Senior Associate, Tax

Department: Finance
Reporting To: Vice President, Tax
Location: New York, United States
Hybrid Working: 3 days in your local office
Full-time | Permanent

The Role

As a Senior Associate, Tax at Kobalt Music, you will join a close-knit global tax team based in New York, supporting tax compliance, reporting, and planning activities across the organisation. Reporting to the Vice President of Tax, you will play a key role in ensuring that Kobalt meets its tax obligations in all jurisdictions where we operate, while supporting strategic tax initiatives and business growth.

You will be responsible for coordinating and reviewing a wide range of tax filings and compliance activities, as well as preparing global consolidated and local income tax provisions for annual financial reporting. This role offers broad exposure to corporate income tax, indirect tax, withholding tax, transfer pricing, and international tax matters across multiple territories.

This is a diverse and highly visible position that provides the opportunity to work with stakeholders across the business and gain experience in a truly global, creative, and fast-paced organisation. No two days are the same, and the role offers continuous learning and development within a dynamic, collaborative, and proactive environment.

What You'll Do

• You review consolidated US and international corporate income tax returns prepared by external advisors.
• You prepare and manage a variety of tax filings, including indirect taxes, withholding taxes, informational returns, and local tax filings.
• You prepare tax calculations and financial statement disclosures under IAS 12 (Income Taxes).
• You calculate and support quarterly US and UK estimated corporation tax payments based on business forecasts.
• You reconcile tax-related general ledger accounts and support month-end and year-end close processes.
• You contribute to the global tax residency certificate process. 
• You maintain the global tax calendar to ensure timely filing and payment of tax obligations.
• You partner with external advisors on special projects including transfer pricing documentation, R&D tax credit claims.
• You conduct research on tax legislation and monitor changes in global tax regulations.
• You drive process improvements by creating, automating, and streamlining tax workpapers and procedures.
• You partner closely with Finance colleagues across Accounting, FP&A, & Treasury.
• You collaborate with teams across the business, including Business Affairs, Publishing Operations, Writer & Publisher Relations, HR, and Legal.
• You build strong relationships with external advisors, auditors, and tax authorities where required.

What You'll Bring

Preferred:

• 3+ years' experience in tax accounting, tax compliance..
• A combination of public accounting and in-house industry experience is preferred.
• CPA qualification preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret, manipulate, and present complex financial and tax data.
• Demonstrated technology aptitude and an interest in leveraging systems and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• The ability to identify tax risks and recommend practical, compliant solutions.
• Comfortable working with large datasets and extracting meaningful insights to support decision-making.
• The ability to explain tax concepts, regulations, and risks clearly and effectively to non-tax stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish credibility and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• A collaborative approach, sharing knowledge and contributing positively to team 

Additional Skills That Could Add Value:

• Experience working within a multinational or global organisation.
• Exposure to international tax, transfer pricing, indirect taxes, or tax technology solutions.
• Experience driving process improvements, automation initiatives, or operational efficiencies within a tax function.
• Interest in the music, media, entertainment, or technology sectors.

What Success Looks Like

Months 3-6: Building Foundations

You'll have developed a strong understanding of Kobalt's business structure, tax processes, compliance obligations, and global operating model. You'll be confidently supporting tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting requirements while building strong relationships across Finance and the wider business.

By Year 1: Trusted Tax Partner

You'll be a highly valued member of the global tax team, confidently managing complex tax matters, identifying process improvements, and supporting strategic tax initiatives. You'll provide meaningful insight to stakeholders while helping ensure Kobalt remains compliant and well-positioned across all jurisdictions in which it operates.You'll be independently working on key areas of tax compliance and reporting, coordinating with external advisors, supporting tax provision calculations, and contributing to special projects. 

Key Behaviours for Success

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

Applies a structured and logical approach to complex tax issues, identifying risks, evaluating options, and recommending practical solutions.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

Builds strong working relationships across Finance, Legal, HR, and the wider business while partnering effectively with external advisors and auditors.

Communication & Business Partnership

Communicates complex tax concepts clearly and effectively, helping non-tax stakeholders understand implications, risks, and requirements.

Interview Process

Introductory call with a member of our Recruitment Team

Interviews with team and hiring manager

Final stage interview and Q&A

Feedback at each stage

We aim to complete the full interview process from initial application to offer within three to four working weeks. While we do our best to meet this timeline, there may be occasional delays. If that happens, our Recruitment Team will keep you updated every step of the way.

Why Choose Us

At Kobalt, we’ve championed creators since 2000. Our technology and music services are built to make the industry more transparent, fair, and rewarding for artists, songwriters, and rights holders. We’re proud to work with some of the world’s most influential talents including Phoebe Bridgers, Sam Fender, Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Karol G, Young Thug, Kali Uchis, FINNEAS, and Andrew Watt as well as acclaimed writers like Simon Aldred (Rag’n’Bone Man, Liam Gallagher, Celeste) and Clarence Coffee Jr. (Dua Lipa, Lizzo, The Snuts).

We’re a company that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and progress. Our values: Music First, Transparent, Tech Powered, and Transformative. Shape how we work, build, and grow together. We are a community of people who care deeply about making a meaningful impact in music and technology.

Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in equitable access to opportunities and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know we’re happy to help.

If this sounds like you, then please share your story by filling out the application below. To get you in the right mood, have a listen here to songs by our talented creators, especially curated to get you in the right mood when looking for the next challenge! 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

The range provided is for NYC-based hires only and will be commensurate with candidate experience. Pay ranges for candidates in other locations other than NYC may differ based on the cost of labor in that location. Pay range: $100,000 -$120,000