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.
• 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 or financial services company.
• Real estate tax experience is required.
• J.D. or L.L.M. degree from an accredited U.S. law school and an active license to practice law.
• Strong integrity, work ethic, and ability to be a trusted partner.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, planning, analytical, and listening skills.
• Process-oriented, self-starter, problem solver with strong follow-through.
• Proactive, flexible, adaptable, collaborative, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication, teamwork, negotiation, and persuasion skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with business leaders and senior leadership.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and be decisive.
• Open to new ideas.
• Experience with U.S. multinational insurance or financial services companies is a plus.
• Must be able to work East Coast hours.

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 featuring a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6% of eligible pay and an additional company contribution equal to 3% of eligible pay, vesting immediately.
• 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

• Primary office locations include Houston, TX; Jersey City, NJ; and Woodland Hills, CA, with a hybrid work policy.
• 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 disclose political contributions from the past two years.
• Estimated travel up to 25%.
• No relocation assistance provided.
• The employer is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing reasonable accommodations.
• Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with applicable law.