BXCI, Tax Planning - Vice President

Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $1.1 trillion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis.

Responsibilities

• Deals
  • Work closely with and support deal teams with Tax DD and structuring work streams on transactions and restructuring of portfolio investments, including review and commenting of DD / structure reports, calls with advisors, and interaction with BXCI counsels.
  • Participate in fund allocation meetings, clarifying any organizational matters relevant for tax (e.g. allocation, funding).
  • Review and confirm tax implications of transactions at investment platform level and involve local counsel as required.
  • Review legal documents pertaining to the deal from a tax perspective (together with counsel).
• Fund structuring
  • Support teams in the negotiation process and implementation of new products / funds to clients including: working out the most suitable bespoke structure for each investor in light of their specific concerns / requirements and tax environment and leading the implementation process of such a structure with production of tax memo/opinion, involving direct client exposure.
  • Get up to date on main tax considerations on specific mandates (e.g. US LOB, independent agent, trading vs investment income) and monitor developments.
  • Review IMA, partnership documentation and all other related documents from a tax perspective.
• Compliance
  • Coordinate with Lux/Irish/UK/US finance teams and advisors to ensure timely preparation of tax returns (e.g. UK / German partnership tax reporting), including preparation of IBCI reporting.
  • Review and sign-off on tax returns / computations (prepared by advisors) and investor tax reporting for BXCI retail funds.
  • Oversee other tax aspects, i.e. VAT registration / filing with advisors and BXCI Lux and Irish team, TP methodology / strategy, monitor WHT exposure (UK Passport, reclaim process), etc.
  • Oversee business administration and implement processes to streamline filing / reporting process where needed together with local teams.
• Investment Platform
  • Get to know how the Lux and Irish BXCI platforms are structurally and operationally organized and monitor funding (internal / external) and distribution process.
  • Monitor market practices (via building-up industry contact and advisors network) and keep BXCI on top of best players on structuring and substance.
  • Take an active role in helping BXCI navigate through tax changes and find / implement best business answers (together with advisors).

Skills and Experience:

• Extensive Experience in a Big 4 accountancy firm (minimum 8 years’ experience).
• Strong international / cross-border M&A experience.
• Good DD / tax structuring skills with a drive to lead tax streams.
• Good general understanding of Fund industry required with tax structuring / compliance experience highly considered.
• Experience setting-up /dealing with SPVs / investment platform with an awareness of main cross-border tax implications, i.e. substance, corporate governance, beneficial ownership; and knowledgeable about BEPS initiatives (MLI, ATAD…).
• No credit specific experience required but a plus.
• Some TP knowledge.
• Strong analytical rigor.
• Excellent communication skills and experience interacting with deal and finance teams.
• Familiarity with tax compliance.
• Awareness of Luxembourgish and Irish regulations.
• Driven and proactive.
• Able to produce deliverables of a high quality and on-schedule.
• Ability to work independently and to take on additional responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in Finance or Law an asset.
• CA or CTA an asset, but not essential.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or any other category protected by law. The duties and responsibilities described here are not exhaustive and additional assignments, duties, or responsibilities may be required of this position. Assignments, duties, and responsibilities may be changed at any time, with or without notice, by Blackstone in its sole discretion.