Career Spotlight: Interview with Tom Borec, Global Head of Tax (US, Europe, International)

For our second guest in the Career Spotlight series, I’m delighted to welcome Tom Borec. As the recent Global Head of Tax (US, Europe, International) at Dermavant, a Biotech/Pharma company (which was recently acquired by Organon), Tom brings a wealth of experience and expertise.

In this interview, he shares his reflections on a career in US and international tax, offering valuable insights that are well worth reading.

Getting Started

1. Can you tell me who you are, your current role, and what you do day-to-day??

Of course. I’m Tom – Head of Tax, husband, and a dog dad to a teenage husky who’s currently convinced she runs the house. I’m an avid outdoorsman, a sci-fi enthusiast, and a lifelong Lego builder.?

Up until January, I was the Head of Tax at Dermavant, a U.S.-based biotech company that was recently acquired by Organon. My role was overseeing our tax function, focusing on both U.S. and international strategies. My day-to-day duties were very dynamic, ranging from leading the tax function to aligning our tax strategies with overall business objectives, ensuring compliance, managing key relationships across the C-suite, and cooperating with our in-house and external stakeholders.?

My focus was on positioning tax as a value-adding function, not just a compliance necessity, and ensuring it played a key role in driving business strategy.?

2. How did it all begin? What sparked your interest in tax, and what led you to specialise in the US/International space?

It wasn’t a grand plan—far from it. My path into tax was pretty gradual. It started with a law degree, after flipping a coin between law and economics, having previously ruled out mathematics and computer engineering.

During my final year of law school, I worked on my master’s thesis on taxation, and something about it just clicked. But the real spark came when I stumbled upon an article (in a pre-Google world!) about how U2 had optimized their taxes.

The idea stuck with me: “That sounds cool; I, too, want to help famous bands tackle their tax issues.”

From there, everything started falling into place. I began with an internship at the tax authority, followed by a role at the largest local advisory firm, which eventually led me to a Big 4 firm. That’s where I first became exposed to international tax issues, and the rest, as they say, is history.

3. Can you walk us through your career path? What were some key moments or decisions that got you to where you are today?

Just like my entry into tax, my career journey wasn’t exactly mapped out, but it’s been an exciting ride. Even as a fresh graduate, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but I always had a clear sense of what I didn’t want when I encountered it, and I was honest with myself about those feelings.

Before graduating, I did an internship at the tax authority, but I quickly realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. They assigned me a task they estimated would take two months to finish, but I completed it in just two weeks. After that, I had nothing else to do, which made me question, “What else is out there?”

After graduation, I worked as a tax advisor in a local firm, but I was still seeking more. That led me to join a Big 4 firm, and that’s when a whole new world of international tax opened up. “Now we’re talking,” I thought.

My curiosity kept me moving. I didn’t follow a predefined path; instead, I grew and learned from each experience, moved countries, and constantly refined my goals. Looking back, I think my eagerness to take on new challenges and absorb as much as I could was key to getting me where I am today.

For young professionals who know exactly where they want to be at a certain age - amazing! Hats off to them! I didn’t have that clarity early on, so I calibrated my career based on what I felt was missing.

I’d think, “OK, I’m missing this and this here, so I need to move somewhere that offers the chance to tackle those challenges.”

When I transitioned from advisory to industry, it was because I felt that advisory no longer fulfilled all my needs at that time. I took a leap of faith and joined eBay. I felt that working on a truly global scale for a U.S.-based tech company was the challenge I needed. Soon, the idea of covering both international and U.S. taxes clicked perfectly with my mindset and aspirations. Later on, reporting directly to the CFO became another aspect that appealed to me. I knew that as a Head of Tax, I wanted to be as close as possible to decision-makers because no matter what we tell ourselves, it’s often only at that level that tax can truly make a difference in a company.?

I also have a deep desire to truly understand businesses, work with business units, collaborate with different teams, and push for excellence within a company. Leading the tax function for ambitious global organizations aligns perfectly with that mindset, and it’s what keeps me excited and engaged in my career.

Diving into the US & International Tax Niche

4. What makes the US/International tax space so unique and appealing compared to other areas of tax?

We live in a global world that’s more connected and interdependent every day. To truly excel as a tax executive and provide the most value to your company, it’s crucial to have hands-on experience across a wide range of taxes and jurisdictions.?

The U.S., as the world’s largest economy, is a key player, but it’s not operating in a vacuum. The decisions made in one country often have ripple effects across the entire globe. Understanding both U.S. and international tax laws will put you ahead of the competition and position you to offer valuable, strategic advice to the C-suite and other stakeholders.

Without this broader perspective, you risk being caught off guard by something unexpected, something you wouldn’t have seen coming if you were only familiar with and focused on your own country’s tax system.

Having a well-rounded understanding of both U.S. and international tax systems helps to leverage global opportunities and seize competitive advantages that may not be immediately apparent.

5. Why should someone consider this niche? What’s the career appeal?

The beauty of the tax profession lies in its versatility and the endless career possibilities it provides. I strongly encourage everyone in the tax profession to step out of their comfort zones and broaden their knowledge by exploring new situations and learning about taxes outside their home country and core specialties. This is especially crucial if you’re eyeing a career in U.S. and international markets or aspire to become a tax executive in a global company at some point. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for every experience and exposure gained, as it will help you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive world.

Whether you’re working in a global tax function or a very localized niche, you’ll inevitably be communicating and collaborating with professionals from other fields and jurisdictions.

?Even if you ultimately decide to work in the most local and specialized tax sphere, exposure to foreign cultures and practices will undoubtedly enrich you. It will enhance your ability to collaborate across diverse teams and, therefore, make you better in your chosen field of specialization.

The more open you are to understanding different perspectives, the better you'll be at navigating complex tax issues and adding value to your company and your stakeholders.?

6. What skills or traits are crucial for success in this field?

Communication, strategic thinking and analytical skills come to mind first, together with being open to tackling and learning from new experiences.?

As someone who specialized first in international taxes and only later added U.S. taxes to his skillset, I see these traits as crucial for success. Think of it like navigating a complex chess game; each move requires strategic thinking, a deep understanding of the rules, and the ability to anticipate what’s coming next. You need to absorb large volumes of information quickly while also being able to thrive in environments and situations that may feel unfamiliar. Just as an experienced chess player can rely on intuition, you’ll often lean on your previous knowledge and experience, but it’s key to recognize that sometimes, what seems like a familiar position could be deceptively different.

The U.S. and international tax systems are hugely complex fields. So, thinking you know it all isn’t just arrogant; it’s a massive risk! It creates blind spots and limits growth, both for yourself and the organization. However, having the confidence to believe you can grasp complex issues and navigate them to benefit your company – that’s what drives success!

It’s about staying open, being willing to learn, and acknowledging that while you might not have all the answers right now, you can figure things out by leveraging your expertise and collaborating with others. Learning from others who have faced similar challenges, whether peers or mentors, can provide invaluable insights and help you navigate these complexities.

The tax community is open and welcoming, so don’t hesitate to connect with colleagues - most are glad to share their experiences and provide guidance.

7. What are the main challenges of working within the US tax system?

The U.S. tax system is complex and vast, with multiple layers of federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Navigating this maze can be overwhelming, especially for those who try to understand it all at once.

My advice? Start with a solid understanding of the fundamentals, the core tax issues, practices, and procedures before diving into more specialized areas.

It's crucial to get a really good grasp on things like the tax provision process, 1120 filings, and other key filings, which serve as the foundation for everything else. Building a team of internal and external tax specialists who complement your expertise is key to handling the scale of it all effectively.

The real challenge is striking the right balance: being knowledgeable and skilled enough to navigate the complex issues of U.S. jurisdictions while remaining agile, open-minded, and adaptable to new knowledge, evolving regulations, and ever-changing tax landscapes.

While the U.S. tax system shares many similarities with other global tax jurisdictions, both overconfidence and reluctance to immerse yourself fully can create obstacles. It’s essential to stay open to learning and continuously expand your knowledge base.?

The Career Perspective

8. What keeps you going? What do you love most about your work?

Heading tax function is all about balancing operations, strategy, and execution and demonstrating how tax can positively impact a business's overall success.

Tax is a numbers game, and it’s a problem-solving game. And when it comes to solving problems, I’m all in. Whether I’m building complex tax structures or piecing together the Millennium Falcon, I love diving deep into tasks and figuring things out.

So, what keeps me going is the challenge and the ability to drive tangible value. Working on both U.S. and International scales in taxes, every day presents a new issue or a fresh angle to explore, keeping things dynamic and engaging.

I love that tax is not just about numbers; it’s a strategic, big-picture role that touches every part of the business.

I often say that tax is a chameleon of skills and solutions. It’s a profession that keeps you moving, constantly learning, and diving into new, unexpected areas. I just love that! What truly excites me is how the work we do in tax supports the broader company goals and shapes business strategy. It is really rewarding.

Most importantly, I enjoy and value the relationships we build along the way. Whether I’m working with my team, the CFO, the CEO, the COO, and other stakeholders across the company, collaborating with amazing professionals from all walks of life is what makes this role truly fulfilling.

?9. How has this career shaped your perspective?

This career has taught me the importance of adaptability, that the path isn’t always linear, and that being open to opportunities is key.

It has also taught me how valuable strategic thinking is. Tax isn't just about compliance; it’s about using your expertise to shape the company's strategic direction.

A career in tax isn’t just about providing technical expertise; it’s about adding value to the company through that expertise. Technical knowledge alone, nowadays, is barely useful if you can’t demonstrate how it benefits the business and drives its success.

The broader perspective I’ve gained over the years has only emphasized how deeply tax is intertwined with a business's core functions and why tax should be central to strategic decision-making.

?10. What are the biggest challenges you face, and how do you tackle them?

The biggest challenge I face as a Head of Tax is balancing my roles as a strategic partner and a “tax compliance officer.” Both are critical and as a Head of Tax, I have to constantly ensure that we’re driving value for the business while adhering to all regulatory requirements.

To tackle this, I rely on a strong team and clear communication with all stakeholders. At the same time, prioritizing what’s important in each moment, whether it’s value protection or value creation, helps me manage resources effectively.

It is important to provide alternative solutions or at least suggest them when a business proposal is just too risky. You need to know when to say “no” and have the authority to enforce it. This is only possible by building trust and relationships along the way and by having a strong network and support of your stakeholders.

It helps to be involved at the beginning when the initial ideas are being discussed. You can influence their formation and the path the business will take, and your global expertise can create additional value for the company. This definitely beats being only involved at the end of the process, when all you can do is veto a plan designed by your colleagues after they have sunk untold hours into it. This will not make you many friends.

The way we solved this at Deramavant is by me taking on the second hat – Head of global business strategy. This way, I was not only able to optimize our global supply chain and international transactions, but I was also able to optimize our international structure in the most organic way imaginable. This is an especially important approach in the era of increased international tax scrutiny.

?Looking Ahead

?11. Where do you see the US/international tax space heading in the next few years?

While it’s difficult to predict specifics, one thing is clear: the world is becoming more interconnected every day, and the changes appear rapidly. What happens within the U.S. tax system now has a broader impact on the global landscape and vice versa.

The pace of reform has been rapid, already seen during the first term of the Trump administration, and it’s safe to expect continued shifts. We may see further tax cuts, incentives for innovation, and policies designed to boost local U.S. production. On the international stage, the BEPS reforms and global minimum tax are moving forward, even without full U.S. participation, which could set the stage for new global tax dynamics. Tariff and IP wars? Quite a possibility.

But no matter what, one thing is certain: we’re heading into some very interesting times. And, as we all know, “interesting times” are always full of opportunities and challenges for tax professionals.

There will be no lack of work or learning opportunities for tax professionals!

?12. What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering this niche?

I consider analytical, communication, and technical tax skills essential, but it’s equally important to broaden your skill set beyond those. Travel the world and gain exposure to different markets. Learn to work with big data. Understand the bigger picture. Embrace global perspectives.

The more you understand not just your own tax specialty but the business as a whole, its industry, its strategic objectives, and the broader economic landscape, the more valuable you become. This depth of understanding will allow you to make a greater impact and accelerate your career progression.

The best tax professionals are those who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business strategy.

?13. How does US tax work compare to opportunities in other countries or tax systems?

