Job Details

Our client, Hyundai Motor America, has engaged us to bring them a strategic and experienced Director of Tax & Customs (Head of Tax) to join its leadership team at their headquarters in Fountain Valley, California.

Hyundai Motor America is the U.S. sales, marketing, and distribution subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, one of the world's largest and most innovative automotive manufacturers. Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967 in South Korea and has grown into a global automotive leader recognized for quality, design excellence, advanced technology, and strong value.

Established in 1986, Hyundai Motor America plays a critical role in driving the brand's presence across the United States. The organization supports a nationwide network of dealers and continues to expand its footprint through cutting-edge vehicle development, electrification initiatives, and customer-focused innovation.

Hyundai has built a strong reputation for forward-thinking design, award-winning safety standards, and industry-leading warranty programs. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in electrified mobility, smart manufacturing, and sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of transportation.

The Director of Tax & Customs will be responsible for advising senior finance and operations management on all U.S. tax and customs matters, serving as the primary authority on U.S. federal and state tax strategy as well as U.S. customs strategy. The role oversees all tax and customs compliance for HMA and ensures alignment with broader Hyundai U.S. group and global objectives. The Director will lead U.S. federal and state tax strategy and compliance initiatives, develop and execute U.S. customs strategy, and manage quarterly and annual accounting for income taxes under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP for the HMA consolidated group. In addition, this individual will provide expert and pragmatic U.S. domestic and international tax and customs technical advice to members of the Hyundai U.S. group and Hyundai Motor Company, as requested, while ensuring the accurate reporting and management of local taxes, including sales, excise, property, and local business taxes.

This is a high-visibility leadership role that partners closely with executive leadership, finance, operations, and global stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate complex tax and customs matters into clear, strategic guidance that supports Hyundai's continued growth and operational excellence.

Major Responsibilities

• Direct section managers and staff in the timely compilation and filing of the consolidated federal, state, local and property tax and information returns.
• Coordinate effective communication with affiliate members of the US consolidated group, including HMMA and HCA and other Hyundai US affiliates, including HATCI and Translead, to ensure effective US tax planning and sharing of information.
• Effectively manage relationships with outside tax and customs consultants.
• Respond to requests for information and expert opinions from senior HMA Finance management and HMC.
• Responsible for directing the preparation and filing of the quarterly estimated tax payments and making timely deposits of federal, state and local tax for the US federal consolidated group and all customs duties and fees for HMA.
• Ensure compliance with group tax sharing agreements.
• Manage and direct the allocation of HMNA HQ costs to HMC as required by US transfer pricing regulation and allocation of HMA shared costs to consolidated group members and other US Hyundai group affiliates as required.
• Conduct ongoing tax research and analysis to support strategic initiatives and monitor US federal and state tax code changes for impact on HMA and other Hyundai US group companies.
• Monitor compliance with inter-company pricing policy, Advance Pricing Agreements, and compliance with CFC and foreign bank account reporting requirements, make determinations as to HMAs US withholding obligations and ensure compliance with US transfer pricing regulations. Coordinate and prepare responses to IRS and HMC APA data requests and provide periodic updates to HMC and HMA finance management as to compliance with APA targets.
• Support Human Resources with respect to tax implications of employee benefit programs.
• Maintain currency with US domestic and international tax laws and interpretations and advise management in the areas of concern or opportunity.
• Effectively manage IRS, state and local, and customs examinations.
• Responsible for financial statement tax provisions and adequacy of liability accounts for US consolidated group under IFRS and GAAP.
• Direct Customs administrator to ensure the timely clearance of imported products, accurate and timely filing of Customs documents and duty payments, proper administration of duty reduction programs, and clearance and disposition of special purpose vehicles. Ensure accurate reporting a custom's values. Ensure active status of continuous customs bond.
• Responsible for overall department administration including personnel management and development.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets.
• Manage staff and effectively coach, counsel, and develop staff. Utilize the diverse talents of the staff by efficiently managing staff's time, materials and budget while focusing on the goals and vision of the company.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

We are looking for qualified people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, open minds, and a disciplined work ethic.

Education Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Master's of Taxation / LLM a plus

Minimum Experience:

• Twelve-plus years of progressively responsible tax experience in consulting and industry assignments with significant experience with US international tax statutes.
• At least ten years management experience or project leadership in corporate taxation and accounting for income taxes.
• Experience with a multinational firm is desired.
• At least five years of supervisory experience desired.

Other Job Specific Skills

• Twelve-plus years of progressively responsible tax experience in consulting and industry assignments with significant experience with US international tax statutes.
• At least ten years management experience or project leadership in corporate taxation and accounting for income taxes
• Experience with a multinational firm is desired.
• At least five years of supervisory experience desired.

Certification

• CPA certification is preferred

Find. Win. Lead. Delivering excellence in the search for Tax, Accounting, Finance, and Human Resources professionals across Southern California and beyond. We leverage expertise, ever-expanding connections, and reputation to deliver exceptional individuals who drive success. For more details please visit www.huntleadershipsearch.com. Thank you.