As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

We are seeking a Director to lead our tax provision and compliance team. This role involves leading the daily execution and ongoing development of both U.S. and foreign income tax provision and compliance processes. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Global Tax and will collaborate closely with key internal partners from Tax, Controllership, Legal, Internal Audit, FP&A, and Treasury, to optimize tax structures, manage effective tax rates, optimize cash tax flows, ensure compliance with tax laws and filing requirements, minimize risks and tax exposures.

Responsibilities:
 

• Own the preparation and review of the quarterly and annual tax provision in compliance with ASC 740, FIN 18, and other related standards.
• Manage all aspects of global income tax reporting, including deferred tax assets/liabilities, valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, and effective tax rate calculations.
• Support documentation and tax research for income tax strategies, policies and positions
• Support forecast modeling with respect to future effective tax rates and cash taxes in collaboration with FP&A
• Oversee the preparation and filing of federal and state tax income tax returns.
• Ensure timely and accurate return-to-provision reconciliation adjustments.
• Partner with key teams to prepare tax disclosures for SEC filings (e.g., 10-K, 10-Q) and other financial statements.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory changes, assessing their impact on the organization's tax positions and financial statements.
• Lead process optimization initiatives, including evaluating and implementing tax technology tools for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain SOX-compliant internal controls related to tax reporting and compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to tax staff, managing performance and fostering professional development.
• Represent the tax team in discussions with external auditors, advisors, and relevant authorities as needed.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of tax professionals to maximize their performance and career growth, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
• Support the business on ad-hoc tax inquiries and various non-income tax analyses and filings on an as-needed basis
• Manage and oversee income tax audits and inquiries, working closely with external advisors and internal stakeholders to address and resolve issues.

About You

• Experience:
  • 12+ years of progressive tax experience, with expertise in ASC 740, SBC, Section 174, R&D tax credits and tax compliance.
  • Background in public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and/or corporate tax in a multinational public company.
  • Strong understanding of global tax compliance and reporting issues.
• Education & Certification:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MST (Master’s in Taxation) strongly preferred.
• Skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and manage a large-scale tax provision and compliance function.
  • Expert-level knowledge of U.S. GAAP, international tax principles, and related reporting requirements.
  • Proven track record of process improvement, including the use of tax technology to drive efficiencies.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
  • Excellent analytical thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrated ability of cultivating talent, fostering both technical excellence and interpersonal growth.
  • Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and team building skills
     

    Pay Range:

    USA: $173,600 - $ 250,400

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard.  Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.