Director, Tax Provision
Proofpoint, Sunnyvale, CA, United States
About Us
Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:
Bold in how we dream and innovate
Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
Visionary in future focused problem‑solving
Exceptional in execution and impact
Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Tax Director to own and lead the global income tax provision function in a public company or pre‑IPO environment. This role is critical to the company’s financial reporting, internal controls, and external audit process, requiring deep expertise in ASC 740, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
The ideal candidate is a hands‑on tax accounting leader who can operate independently, partner cross‑functionally, and maintain audit‑ready processes in a fast growing, complex organization.
Core Responsibilities Ownership of the Income Tax Provision (ASC 740)
Fully own the company’s income tax provision, including quarterly and annual close cycles.
Prepare, review, and support current and deferred tax calculations, effective tax rate analysis and forecasting, valuation allowance analysis and FIN 48 / uncertain tax positions.
Ensure compliance with ASC 740 and consistency across periods.
Maintain robust documentation and technical memos supporting tax accounting conclusions.
SEC Reporting & Pre IPO Readiness
Prepare and review tax related disclosures for Forms 10‑Q, 10‑K and S 1 filings and pre‑IPO readiness materials (as applicable).
Support historical carve‑outs, pro‑forma disclosures, and IPO‑related tax accounting considerations.
Partner with controllership and legal teams to ensure tax disclosures are clear, accurate, and compliant with SEC requirements.
Support readiness for transitioning from private company to public company reporting standards.
SOX & Internal Controls
Own SOX control design, documentation, and execution related to income tax accounting.
Ensure tax provision processes are well controlled, auditable, and scalable.
Remediate control gaps and support process improvements as the company grows.
Act as the primary tax contact for internal audit and SOX testing.
External Auditor Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on all income tax accounting matters.
Lead audit walkthroughs, provide detailed support schedules, and resolve audit questions efficiently.
Manage audit timelines and ensure timely issue resolution.
Maintain strong, professional relationships with audit teams.
Cross Functional Collaboration & Data Management
Collaborate closely with accounting and controllership, FP&A, legal and international finance teams.
Drive timely collection, validation, and reconciliation of data required for the tax provision.
Translate complex financial data into accurate tax accounting outcomes.
Projects & Special Initiatives
Lead or support special projects as needed, including M&A transactions and purchase accounting support, legal entity restructurings and integrations, accounting method changes and tax law impacts, and process automation and system implementations.
Partner with other tax functions (international, transfer pricing, compliance) to assess financial reporting impacts.
Leadership & Governance
Lead and mentor tax team members involved in provision and reporting.
Establish best practices and provision roadmaps aligned with company growth.
Participate in developing long‑term tax accounting strategy and risk management.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
CPA, MST, JD, or equivalent strongly preferred.
7–12+ years of progressive income tax experience.
Extensive hands‑on public company tax provision experience.
Deep technical knowledge of ASC 740.
Demonstrated experience working directly with financial statement auditors.
Strong understanding of SEC reporting and SOX controls.
Advanced Excel skills: complex models, large data sets, reconciliations and scenario analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
Big 4 background and in‑house public company experience.
Experience in pre‑IPO, newly public, or high‑growth environments.
Familiarity with tax provision software (e.g., OneSource, Corptax, Longview).
Exposure to international tax accounting impacts.
What Success Looks Like
Accurate, timely, and well‑supported tax provisions each reporting period.
Smooth audit cycles with minimal rework or late adjustments.
Strong, SOX‑compliant processes that scale with company growth.
Trusted advisor status with accounting, finance, legal, and auditors.
Why This Role
High visibility ownership of a critical financial reporting function.
Opportunity to shape tax accounting processes in a growing company.
Meaningful exposure to IPO preparation and SEC environments.
Collaborative, professional, and high caliber team.
Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:
Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive benefits.
Career success on your terms.
Flexible work environment.
Annual wellness and community outreach days.
Always on recognition for your contributions.
Global collaboration and networking opportunities.
Our Culture Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success‑every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com.
