D2L is a cloud company that is modernizing education and building the Future of Work. The old models of teaching and learning are in the midst of the largest transformation in history, and D2L is at the heart of that fundamental shift.
New models of teaching and learning enable a personalized, student-centric experience – and deliver improved retention, engagement, satisfaction, and results for learners of all ages – in schools, campuses, and companies.
D2L is disrupting the way the world learns, by providing the next generation learning environment and solutions to engage and inspire learners. And most importantly, by giving customers a platform that is easy, flexible, and smart. No other company provides a solution as robust and innovative as D2L.
D2L has had a singular mission for 25 years and is dedicated to that same mission in the years ahead: to transform the way the world learns – and by doing so, we will help improve human potential globally.
Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team - yes, a real person looks at your resume! While we use AI tools internally to streamline tasks like meeting notes, summaries, and administrative work, these tools never rank resumes, make hiring decisions, or influence candidate evaluations.
Job Summary:
The Director of Tax is accountable for the strategic leadership, governance, and execution of D2L’s global tax function. This role sets the long-term tax strategy, oversees global tax compliance and reporting, ensures strong tax internal controls, and provides executive level tax guidance to support D2L’s business objectives and international growth.
The Director leads the tax organization, enabling operational excellence in all tax-related processes including compliance, planning, transfer pricing, audit defense, tax accounting (IFRS), M&A, and cross-border business activities. The role partners closely with Finance, Legal, Product, Sales, and external advisors to minimize risk, preserve enterprise value, and optimize D2L’s global tax position.
How You Will Make an Impact:
Strategic Ownership & Tax Leadership
- Set D2L’s global tax strategy to support long-term growth, operational scalability, and risk mitigation.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive tax risk management framework and governance approach.
- Evaluate and advise on international expansion opportunities, including assessing permanent establishment risk, local tax exposure, and optimal go-to-market models, ensuring alignment with D2L’s desired international presence and risk profile.
- Advise the CFO, VP Finance, Legal, Sales on the tax implications of corporate strategy, global expansion, entity structuring, and other strategic initiatives.
Global Tax Compliance & Reporting
- Oversee timely, accurate, and complete global tax filings (corporate income tax, indirect tax, cross-border withholding taxes, and other obligations).
- Own quarterly and annual tax provisions in accordance with IFRS, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and robust documentation.
- Act as senior point of contact for external auditors on tax matters.
Transfer Pricing & Tax Planning
- Lead global transfer pricing strategy, documentation, and implementation.
- Evaluate and structure intercompany agreements and transactions to ensure alignment with OECD and local rules.
- Identify tax planning opportunities that optimize D2L’s global effective tax rate and cash tax position.
Tax Risk & Audit Management
- Oversee global tax audits, inquiries, and tax authority interactions.
- Develop audit defense strategies and risk mitigation approaches for complex matters.
Cross Functional Partnership
- Support Sales, Legal, and Deal Desk on large/strategic customer contracts and global deal structures.
- Partner with Product and Finance on tax considerations for new products, billing models, and revenue streams.
- Collaborate with PnC on global mobility and incentive programs.
- Lead tax support for M&A and corporate development initiatives, including due diligence, evaluation of acquisition structures, identification of tax risks and opportunities, and oversight of tax integration activities post-acquisition.
People Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop the global tax team, including manager, tax staff, and external consultants.
- Establish talent development plans, succession planning, and capability building for the tax function.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Tax Controls & Technology
- Oversee tax-related internal controls, ensuring alignment with internal control frameworks and external reporting requirements.
- Drive tax technology enablement and process automation to increase accuracy and efficiency.
What You'll Bring to the Role:
- 8-10+ years of progressive tax leadership experience, ideally including global scope.
- Experience in public company tax reporting (IFRS) and multi‑jurisdiction operations.
- Strategic thinker with ability to translate tax complexity into business‑aligned recommendations.
- Strong executive communication skills; able to influence senior leaders, cross‑functional leaders, and external stakeholders.
- Proven leadership experience building and scaling a tax function in a multi‑jurisdiction environment.
- Deep technical expertise across global tax areas (IFRS tax accounting, transfer pricing, indirect tax, cross‑border transactions).
- High degree of judgment, discernment, and ability to make well-informed decisions independently.
- Operates effectively in fast‑paced, evolving environments; strong prioritization and delegation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate and proactively address emerging tax issues.
Education Recommendations:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, economic or related field.
- CPA designation or equivalent.
- Completion of In-Depth Tax Program I, II & III strongly preferred.
This position is to fill an existing vacancy
The expected base salary range for a new hire in this role is listed below. The annualized base salary offered is determined by each candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, education, training and experience. It is aligned to ensure both internal and external competitiveness using market data for the geographic location and industry. As part of the total compensation at D2L the role may be eligible for additional benefits including a Wellness Subsidy, Equity Grants, Variable Incentive, and more.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We strongly encourage you to still apply! At D2L, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage your application even if you don't believe you meet every single qualification outlined, because we love to help our people grow and develop!
Why we're awesome:
At D2L, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools to do the best work of your life. While some of our perks and benefits may vary depending on location or employment type, we are proud to provide employees with the following through #LifeAtD2L:
- Impactful work transforming the way the world learns
- Flexible work arrangements
- Learning and Growth opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 CAD for continuing education through our Catch the Wave Program
- 2 Paid Days off for Catch the Wave related activities like exams or final assignments
- Employee wellbeing (Access to mental health services, EFAP program, financial planning and more)
- Retirement planning
- 2 Paid Volunteer Days
- Competitive Benefits Package
- Home Internet Reimbursements
- Employee Referral Program
- Wellness Reimbursement
- Employee Recognition
- Social Events
- Dog Friendly Offices at our HQ in Kitchener, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Melbourne.
D2L is committed to a fair and inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer that hires and attracts talent regardless of age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, status as a protected veteran or any other legally protected grounds and will not discriminate on these bases. We draw on diversity of thought and experience to reflect the rich array of cultures representing our broad customer base and we seek talent with diversity of life experiences and perspectives from around the world. If you have special accessibility requirements that need to be considered during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] and a member of our HR team will get back to you. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. D2L maintains a drug-free workplace.