Senior Expert Direct Tax Reporting (all genders)

The Role & the Team

We are looking for a Senior Expert Direct Tax Reporting (all genders) to support our Tax team.

This is an exciting role where you will establish yourself as the key expert for direct tax reporting, owning the tax numbers of the group and serving as a critical representative for Zalando’s tax positions. You will present and explain these positions to internal stakeholders, external auditors, and input to the public narrative on tax.

In this role, you will be responsible for direct tax reporting under IFRS as part of the (quarterly) financial reporting cycle of the Zalando Group. You will lead the entire process, output, and underlying tax technology. Your scope also includes crucial new reporting obligations such as OECD Pillar 2, (public) CbCR as well as Tax Contribution and ESG reporting.

Responsibilities

• You will lead all tax reporting processes as part of the financial reporting cycle at Zalando and ensure that the processes are well documented.
• You’ll serve as a mentor and trainer to the supporting tax team, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed for precise calculation of current and deferred tax positions.
• You’ll act as the primary contact for Finance and the external auditors ensuring timely and accurate recording of the tax numbers.
• You’ll prepare appropriate and transparent tax analytics for tax leadership to ensure smooth communication.
• You’ll own all direct tax tools used in the Tax team and will work on the implementation of new tools, including the use of AI where appropriate.
• You’ll be responsible for meeting various other reporting obligations of the Group, such as OECD Pillar 2, (public) CbCR, Tax Contribution and ESG, some of which are yet to be implemented and are key to the visibility and success of the tax team as a whole.

Qualifications

• You hold a degree in tax, law, economics, business administration or a comparable background or equivalent.
• You possess deep, demonstrated expertise in corporate tax accounting, financial reporting and consolidation, ideally under IFRS and/or German GAAP.
• You have an understanding of CbCR, Pillar 2 and an interest in the work of the OECD/EU Commission and its impacts on tax reporting.
• You have a proven history of implementing and owning complex financial processes and controls, showing an analytical mindset and a focus on continuous improvement.
• You possess SAP knowledge or experience in other analytical programmes and have the ability to communicate outcomes to non-specialists. You are fluent in English (both written and spoken) and have a proactive approach with a willingness to take ownership over assigned projects.

Benefits

• 27 days of vacation a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week; actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration
• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
• Employee shares program
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
• Family services, including counselling and support
• Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass)
• Mental health support and coaching available
• Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review