Head of Tax

EMPOWER OVERVIEW

Empower is shaking up an outdated financial system by providing real opportunity for our customers: the opportunity to get the cash they need, to access fair credit, and to change their financial story. Today, we’re helping millions of people find financial security through machine learning models that evaluate creditworthiness using a more inclusive lens and mobile-first products: Cash Advance, Thrive line of credit, and Petal credit cards. Tomorrow? Creating even more financial paths for our customers (and their wallets) to succeed.

This year, Empower ranked #65 on Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list — our third year in a row cracking the top 100 — and was named by Forbes as one of the 25 Next Billion-Dollar Startups for 2024. Empower was also featured by Forbes on America’s Best Startup Employers list in 2023, and our Thrive line of credit product was named by Fast Company as one of 2022’s Next Big Things in Tech.

Empower is backed by Sequoia Capital, Blisce, and Icon Ventures. Ready to grow your impact and accelerate your career? Take a look at our open roles — we can’t wait to meet you.

THE EMPOWER WAY

Great Expectations: We come up with bold, audacious goals for ourselves and go all out for impact

Owner Mindset: We give every employee latitude to act independently, make smart choices, and move the business forward

Spirited Debate: We love skeptics and seek counter opinions to challenge our personal assumptions and expand our view

Customer Obsession: We listen to understand, empathize, and create a memorable, rewarding experience for our community

Inclusive Collaboration: We believe diverse teams make the best decisions, and we strive to give diverse voices a seat at the table

No Jerks Allowed: We value our relationships and take the time to build trust and connection and communicate respectfully

WHAT EMPOWER OFFERS

Competitive salary

Generous equity package

Full healthcare benefits

Technology expense reimbursement

Virtual first environment

JOB DESCRIPTION

Empower is looking for a Tax Manager to join our Finance team and oversee our tax function. You will support our efforts in tax compliance, provisioning, and business licensing, in addition to other tax analyses and licensing requirements. You will work cross-functionally with internal teams such as People and Compliance, as well as liaise with external third party firms who support our tax needs. This role will report to our Chief Accounting Officer.

Empower is a remote-first company. We drive connectivity through regular company offsites. Travel for company offsites is expected at a minimum 2 times a year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement strategies, processes, and procedures to minimize tax liabilities and optimize efficiencies

• Oversee the preparation and filing of all tax returns, as well as all tax provisioning, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission 

• Manage state-by-state licensing requirements, including business registrations and recertifications 

• Advise on the tax implications of business decisions and other strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions or divestitures

• Collaborate across both internal teams and external third party firms to ensure alignment on tax matters

• Maintain updated knowledge of both state and federal tax laws 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in tax accounting, tax planning, and compliance

• Strong understanding of tax laws and regulations, tax software, and accounting principles

• Background in fintech is required; consumer lending experience is a plus

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex tax data and make informed decisions

• International tax experience is a plus

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, startup environment

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

#LI-DNP

At Empower, we hire for people that push themselves to understand others and seek out ways to challenge their personal assumptions. Our hope is that by fostering such an environment, we strengthen our business and relationships by putting people first. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workspace where everyone (regardless of age, education, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any personal characteristics) feels like they belong. Even if your experience doesn’t exactly match up to our job description, you should feel empowered to apply regardless!