Senior Tax Counsel - Real Estate

Overview

This role provides strategic tax advice and support to the Real Estate Investors function within a financial services organization. The position reports to the Head of Tax Advisory and serves as the lead tax advisor for real estate investments, focusing on structuring, tax analysis, and compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local tax laws. The role also offers opportunities to support other areas within the Tax Advisory group and financial reporting and compliance teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day advisory coverage on all U.S. federal, state, and local income tax matters related to acquisitions and sales of real estate investments held through U.S. and non-U.S. fund structures, including REITs.
• Collaborate with Legal, Accounting, and Real Estate teams to understand business objectives and deliver tax-efficient structures and planning strategies.
• Structure and evaluate transactions, lead due diligence, and review and approve all investment structures from a tax perspective.
• Independently review, negotiate, and approve tax-related provisions in legal documents such as Joint Venture Agreements, Tax Exhibits, Purchase & Sale Agreements, and Loan Agreements.
• Identify, advise on, and manage risks associated with real estate investments and transactions, including funds with third-party investors.
• Manage relationships with outside advisors to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery of tax services.
• Collaborate with tax compliance teams on returns, documentation, entity formations, and dispositions.
• Manage and coordinate state and local tax matters, including captive REIT issues, non-resident withholding, tax notices, refund filings, and transfer taxes.
• Support the London team to ensure appropriate local tax structuring for non-U.S. deals and manage U.S. tax issues accordingly.
• Analyze U.S. federal, state, and local tax law developments and advise business partners and senior leadership on potential impacts.
• Translate complex tax advice into clear language for business partners and senior leadership.
• Understand the interaction of Pillar Two rules with majority-owned non-U.S. legal entities investing in real estate.
• Support the Tax Department on ad hoc projects and business initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive relevant experience as a tax associate at a law firm or in a real estate tax-planning role at a Big Four accounting firm or U.S. multinational insurance/financial services company.
• Real estate tax experience is required.
• J.D. or L.L.M. degree from an accredited U.S. law school and a license to practice law.
• Trusted partner with integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, planning, analytical, and listening skills.
• Process-oriented, self-starter, problem solver with follow-through on commitments.
• Proactive, flexible, adaptable, collaborative, enthusiastic, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, teamwork, negotiation, and persuasion abilities.
• Ability to engage with business leaders and senior leadership.
• Able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and be decisive.
• Open to new ideas.
• Experience with U.S. multinational insurance companies and/or financial services companies is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $156,000 to $250,000 at commencement, dependent on geographic location, skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Eligibility for a discretionary bonus according to the applicable incentive plan.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.
• Retirement savings options with a competitive 401(k) plan offering dollar-for-dollar company matching up to 6% of eligible pay and a company contribution equal to 3% of eligible pay, with immediate vesting.
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and resources.
• Matching charitable donations up to $5,000 annually.
• Volunteer Time Off: up to 16 hours annually.
• Paid Time Off: at least 24 days starting.

Location

• Positions based in Houston, TX; Jersey City, NJ; or Woodland Hills, CA are subject to a hybrid working policy combining office and remote work.
• Full remote candidates outside these areas will be considered.

Additional Information

• This role is subject to SEC Rule 206(4)-5 and related federal and state pay-to-play regulations. Candidates must not have made political contributions that would disqualify them or the organization from conducting business under these rules.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.
• No relocation assistance provided.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with applicable law.