Tax Director – Canada or US – Renewable Energy

Job Description

About Us

FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.65 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with 4+ GW of solar, battery, hydro, onshore wind and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The companys mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the worlds growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Oshawa, ON and Montral, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America.

In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and the recently acquired Hydromga which is headquartered in Montral. We operate 18 hydroelectric generating stations located in Ontario and Quebec and we are one of the largest providers of hydroelectric power in these provinces. FirstLight is wholly owned by PSP Investments, one of Canadas largest pension investment managers. We have over 200 employees in Canada and the US.

We proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.

We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.

Position Detail:

We are looking for an experienced Tax Director to join our Finance team for this remote role in Canada or the US.

Reporting to the Sr. VP, Finance, the Tax Director is responsible for overseeing and managing all tax-related functions within the Company globally, with a current focus on Canada and the United States, ensuring the accurate and timely handling of all tax matters. The Tax Director will take a strategic approach to comprehensive tax planning and compliance, including stakeholder management (e.g., consultants, tax representatives of Parent (PSP), and senior Company executives.

Our ideal candidate possesses experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLights continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Supervise the tax review and input into acquisition structuring / deal flow;
• Report to the Board of Directors and senior leadership regarding reporting, compliance, and status of all tax matters;
• Proactively identify and assess techniques to minimize tax liabilities;
• Conduct extensive tax research on topics including, but not limited to new tax laws and provide guidance and recommendations including impact on financial reporting;
• Serve as primary contact for Big 4 firm and other advisors who provide tax consulting and compliance services;
• Manage complex Canadian and US tax returns and tax projections;
• Oversee the entire tax return process including U.S. federal income tax returns, state and local returns, Form 1042/1042 and W-8 compliance;
• Coordinate with tax representatives of Parent (PSP) regarding U.S. tax aspects impacting the aggregated group, with respect to Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT), Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) to achieve consistent reporting;
• Prepare and review correspondence to the CRA, IRS, state, provincial and local tax authorities, and manage tax audits;
• Manage the quarterly and annual interaction and calculation of estimated payments, corporate distributions, related U.S. earnings and profits (E&P) estimates, U.S. withholding tax deposits, and tax provisions for financial reporting;
• Maintain and review policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure proper tax compliance;
• Provide guidance to Accounting team on sales tax matters;
• Serve as the subject matter expert on all tax related issues;
• Conduct training on tax issues, preparation of returns, and Company procedures;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelors degree in accounting or taxation, required; Masters Degree in Taxation, preferred.
• 7+ years of US and/or Canadian tax related experience, required.
• 3+ years of experience in a Sr. Management or Director-level role.
• Certified Public Accountant or Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant, preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative with strong analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to work independently with little direction.
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of planning, organizing, and project management.
• Proficient with Excel and entire MS Suite.
• Strong commitment toward adherence to exacting standards and best work practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel between the Canada and the US.

Why Work for FirstLight?

We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. Some of our benefits for eligible employees include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance

• Paid Parental Leave

• Health and Wellness Programs

• Mental Health Care

• 401(k) with Employer Matching

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account

• Annual Performance Incentive Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• Generous Paid Time Off Plan

• Paid Holidays

• Professional Development

• Employee Referral Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program

FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

FirstLights values are:

Respect Integrity Safety Excellence Innovation – Team

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00 – $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Prescription drug insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Volunteer time off
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you you have director or senior level corporate tax experience?

Experience:

• CN and US tax: 7 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote