The Senior Director, Tax reports to the Vice President, Controller and is responsible for all tax-related activities within Ligand and ensures that all matters related to taxes are handled promptly and accurately. Will be responsible for developing new tax strategies and policies for the business, including setting up new tax forms or implementing new accounting methods.

Essentials for Working at Ligand

Ligand is a dynamic, fast-paced organization committed to creating shareholder value through developing and acquiring royalty revenue generating assets and coupling them to a lean corporate cost structure. To be successful at Ligand, employees must be innovative, efficient, versatile, self-starters who take great pride in their work and want to contribute to something significant.

Essential Role Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing and overseeing the tax function for Ligand, managing a range of tax related services and complying to relevant laws and regulations within a specified timeframe
• Maintaining effective internal control environment to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations
• Managing the preparation and review of tax accounting in accordance with ASC 740
• Managing tax provision process and reviewing financial statement disclosures
• Preparation of cash tax forecast and analysis
• Managing all US and foreign tax filings
• Providing tax support for transactions such as M&A activities, including managing tax due diligence and tax planning
• Communicate effectively with management to provide tax planning, advice and guidance
• Managing technical research and consultation with management and the external auditors to ensure that proper accounting treatment is applied and documented for all transactions
• Connecting with colleagues and business partners to resolve issues, develop strategies and improve processes
• Overseeing and organizing tax audits
• Identifying ways to reduce the company's taxes by reviewing financial statements and other records
• Developing and maintaining in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and foreign tax developments that may be relevant to the company
• Assist with creation of presentation materials for senior management and Board of Directors review

Non-essential Role Responsibilities Include

• Identify, develop strategies and reduce any tax risks
• Working with outside tax advisors on key strategic projects and tax planning initiatives, as required
• Assist quarterly disclosure to Audit Committee
• Other duties as required

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business
• CPA is required, advanced degree in Taxation preferred
• 15+ years related experience with combination of public and corporate accounting. Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred
• Must have in-depth knowledge of US GAAP tax accounting rules and pronouncements
• Must have intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• Requires strong business acumen and analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and a proven record of the highest level of personally integrity
• Possess superior organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work effectively with internal and external professionals at all levels

Benefits and Compensation

• Compensation
  • Salary. Range, dependent on experience: $220,000 - $260,000 yearly.
  • Annual incentive bonus
  • Generous equity package

• Benefits
  The company offers competitive benefits including flexible work schedule, medical, dental, vision, Short/Long term disability and life insurance, as well as 401(k) match, Stock Options, Bonus, and paid time leave.

Additional Information

• All new hires are required to go through a background and reference check
• Ligand is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets employer
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• Ligand celebrates the diversity of life and welcomes all individuals to apply

Ligand proudly complies with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and as such, provides the details relating to the physical, environmental conditions and workplace demands of working at Ligand are available from Human Resources.