Join a leading global investment bank in Tokyo as a VP, Tax Client Services, supporting institutional clients across the Securities Services and custody business. This senior position combines tax operations, custody, asset servicing, client relationship management, and operational leadership within a complex international financial environment.
You will oversee end-to-end tax workflows for portfolio assets, act as the primary escalation point for critical client tax matters in Japan, and work closely with Tax Operations teams across the UK, US, India, and Asia-Pacific.
Beyond day-to-day operations, you will set performance standards for the local client support team, strengthen risk and control frameworks, and partner with Product, Technology, and Control functions to improve processes, data capabilities, and service quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end tax operations and workflows supporting institutional clients and their portfolio assets within the custody and Securities Services business.
- Lead the local client support function, establish performance standards, and develop a high-performing, client-centric team.
- Partner with international Tax Operations teams across the UK, US, India, and Asia-Pacific to ensure consistent execution and streamline regional processing.
- Oversee operational activities across custody trade and cash, asset servicing, transitions, account setup, and related tax processes.
- Act as the primary escalation point for complex client tax matters in Japan, providing proactive support and helping clients achieve appropriate tax outcomes.
- Represent local operations in regional governance forums and communicate key developments, risks, service metrics, and priorities to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Identify operational and control risks, lead root-cause analysis and remediation, and implement preventative controls to maintain a strong risk environment.
- Collaborate with Product, Technology, and Control teams to develop data-driven tools, analyse operational volumes, improve workflows, and enhance service levels.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the Asia-Pacific network while maintaining strong client relationships and operational standards.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in Investment Banking or Asset Management Operations, with knowledge of custody, Securities Services, and/or asset servicing; alternatively, relevant tax advisory experience within the financial services industry.
- Strong understanding of operational processes supporting institutional investors, custody businesses, or financial services tax requirements.
- Experience managing complex operational processes and driving change within a regulated financial services environment.
- Proven experience leading teams, setting performance expectations, and developing high-performing talent.
- Experience managing client relationships and resolving complex operational, tax, or service-related issues.
- Understanding of operational risk, controls, governance, and continuous improvement within financial services.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build a client-focused, high-performance team culture.
- Excellent client relationship management skills and the confidence to handle complex or sensitive discussions with institutional stakeholders.
- Strong control mindset with the ability to identify operational risks, investigate root causes, and implement practical remediation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills for working across regional and global teams.
- Strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to use operational data and metrics to improve processes and service quality.
- Ability to lead effectively through change and manage multiple priorities within a complex international environment.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent proficiency required for client engagement and local stakeholder management.
- English: Fluent proficiency required for collaboration with regional and global teams.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in custody, Securities Services, asset servicing, or investment operations within a global financial institution.
- Financial services tax advisory or tax operations experience supporting institutional clients or investment portfolios.
- Knowledge of custody-related tax processes and the operational lifecycle of securities and portfolio assets.
- Experience working with global Tax Operations teams or managing cross-border operational processes.
- Experience participating in regional governance forums and engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Track record of delivering process improvement, automation, data analytics, or technology enhancement initiatives within financial services.
- Experience managing operational change while maintaining strong risk, control, and client service standards.
About the Company
Our client is a leading global financial services and investment banking institution operating across more than 100 countries.
The firm provides strategic advisory, investment banking, capital markets, and Securities Services solutions to major corporations, governments, and institutional investors worldwide. Its global platform gives professionals the opportunity to work on sophisticated transactions and critical financial market infrastructure while collaborating across international teams.
The organisation places a strong emphasis on risk management, client service, operational excellence, continuous learning, and cross-functional collaboration.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive compensation of ¥14M-¥17M, alongside performance-based rewards and comprehensive benefits.
- Take on a senior VP-level Tax Client Services role within a leading global investment bank.
- Gain significant exposure to Securities Services, custody, asset servicing, tax operations, and institutional clients.
- Collaborate with international Tax Operations teams across Asia-Pacific, the UK, US, and India.
- Lead meaningful process, technology, risk, and control improvements within a large-scale global operation.
- Develop and mentor talent while shaping a high-performing, client-centric team.
- Benefit from structured learning opportunities and extensive cross-functional collaboration.
- Enjoy flexible working arrangements, minimal overtime, and a casual dress environment.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
