Associate Director - Business Unit Tax

Job description

Who We Are At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive. The Role Your role As the Head of Tax for Kyndryl Japan, this role is responsible for leading all aspects of tax compliance, tax controversy management, transfer pricing, tax planning, and tax advisory activities. The position serves as the primary tax advisor to business units and corporate functions, providing expert guidance on both domestic and international tax matters, while overseeing external tax service providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality tax support. As a member of the Global Tax organization, the role collaborates on international M&A transactions and strategic initiatives and partners closely with the VP of Indirect Tax Operations & Advisory to drive tax strategy, governance, and tax operations across Japan. What you will do • Manage all aspects of tax compliance in Japan, including tax filings, tax payments, and tax accounting. • Oversee tax matters related to corporate income tax, indirect tax, transfer pricing, and withholding tax. • Provide tax advisory support to business units and corporate functions. • Manage external tax advisors (including Big 4 firms) and review the quality and accuracy of their deliverables. • Lead tax audits and inquiries, maintaining effective relationships with tax authorities. • Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations, assess tax risks, and communicate implications to internal stakeholders. • Support international tax initiatives and M&A(Mergers and Acquisitions) transactions in collaboration with the Global Tax team. • Drive continuous improvement of tax processes, operational efficiency, governance, and internal controls. • Partner with Legal, Finance, Accounting, and Business teams to resolve tax-related matters and support business objectives. Who You Are Required skills and experience • Minimum of 10 years of experience in tax operations, tax compliance, or tax accounting. • Strong technical knowledge of corporate income tax, tax accounting, indirect tax, and transfer pricing. • Professional accounting or tax qualification such as CPA, CA, or Licensed Tax Accountant (Zeirishi). • Excellent communication skills in both Japanese and English. • Strong project management, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills. • Sound business judgment with strong risk assessment and problem-solving capabilities. • Hands-on, self-driven approach with the ability to work independently and proactively. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Preferred skills and experience • In-house tax experience within a multinational corporation, combined with tax advisory experience at a Big 4 or equivalent professional services firm. • Practical experience in international taxation, transfer pricing, and M&A tax matters. • Experience managing tax operations at the APAC or regional level. • Professional certifications such as CPA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or Licensed Tax Accountant (Zeirishi). • Experience managing tax audits and interacting directly with tax authorities. • Experience overseeing and managing external tax advisors and service providers. • Experience working in a global environment, including process improvement, operational excellence, and tax process optimization. Being You The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way. What You Can Expect Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best. From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth. We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success. We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next. Get Referred! If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.