Tax Director - Global Tax Controversy, Governance and Controls

ppWe are seeking an exceptional Director to join our team in Amsterdam. This is a leadership position, reporting to Booking.com Head of Tax. /ppThis role leads Booking.com’s global tax controversy and litigation strategy, with primary responsibility for audits, disputes, tax authority engagement, and defense of the company’s direct and indirect tax positions across multiple jurisdictions. /ppThe Director will also manage the team responsible for tax governance and controls, quarter and year-end close for Tax, and strategic oversight of tax compliance activities by the Tax Accounting team. /ph3Key Responsibilities /h3h3Global Tax Controversy Leadership /h3ulliLead and direct tax authority information requests, audits, disputes and litigation relating to direct and indirect taxes, including digital services tax, and partner with the Transfer Pricing (TP) team on TP controversy matters. /liliServe as Booking.com’s primary technical and strategic interface with tax authorities, and lead negotiations on material controversy matters. /liliDirect high-quality technical submissions, legal-tax position papers, presentations and formal responses that clearly articulate and defend Booking.com’s tax positions. /liliOwn the technical assessment and defense strategy for material controversy matters, including the evaluation of legal merits, technical strengths and weaknesses, evidentiary requirements, settlement options and litigation posture. /liliProvide clear recommendations to senior leadership on disputed positions and resolution strategies for high-risk or precedent-setting matters. /li /ulh3Tax governance and controls /h3ulliDrive the tax control framework, ensuring tax controls are designed, documented, executed and continuously improved to support compliant, defensible and audit-ready tax positions. /liliDrive standardization, automation and simplification across tax processes, with a focus on improving the quality, consistency and evidentiary strength of tax data and documentation. /liliIncorporate AI-enabled ways of working in a practical and responsible manner, including improving velocity, consistency and scalability without compromising technical quality, audit readiness or risk management. /liliEnsure governance and controls materially enhance controversy readiness, audit support, documentation quality and the defensibility of Booking.com’s filed and reported tax positions. /li /ulh3Tax compliance and reporting oversight /h3ulliProvide senior technical oversight on tax positions arising through compliance and reporting processes where those positions may affect audit readiness, dispute defense, litigation risk or broader group tax posture. /liliPartner with the broader Tax team on material matters affecting provisions, uncertain tax positions and supporting documentation, ensuring alignment between filed positions, reporting outcomes and controversy defense strategy. /li /ulh3External advisor management /h3ulliLead relationships with external counsel and advisors, setting strategic direction, defining expected technical standards and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality delivery. /liliSelect, instruct and lead external advisors on major audits, disputes and litigation, with clear direction on tax technical positions, procedural strategy, evidentiary requirements and target outcomes. /li /ulh3Team leadership and development /h3ulliAttract, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative environment. /liliEvolve the team structure and operating model to support scale, velocity and stronger ownership. /liliPartner effectively with the broader Tax team, Transfer Pricing, Legal, Finance, Public Affairs and business stakeholders to align tax technical positions, controversy strategy and internal and external communications. /li /ulh3Knowledge And Skills /h3pbLevel of Education: /bDegree in Law required; Master’s Degree, specialised tax qualification, or equivalent legal/tax training strongly preferred. /ppbYears of experience: /b 12+ years /ppbLanguage: /b Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills. /ph3Requirements of special knowledge/skills /h3ulliSignificant experience leading tax audits, disputes, settlements and litigation in a multinational group, major law firm, Big 4 controversy practice or similarly complex environment. /liliDeep technical experience across direct and indirect tax controversy matters; familiarity with DST and transfer pricing disputes is strongly preferred. /liliDemonstrated success managing high-value, high-sensitivity matters with tax authorities, external counsel and senior internal stakeholders. /liliStrong judgment on technical risk assessment, escalation strategy, negotiation posture, written advocacy and executive communication. /liliProven ability to translate complex tax technical issues into clear recommendations for senior leadership and non-tax stakeholders. /liliAbility to work under pressure and strict deadlines, thriving in a fast-turnaround environment and managing multiple priorities. /liliStrong people leadership experience, including leading teams through demanding stakeholder environments, tight deadlines, and high-impact projects. /liliExcellent corporate agility to collaborate and build relationships at all levels of the organization. /liliAbility to drive change and adapt quickly in an agile environment. /liliStrong sense of ethics. /li /ulh3Pre-Employment Screening /h3pIf your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre-employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law. Depending on the vacancy and applicable law, a pre-employment screening may include employment history, education and other information (such as media information) that may be necessary for determining your qualifications and suitability for the position. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr