct involvement in complex and high-impact transactions and strategic initiatives.
- A highly visible role with regular interaction with senior leadership.
- The ability to influence the firm’s tax strategy, structure, and long-term efficiency.
- A fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment where your impact will be meaningful and immediate.
