Job Information
Proofpoint Director, Tax Provision in Sunnyvale, California
About Us:
Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work:
At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:
Bold in how we dream and innovate
Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
Visionary in future focused problem-solving
Exceptional in execution and impact
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Tax Director to own and lead the global income tax provision function in a public company or pre-IPO environment. This role is critical to the company’s financial reporting, internal controls, and external audit process, requiring deep expertise in ASC 740, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
The ideal candidate is a hands on tax accounting leader who can operate independently, partner cross functionally, and maintain audit ready processes in a fast growing, complex organization.
Core Responsibilities
Ownership of the Income Tax Provision (ASC 740)
Fully own the company’s income tax provision, including quarterly and annual close cycles.
Prepare, review, and support: Current and deferred tax calculations, Effective tax rate (ETR) analysis and forecasting, Valuation allowance analysis and FIN 48 / uncertain tax positions
Ensure compliance with ASC 740 and consistency across periods.
Maintain robust documentation and technical memos supporting tax accounting conclusions.
SEC Reporting & Pre IPO Readiness
Prepare and review tax related disclosures for: Forms 10 Q and 10 K and S 1 filings and pre-IPO readiness materials (as applicable)
Support historical carve outs, pro forma disclosures, and IPO related tax accounting considerations.
Partner with controllership and legal teams to ensure tax disclosures are clear, accurate, and compliant with SEC requirements.
Support readiness for transitioning from private company to public company reporting standards.
SOX & Internal Controls
Own SOX control design, documentation, and execution related to income tax accounting.
Ensure tax provision processes are well controlled, auditable, and scalable.
Remediate control gaps and support process improvements as the company grows.
Act as the primary tax contact for internal audit and SOX testing.
External Auditor Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on all income tax accounting matters.
Lead audit walkthroughs, provide detailed support schedules, and resolve audit questions efficiently.
Manage audit timelines and ensure timely issue resolution.
Maintain strong, professional relationships with audit teams.
Cross Functional Collaboration & Data Management
Collaborate closely with: Accounting and Controllership, FP&A, Legal and International finance teams
Drive timely collection, validation, and reconciliation of data required for the tax provision.
Translate complex financial data into accurate tax accounting outcomes.
Projects & Special Initiatives
Lead or support special projects as needed, including M&A transactions and purchase accounting support, legal entity restructurings and integrations, accounting method changes and tax law impacts and process automation and system implementations
Partner with other tax functions (international, transfer pricing, compliance) to assess financial reporting impacts.
Leadership & Governance
Lead and mentor tax team members involved in provision and reporting
Establish best practices and provision roadmaps aligned with company growth
Participate in developing long term tax accounting strategy and risk management
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA, MST, JD, or equivalent strongly preferred
7–12+ years of progressive income tax experience
Extensive hands-on public company tax provision experience
Deep technical knowledge of ASC 740
Demonstrated experience working directly with financial statement auditors
Strong understanding of SEC reporting and SOX controls
Advanced Excel skills: Complex models, large data sets, reconciliations and scenario analysis
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Big 4 background and in house public company experience
Experience in pre IPO, newly public, or high growth environments
Familiarity with tax provision software (e.g., OneSource, Corptax, Longview)
Exposure to international tax accounting impacts
What Success Looks Like
Accurate, timely, and well supported tax provisions each reporting period
Smooth audit cycles with minimal rework or late adjustments
Strong, SOX compliant processes that scale with company growth
Trusted advisor status with Accounting, Finance, Legal, and auditors
Why This Role
High visibility ownership of a critical financial reporting function
Opportunity to shape tax accounting processes in a growing company
Meaningful exposure to IPO preparation and SEC environments
Collaborative, professional, and high caliber team
#LI-AN2
Why Proofpoint?
At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:
Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits
Career success on your terms
Flexible work environment
Annual wellness and community outreach days
Always on recognition for your contributions
Global collaboration and networking opportunities
Our Culture:
Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com .
How to Apply
Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.
Base Pay Ranges:
SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 200,300.00 - 293,810.00 USD
California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 167,300.00 - 245,355.00 USD
All other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 152,900.00 - 224,235.00 USD
Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.
We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
Our BRAVE Values:
At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow.
We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact.
We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one.
Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.