How to Apply Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Base Pay Ranges SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 200,300.00 – 293,810.00 USD
California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 167,300.00 – 245,355.00 USD
All other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 152,900.00 – 224,235.00 USD
Equal Opportunity Employer Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer; we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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How We Work At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:
Bold in how we dream and innovate
Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
Visionary in future focused problem‑solving
Exceptional in execution and impact
Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Tax Director to own and lead the global income tax provision function in a public company or pre‑IPO environment. This role is critical to the company’s financial reporting, internal controls, and external audit process, requiring deep expertise in ASC 740, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
The ideal candidate is a hands‑on tax accounting leader who can operate independently, partner cross‑functionally, and maintain audit‑ready processes in a fast growing, complex organization.
Core Responsibilities Ownership of the Income Tax Provision (ASC 740)
Fully own the company’s income tax provision, including quarterly and annual close cycles.
Prepare, review, and support current and deferred tax calculations, effective tax rate analysis and forecasting, valuation allowance analysis and FIN 48 / uncertain tax positions.
Ensure compliance with ASC 740 and consistency across periods.
Maintain robust documentation and technical memos supporting tax accounting conclusions.
SEC Reporting & Pre IPO Readiness
Prepare and review tax related disclosures for Forms 10‑Q, 10‑K and S 1 filings and pre‑IPO readiness materials (as applicable).
Support historical carve‑outs, pro‑forma disclosures, and IPO‑related tax accounting considerations.
Partner with controllership and legal teams to ensure tax disclosures are clear, accurate, and compliant with SEC requirements.
Support readiness for transitioning from private company to public company reporting standards.
SOX & Internal Controls
Own SOX control design, documentation, and execution related to income tax accounting.
Ensure tax provision processes are well controlled, auditable, and scalable.
Remediate control gaps and support process improvements as the company grows.
Act as the primary tax contact for internal audit and SOX testing.
External Auditor Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on all income tax accounting matters.
Lead audit walkthroughs, provide detailed support schedules, and resolve audit questions efficiently.
Manage audit timelines and ensure timely issue resolution.
Maintain strong, professional relationships with audit teams.
Cross Functional Collaboration & Data Management
Collaborate closely with accounting and controllership, FP&A, legal and international finance teams.
Drive timely collection, validation, and reconciliation of data required for the tax provision.
Translate complex financial data into accurate tax accounting outcomes.
Projects & Special Initiatives
Lead or support special projects as needed, including M&A transactions and purchase accounting support, legal entity restructurings and integrations, accounting method changes and tax law impacts, and process automation and system implementations.
Partner with other tax functions (international, transfer pricing, compliance) to assess financial reporting impacts.
Leadership & Governance
Lead and mentor tax team members involved in provision and reporting.
Establish best practices and provision roadmaps aligned with company growth.
Participate in developing long‑term tax accounting strategy and risk management.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
CPA, MST, JD, or equivalent strongly preferred.
7–12+ years of progressive income tax experience.
Extensive hands‑on public company tax provision experience.
Deep technical knowledge of ASC 740.
Demonstrated experience working directly with financial statement auditors.
Strong understanding of SEC reporting and SOX controls.
Advanced Excel skills: complex models, large data sets, reconciliations and scenario analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
Big 4 background and in‑house public company experience.
Experience in pre‑IPO, newly public, or high‑growth environments.
Familiarity with tax provision software (e.g., OneSource, Corptax, Longview).
Exposure to international tax accounting impacts.
What Success Looks Like
Accurate, timely, and well‑supported tax provisions each reporting period.
Smooth audit cycles with minimal rework or late adjustments.
Strong, SOX‑compliant processes that scale with company growth.
Trusted advisor status with accounting, finance, legal, and auditors.
Why This Role
High visibility ownership of a critical financial reporting function.
Opportunity to shape tax accounting processes in a growing company.
Meaningful exposure to IPO preparation and SEC environments.
Collaborative, professional, and high caliber team.
Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:
Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive benefits.
Career success on your terms.
Flexible work environment.
Annual wellness and community outreach days.
Always on recognition for your contributions.
Global collaboration and networking opportunities.
Our Culture Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success‑every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com.
How to Apply Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Base Pay Ranges SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 200,300.00 – 293,810.00 USD
California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 167,300.00 – 245,355.00 USD
All other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 152,900.00 – 224,235.00 USD
Equal Opportunity Employer Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer; we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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