Associate Director, Tax Operations

<h2><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Director (alternatively Associate Director), Tax Operations & State Allocation (SALT)</strong></span></h2> <h3><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Position Summary</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Director (Asst. Dir), Tax Operations & State Allocation is responsible for leading the strategy, governance, and execution of multi-state taxable income sourcing and allocation for wages and equity compensation in a publicly traded company. This role serves as the enterprise-wide subject matter expert and escalation point for state tax allocation methodologies, ensuring scalable, compliant, and audit-ready processes across Payroll, Equity Administration, Finance, and HR systems. This role will be the primary contact person for executives and employees of Natera, Inc. This role will report to the Chief Accounting Officer.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This leader will drive operational excellence, oversee SOX-compliant controls, and partner cross-functionally to design and implement systems and processes that support growth, complexity, and regulatory change. The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping tax policy interpretation, influencing system architecture, and ensuring end-to-end integrity of tax data.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Strategic Leadership: Multi-State Tax Allocation & Sourcing</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Define and evolve enterprise-wide state sourcing and allocation methodologies for:<br><br></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Employee wages<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Equity compensation (RSUs, ESPPs, stock options)<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Interpret complex and ambiguous state tax regulations and translate them into scalable operational frameworks.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Establish governance over residency, mobility, reciprocity, and sourcing rules across jurisdictions.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Serve as the final decision-maker and escalation point for complex tax allocation issues.</span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Oversee automated calculations, data completeness and accuracy</span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure all SOX related controls are executed timely and accurately<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Operational Oversight: Payroll & Equity Data Enablement</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Oversee the certification and delivery of state-level taxable wage and equity data prior to payroll execution.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure seamless integration and accuracy of tax data within payroll systems (e.g., Workday HRIS and Workday Payroll and Etrade).<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Partner with Equity Administration to guide tax treatment of grants, vesting, exercises, and mobility events.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Establish SLAs, controls, and performance metrics for tax data delivery.<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Tax Operations, Systems & Data Governance</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Own the end-to-end data lifecycle for state-allocated tax data across systems and reporting functions.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Lead the design and optimization of data flows, reconciliation frameworks, and system integrations.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Partner with IT and HRIS teams to embed tax logic into systems in alignment with SDLC and ITGC standards.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Drive automation and scalability initiatives to support company growth and increased complexity.<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Controls, Compliance & Audit Leadership</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Establish and oversee SOX-compliant control frameworks related to tax allocation and payroll tax processes.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Lead tax sign-off processes supporting payroll releases and financial reporting.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Serve as primary liaison for internal and external audits (e.g., EY), including strategy, walkthroughs, and remediation.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure continuous improvement of control effectiveness and audit readiness.<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Act as a strategic partner to Payroll, Equity Administration, HR, Finance, Legal, and external advisors.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Influence cross-functional decision-making related to tax, mobility, and compensation design.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Build and deliver training programs to elevate tax knowledge across the organization.<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Lead, mentor, and develop a team (if applicable), fostering strong technical and operational capabilities.<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Qualifications</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Required</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>10–15+ years of progressive experience</strong> in:<br><br></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">State and local taxation (SALT)<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Payroll tax and/or equity compensation taxation<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Deep expertise in multi-state wage sourcing, employee mobility, and equity tax rules<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Experience in a publicly traded company, large multinational, or Big 4 environment<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Proven experience designing and operating SOX-compliant controls<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Demonstrated ability to translate complex tax regulations into scalable processes and systems<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Preferred</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">CPA<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Experience with Workday Payroll and E*trade<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Exposure to global payroll or international mobility frameworks<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Prior experience managing or leading Big 4 SALT audits<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Strong background in data analytics, automation, and systems implementation<br><br></span></p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Key Competencies</strong></span></h3> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Strategic thinker with deep technical tax expertise<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Strong leadership and ownership mindset<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Executive-level communication and stakeholder influence<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Ability to operate in ambiguity and make defensible, high-impact decisions<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Scalable process design and systems orientation<br><br></span></p> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Audit-ready mindset with a focus on controls and compliance</span></p> </li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000000;">Compensation & Total Rewards </span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of  hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:</span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Annual performance incentive bonus</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Long-term equity awards</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">401(k) with company match</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Generous paid time off and company holidays</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Additional wellness and work-life benefits</span></p> </li> </ul> <p></p></div><div class="title">Compensation Range </div><div class="pay-range"><span>$151,400</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$189,200 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>OUR OPPORTUNITY</strong></p> <p>Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.</p> <p>The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.</p> <p><strong>WHAT WE OFFER</strong></p> <p>Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!</p> <p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.natera.com/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.natera.com/">www.natera.com</a>.</p> <p>Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.</p> <p>All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.</p> <p><em>If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. </em></p> <p>Link: <a href="https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents" target="_blank">https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/</a></p> <p>Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @<a href="http://natera.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://natera.com&source=gmail&ust=1657718972773000&usg=AOvVaw3zRwaIiu7070kJKNG4hjRm">natera.com</a> email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.</p> <p>For more information:<br>- <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/12261-bbb-tip-employment-scams" target="_blank">BBB announcement on job scams</a> <br>- <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber" target="_blank">FBI Cyber Crime resource page</a> </p></div>