Director, Corporate Tax - 9 Month FTC at Checkout.com

Company Description

We’re Checkout.com - you might not know our name, but we’re behind many of the digital experiences people use every day.

When you book a holiday, order food, renew a subscription or check out online with brands like Spotify, Klarna, Uber Eats, Tik Tok, Sony, or e Bay, there’s a good chance our technology powers the payment behind the scenes.

At Checkout.com, we’re building where the world checks out - enabling over ten billion transactions every year for more than one billion shoppers globally. Our platform helps the world’s most ambitious businesses deliver seamless digital experiences at scale.

We’re also building a company designed for people who want to do career-defining work. We move fast, think globally, and believe great teams are built by hiring exceptional people with conviction, curiosity, and a focus on impact.

With 20 offices across six continents and London as our HQ, we’re shaping the future of fintech and we’re just getting started.

As our global reach continues to scale, we are seeking an experienced tax professional to step into the role of International Direct Tax Lead for a 9-month maternity cover. Reporting directly to the Global Head of Tax, this role will be accountable for overseeing aspects of direct tax strategy, planning, compliance, and reporting across our international operations. The Tax team plays a vital role in ensuring regulatory compliance, optimising tax efficiency, and supporting our overall financial strategy.

We are looking for a leader who will be comfortable balancing hands-on technical analysis and decision-making in complex international direct tax matters with broader strategic support. The incoming leader will oversee the international direct tax sub-team, and will need to collaborate with a variety of cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple domains.

As a forward-thinking Fin Tech business, the Tax function directly impacts and empowers future growth. The International Direct Tax Lead will work closely with Finance, Legal, and other departments to ensure direct tax considerations are integrated into business decisions, new product launches, and international expansion plans. This is a unique opportunity to lead a business-critical area with high strategic significance, impacting our growth trajectory and offering direct engagement with senior leadership during this 9-month period.

Role overview | Remit and Responsibilities

As the International Direct Tax Lead (9-Month Maternity Cover, extendable), you will step into a critical leadership role, ensuring continuity, compliance, and strategic alignment for our international direct tax operations. Reporting directly to the Head of Tax , you will be a seasoned tax professional with deep domain expertise in managing complex international direct tax matters.

Because this is a fixed-term maternity cover contract, the ability to integrate quickly, drive results, and operate effectively within an ambitious, fast-paced organization will be critical to your success.

During this 9-month contract, you will be responsible for:

• Managing and executing international direct tax compliance, reporting, and planning, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Leading and supporting the international direct tax sub-team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.

• Serving as a key point of contact for international direct tax audits and inquiries from tax authorities across our global jurisdictions.

• Partnering closely with the Global Head of Tax to provide targeted strategic tax advice to regional leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Collaborating proactively with Finance, Legal, and other departments to ensure direct tax considerations are seamlessly integrated into international expansion plans, new product initiatives and operational decisions.

• Managing relationships with external tax advisors to ensure efficient and accurate deliverables.

• Supporting the Head of Tax on the direct tax aspects of corporate finance initiatives, M&A transactions, and internal reorganisations.

• Fostering a team culture that upholds Checkout.com’s operating principles.

Role overview | Desired Background, Core Competencies

The ideal candidate for this interim role will be highly adaptable and ready to make an immediate impact. You will bring:

• Leadership experience in a relevant in-house tax function, with deep expertise in managing international direct tax operations and transfer pricing.

• Prior experience in Payments or wider Fin Tech/Financial Services is not strictly necessary, but exposure to fast-paced, regulated, cross-border businesses will be highly beneficial.

• A proven track record of supporting and guiding high-performing tax teams in a complex, demanding environment.

• Execution-Focused: able to prioritise effectively despite a complex slate of challenges and deliverables, which is especially critical for a 9-month contract.

• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of direct tax laws and regulations across multiple international jurisdictions.

• Experience in independently managing direct tax audits and regulatory inquiries.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating and influencing across a diverse global audience.

• An ambassador for our mission, values, and operating principles, including:

• #Talk Straight:

Able to communicate effectively, inspiring others with a shared vision and simplify complex concepts for a wide range of audiences. Fostering a culture of “disagree and commit” where we put collective success and best practice ahead of individual differences, but respect each other’s viewpoints.

#No Room For Approximation:

Will be primarily data-driven and skilled at leveraging data and business insights to determine strategic priorities and drive execution objectively and authoritatively.

#Customer First:

Think from the stakeholder/customer's perspective and can balance future opportunities with immediate needs.

#Be The Owner:

Will think and deliver end-to-end, in a structured and diligent manner, understanding all key components necessary to drive the ongoing success of a Tax-related process, platform, or partnership.

If you feel that you don't meet all the requirements but think you might still be right for the role, please apply anyway. We're always keen to speak to people who resonate with our mission and values.

Additional Information Bring all of you to work

We create the conditions for high performers to thrive, through real ownership, fewer blockers, and work that makes a difference from day one.

Here, you’ll move fast, take on meaningful challenges, and be recognized for the impact you deliver. It’s a place where ambition gets met with opportunity, and where your growth is in your hands.

We work as one team, and we back each other to succeed. So whatever your background or identity, if you’re ready to grow and make a difference, you’ll be right at home here.

It’s important we set you up for success and make our process as accessible as possible. So let us know in your application, or tell your recruiter directly, if you need anything to make your experience or working environment more comfortable.

Life atCheckout.com

We understand that work is just one part of your life. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, with three days per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.

Curious about what it’s like to be part of our team? Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our culture, open roles, and what drives us.

For a closer look at daily life at Checkout.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram