Lead, Investment Compensation & Taxation

ABOUT ONEX:
Onex is an investor and asset manager that invests capital on behalf of Onex shareholders and clients across the globe. Formed in 1984, we have a long track record of creating value for our clients and shareholders. Onex became a public company in 1987 and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ONEX. Onex’ two primary businesses are Private Equity and Credit. In Private Equity, we raise funds from third-party investors and invest them, along with Onex’ own investing capital, through the funds of our private equity platforms: Onex Partners and ONCAP. Similarly, in Credit, we raise and invest capital across several private credit, liquid credit and public equity strategies.
Our investors include a broad range of global clients, including public and private pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, family offices and high net worth individuals. Onex has $56 billion in assets under management, of which $9.4 billion is Onex’ own investing capital. We generate value for our shareholders through two segments: Investing and Asset Management.
To explore more opportunities at Onex, visit: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/onexgeneral.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Reporting to the Managing Director, Taxation, this is a unique opportunity to lead the administration and evolution of complex investment compensation programs for Onex’ Private Equity strategies. As the firm's subject matter expert, you will own the full lifecycle of carried interest, co-investment and other investment-based compensation arrangements, partnering with Fund Operations, Legal, Talent Management to deliver accurate, compliant and best-in-class program administration.
The role will have a high degree of engagement with and accountability to HR Business Partners, business leaders and investment professionals. You will serve as a key point of contact and trusted resource for these stakeholders, providing clear and practical guidance, supporting compensation and participant decisions, proactively identifying and resolving issues, and ensuring investment compensation programs are administered in a manner that balances business objectives, participant experience, tax requirements and appropriate governance. The role will be based in Toronto, and the compensation will be commensurate with experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investment Compensation Program Administration
Lead the management and delivery of current and historical employee investment programs, including carried interest, fund incentive plans and employee co-investment programs.
Act as the subject matter expert for the firm's voluntary investment program, including oversight of participant eligibility, election processes, funding and distributions.
Serve as the tax lead throughout the full lifecycle of investment compensation programs, ensuring awards, vesting events, transfers, forfeitures distributions and liquidity events are implemented accurately, efficiently and in accordance with applicable plan terms and tax requirements.
Administer all aspects of the plan, including initial allocations and admissions, vesting and performance conditions and participant transfers between funds, platforms, entities or jurisdictions
Lead the design and implementation of investment compensation programs for new funds, continuation vehicles and other investments, including plan structuring, entity formation, tax valuations, participant materials and program roll-out.
Support and lead workstreams related to crystallizations and partial realizations, cash and in-kind distributions, clawbacks, secondary transfers or liquidity transactions, and the wind-down and final reconciliation of historical plans.
Develop and maintain investment compensation materials, including formal plan documents, compensation statements, participant communications, reference materials and presentations.
Perform analysis to support the payout of investment compensation incentives.
Taxation
Analyze the tax implications of awards, vesting, distributions, transfers and participant events.
Support the Canadian and cross-border taxation of carried interest and co-investment arrangements.
Support on tax matters relating to employment income versus capital gains treatment, partnership allocations and distributions, withholding and remittance obligations, payroll reporting, tax basis, proceeds and gain/loss calculations.
Support program participant tax implications as it relates to internal mobility and residency changes
Analyze the tax consequences of transfers, forfeitures, cancellations and amendments, tax elections, information reporting and participant documentation.
Coordinate with external tax advisors, identify matters requiring specialist advice, and translate technical conclusions into implementable instructions and participant communications.
Coordinate Canadian, U.S. and U.K. tax advice specific to jurisdiction.
Prepare compensation program related tax filings and employee tax slips.
Support tax audits, participant inquiries and regulator requests.
Governance & Controls
Serve as the authoritative data owner for investment compensation arrangements and participant-level plan records.
Document end-to-end processes and control frameworks.
Reconcile plan records to legal documents, partnership records, payroll, fund accounting and general ledger information.
Maintain an auditable record of allocations, amendments, elections, vesting, forfeitures and distributions.
Establish approval protocols and appropriate segregation of duties.
Continually seek opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen controls and improve data integrity.
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
Professional Accounting Designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CGA or CPA, CMA).
CICA In-Depth Tax Course (Level I and II) preferred.
Minimum of 5 years' experience in tax.
Experience supporting complex investment compensation programs, including carried interest, fund incentive plans and/or employee co-investment arrangements.
Strong understanding of Canadian and cross-border taxation, partnership taxation and investment compensation structures.
Experience coordinating with internal and external tax advisors on complex tax matters.
Strong Excel skills for reporting, metrics and data validation.
Ability to interpret complex legal agreements, partnership documents and investment compensation plan documentation.
Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing and presenting complex data in a clear and concise manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:
Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment and commitment to accuracy, transparency and intellectual honesty.
Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent track record of producing accurate, complete and well-supported work.
Sound judgment and discretion when handling highly confidential compensation, investment and personal tax information.
A disciplined and methodical approach to reviewing calculations, documentation, participant records, filings and communications.
A strong control mindset, with the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate issues thoroughly and drive them to resolution.
A commitment to validating source data, assumptions and outputs rather than relying on precedent or incomplete information.
The confidence and professional judgment to challenge assumptions, escalate risks and communicate issues promptly and candidly.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex legal, tax and investment compensation documentation.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial and tax matters clearly and credibly to a broad range of stakeholders.
The ability to balance technical accuracy, participant experience and operational practicality.
A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the initiative to improve processes and strengthen operational controls.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The expected base salary range for this position is C$150,000-$180,000 on an annualized basis.
All-in compensation may vary based on several factors, such as relative experience, education level attained, professional certifications, geographical location, etc. to account for local market conditions.
This position is for a current vacancy.
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Our Team & Commitment:
Onex is led by the firm’s CEO, Bobby Le Blanc, as well as experienced leaders at each of our businesses and approximately 340 employees across offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London. Our culture is guided by our strong commitment to accountability, intellectual honesty and respect for all our partners and stakeholders. Onex was formed on principles of entrepreneurialism and responsible investing and our team is united in recognizing the value of collaboration, diversity of perspective and background, and an inclusive environment. Our team is a critical factor in our success, and attracting and retaining the be