Job Description

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to further your career or carve out a new path.

The Senior Manager, Partnership Finance & Tax, is a new position, recognizing the complexity of the work performed by this department and firm growth. The position will support the Director, Partnership Finance & Tax in managing all aspects of the department’s responsibilities.

The Partnership Finance and Tax Department is responsible for the oversight of the Firm’s (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Canada, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP New York and Carthos Services LP) tax compliance and partner and partnership financial administration. Other responsibilities include the administration and oversight of the partner draw program, the partner retirement plan, the partner capital program, Carthos Investment Partnership, routine and nonroutine audits, and trust filing obligations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in tax, accounting, and finance, with a proven track record of managing tax functions in a complex and dynamic business environment. This role requires a strategic thinker with a meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of Canadian and ideally strong U.S. tax regulations.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Major Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Firm's information and tax compliance with all federal, provincial, and local tax authorities. This includes direct oversight of both internal and external tax preparation and timely filing of all compliance obligations.
• Develop and implement tax planning strategies to minimize the Firm/ partner's tax liabilities and maximize tax efficiency. This includes advising on the tax-efficient structuring of internal transactions and arrangements.
• Stay well-informed of tax legislative changes and analyze their impact on the Firm's operations and financial position.
• Provide prompt, precise, and clear accounting and tax information to the partners, enabling them to fulfill their individual tax obligations.
• Serve as the internal tax expert, providing advice and guidance on tax-related matters. This includes but not limited to providing guidance on necessary steps for a partner to incorporate.
• Ensure precise management of the computation and allocation of the Firm's earnings among its partners, along with publishing monthly key metrics such as Osler point value and Carthos unit value.
• Direct and manage the monthly and quarterly draws for the partnership in accordance with the annual draw program. This includes the administration of quarterly tax installments on behalf of individual partners.
• Direct and manage the partner capital program.
• Serve as an administrative coordinator to the Carthos Investments Partnership.
• Serve as an administrative coordinator and tax preparer for the RG Ferguson Fund.
• Direct and manage the partner retirement plan including the oversight of the annual external review engagement with the Firm’s auditors. This includes reporting to the partnership board of the annual outcomes and future projections.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors during audits and examinations. This includes routine audits such as the annual financial statement audit and other nonroutine audits by various tax authorities.
• Maintain Osler Canada’s compliance with the IRS Withholding Foreign Partnership agreement. This includes maintaining valid treaty statements for all partners of Oler Canada, overseeing annual U.S. tax compliance requirements and coordinating the triennial audit and reporting those results to the IRS.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual forecast and budgets, including ad-hoc financial modelling relating to partner compensation and related partner assumptions. Assist the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in aspects of the annual finance departmental budget.
• Provide the Compensation Committee or the CFO with support relating to partner performance and financial data as requested.
• Develop and mentor the partnership finance team and other key stakeholders of the Firm through various ongoing training programs including onboarding of new partners.
• Collaborate with the CFO and other Senior Management on various strategic initiatives, policies and projects as required.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

This position requires a university degree and ideally an accounting CPA designation. A minimum of 8 years of experience in taxation, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment along with leadership experience. Extensive knowledge of Canadian tax compliance and reporting requirements is a must. A law degree and a US CPA are considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of Canadian and ideally U.S. tax compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to articulate complex financial and tax information clearly and succinctly.
• In-depth knowledge of Excel (at least intermediate), Word, PowerPoint, and Taxprep software.
• Calm, collaborative, and approachable work style to foster trust with our partners
• Time management skills and the ability to efficiently prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Maintains a current knowledge of relevant computer applications, especially tax issues affecting the Firm.

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.

Please note that we use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.

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No agencies or phone calls/emails please.