Senior Tax Specialist (Direct & Indirect Taxes, Multi Jurisdiction)

Proton seeks a Senior Tax Specialist to design and manage a global tax framework supporting its international SaaS expansion. The role covers direct and indirect taxes across multiple jurisdictions and reports to the Head of Finance, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax outcomes for hyper-growth operations.

This role is responsible for building and executing a comprehensive global tax strategy for Proton’s international growth. It involves overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect taxation, payroll, and equity compensation across jurisdictions, while acting as a strategic advisor to leadership and cross-functional teams. The position ensures regulatory compliance, leads tax audits, and supports growth through optimized tax planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end VAT/GST/sales-tax registrations, return preparation, and reconciliations across global locations.
• Monitor nexus thresholds and advise the business on tax exposure risks.
• Maintain and validate VAT/GST/sales-tax engine settings for B2C and B2B transactions in subscription and tax information tools.
• Oversee global corporate income tax compliance, including provisioning and filings for headquarters and subsidiaries.
• Lead transfer pricing documentation, inter-company charge-outs, and permanent establishment risk assessments.
• Manage withholding tax and treaty relief processes for cross-border SaaS revenue.
• Standardize tax processes and controls across jurisdictions, documenting Operating Procedures for scalability.
• Coordinate global tax calendars to ensure timely filings, payments, and statutory disclosures.
• Prepare quarterly and annual tax provisions under IFRS and Swiss CO, working with finance and external auditors.
• Lead or support tax authority audits, preparing technical memoranda and data packs.
• Serve as the tax lead for employee incentive and equity programs, advising on plan design, vesting, and employee communication.
• Collaborate with Treasury on cash tax forecasting, effective tax rate management, and repatriation strategies.
• Advocate for tax technology, data automation, and AI-assisted analytics to improve efficiency and insights.
• Track legislative changes, assess impacts, and update internal policies accordingly.
• Provide targeted training to finance, sales, and legal teams on tax matters.

Requirements

• A university degree in Law or Economics.
• Five to ten years of professional experience in taxation.
• Experience from a law firm or one of the Big Four advisory firms is beneficial.
• Familiarity with the SaaS or digital services industry and revenue recognition principles.
• Experience managing ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) programs.
• Experience in implementing or improving tax technology roadmaps.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to challenge existing processes.
• Proficiency in standard MS Office applications.
• Fluency in English is required.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of German or French is advantageous.

What the company offers

• Office First: Collaboration is prioritized in person; offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei; up to 30% remote work allowed.
• Technology: Proton provides all necessary devices and software.
• Food: Daily lunch and snacks are provided at Proton offices.
• Transport: Support for public transport, bike allowances, or parking based on office location.
• Stock Options: Employees receive stock options upon joining.
• Learning and Development: Access to training, conferences, events, and continuous learning opportunities.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, competitive retirement savings, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters: Proton is community-first, funded solely by user subscriptions, and prioritizes user privacy and community impact.

About the company

Proton is a privacy-focused company founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN. It offers free and open-source tools like Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Drive to protect user data and resist Big Tech. With over 100 million user accounts and a global team of more than 500 people, Proton values talent, adaptability, and a startup mindset while maintaining profitability without venture capital funding.

• Proton believes privacy is a fundamental human right and essential to democracy.
• The company was founded by CERN scientists and provides open-source technology for online security and freedom.
• Proton’s products empower users to control their personal data and resist surveillance by large tech companies.
• The company supports over 100 million user accounts and employs over 500 people from more than 50 countries.
• Proton prioritizes intelligence, learning potential, ambition, and adaptability in its hiring.
• It values smaller, high-talent teams over larger, less skilled ones.
• Proton has achieved scale and profitability without venture capital funding.
• The company maintains a global mindset, big ambitions, and a startup culture.
• Proton promotes empowerment, flexibility, and a flat organizational structure to enable fast decision-making and reduce bureaucracy.