Head of Tax

EMPOWER OVERVIEW

Empower is shaking up an outdated financial system by providing real opportunity for our customers: the opportunity to get the cash they need, to access fair credit, and to change their financial story. Today, we’re helping millions of people find financial security through machine learning models that evaluate creditworthiness using a more inclusive lens and mobile-first products: Cash Advance, Thrive line of credit, and Petal credit cards. Tomorrow? Creating even more financial paths for our customers (and their wallets) to succeed.

This year, Empower ranked #65 on Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list — our third year in a row cracking the top 100 — and was named by Forbes as one of the 25 Next Billion-Dollar Startups for 2024. Empower was also featured by Forbes on America’s Best Startup Employers list in 2023, and our Thrive line of credit product was named by Fast Company as one of 2022’s Next Big Things in Tech.

Empower is backed by Sequoia Capital, Blisce, and Icon Ventures. Ready to grow your impact and accelerate your career? Take a look at our open roles — we can’t wait to meet you.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Empower is looking for a Tax Manager to join our Finance team and oversee our tax function. You will support our efforts in tax compliance, provisioning, and business licensing, in addition to other tax analyses and licensing requirements. You will work cross-functionally with internal teams such as People and Compliance, as well as liaise with external third party firms who support our tax needs. This role will report to our Chief Accounting Officer.

Empower is a remote-first company. We drive connectivity through regular company offsites. Travel for company offsites is expected at a minimum 2 times a year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement strategies, processes, and procedures to minimize tax liabilities and optimize efficiencies

• Oversee the preparation and filing of all tax returns, as well as all tax provisioning, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission 

• Manage state-by-state licensing requirements, including business registrations and recertifications 

• Advise on the tax implications of business decisions and other strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions or divestitures

• Collaborate across both internal teams and external third party firms to ensure alignment on tax matters

• Maintain updated knowledge of both state and federal tax laws 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in tax accounting, tax planning, and compliance

• Strong understanding of tax laws and regulations, tax software, and accounting principles

• Background in fintech is required; consumer lending experience is a plus

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex tax data and make informed decisions

• International tax experience is a plus

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, startup environment

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

#LI-DNP

Don't meet every qualification? If you're excited about this challenge and driven to innovate, we still want to hear from you!

What You'll Get at Empower

• Meaningful Ownership: Competitive salary and generous equity in a profitable, fast growing company.

• Complete Support: 100% coverage for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a generous WFH reimbursement.

• High-Impact Teams: The chance to thrive in a small, focused team where your contributions directly shape outcomes for our business and customers.

• Remote First: A virtual first environment built on trust and outcomes.

• Team Connection: Twice-yearly company onsites where we come together to connect, learn, and build for the future (our last few have been in San Diego, Vail, and Flagstaff)!

• Growth Path: Ongoing opportunities for development in a dynamic, supportive, and creative environment.

The Empower Way

The Empower Way is one where bold ambition meets an owner mindset, where open dialogue and spirited debate are encouraged, and where everyone works together to put our customers first. We believe diverse voices lead to the best ideas, and we foster an environment where every individual is valued, heard, and supported as part of one unified team working to change lives and build a more inclusive future.

If that sounds like you, join us and be part of a team that's helping millions of people reshape their financial futures.