When it comes to career advancement, U.S. tax expertise is a solid bet. Whether you specialize in specific areas like tax provision or broader tax roles, the opportunities are abundant.

In my experience, the most compelling tax opportunities tend to emerge in regions where innovation is thriving and where the largest multijurisdictional companies are based. The U.S. undoubtedly leads in this area, and the demand for U.S. tax professionals is high, both within the U.S. and globally.

For European companies looking to expand or refine their U.S. operations, it is crucial to have specialists who have a deep understanding of U.S. tax laws.

So, career-wise, the scale and complexity of the U.S. taxes allow for niche specializations, whether you're focused on a particular industry, type of tax, or international strategy. The breadth and diversity of opportunities make it a prime environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the tax field.

Personal Stories

14. What does a typical day in your role look like?

Every day, no matter what, I wake up at 4 AM and exercise. That's not true. There is no Jocko here; sorry to disappoint!

My typical day actually starts with two coffees, a quick review of the agenda, and catching up on what the U.S. team came up with during my sleep. After that, I take my husky for a walk or run, depending on my schedule and how much time I have.

From there, the day varies. A “typical” day for a Head of Tax is anything but typical, and that's what keeps it exciting!

Some days, I dive into financial models, analyze relevant data, or work on strategies with other business units. Other times, I collaborate with leadership, discussing our next move. Yet, some days, I need to review the tax provision or verify that all forms have been properly signed.

In between, there’s always an element of problem-solving, whether it’s addressing a specific tax issue, strategizing for upcoming changes, or reviewing compliance-related matters. I also spend time mentoring and ensuring that projects are on track.

Throughout the day, I balance tactical work and strategic discussions, making sure that the tax function aligns with broader business goals. Meetings with the CFO and other decision-makers are crucial, as this is where tax really has a chance to influence the company's direction.

Overall, it’s a dynamic mix of deep-focus tasks, high-level collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. A balance between tactical work and strategic maneuvers. No two days are the same, which keeps things both challenging and rewarding.

15. How do you balance your career with everything else in life?

I believe the balance isn’t equal time for everything, but rather being flexible and adjusting when needed. To me, balancing a career with life outside of work is all about setting priorities and being intentional with my time. I focus on being present where and when it matters most, whether that's at work or with family.

I’ve found that flexibility is key. Some days, my work requires more attention, and some weekends are for work as well, and that’s okay. What’s important is that I stay mindful of when I need to step back and recharge.

A strong support system, both at work and in my personal life, also helps keep things enjoyable for everyone.

16. If you had to convince someone why this is a good career to pursue, what would you say?

I love this question! Well, I’m always pretty candid when it comes to taxes. I don’t hide the fact that tax might not be the flashiest career out there or that it is meant for everyone. That said, I believe it absolutely can be one of the most versatile and professionally rewarding ones.

What better way to convince someone than with facts? A career in taxes took me from a tiny country of 2M people that most have never even heard of (i.e., unless you know where the First Lady and Luka Doncic come from) to a world of unmatched opportunities. Taxes have taken me places I never thought I’d go, opened doors I didn’t know existed, and given me experiences and rewards I’ll never forget.

With the rapid advancements in automation and tax technology, the profession is evolving at lightning speed. There’s no better time to be in tax, even more so if you have a passion for tech. The possibilities are nearly endless.

17. Any closing comments.

Yes! If any of your readers have figured out how to make tax sound fun at dinner parties, please hit me up; I’m dying to learn your trick!

But, on a more serious note, I’ll say this: a career in tax can be incredibly rewarding, and while it might not always get the same excitement as other fields, it’s a career that opens doors to endless opportunities.

Tax is at the heart of every business, and the skills you develop along the way are invaluable. If you’re willing to dive in and tackle the challenges, you’ll be amazed at where it can take you. So, to anyone considering it, don’t shy away. It’s a career that has shaped my life in ways I never expected, and I am immensely grateful for it.

And a special shout-out to tax recruiters like you, Alistair, who are the driving force behind connecting talented professionals with incredible opportunities. You truly understand the value of a strong tax professional and play a crucial role in guiding both companies and candidates to the right fit.

It’s not just about matching resumes; it’s about opening doors to career paths people may not have even considered. Your expertise and insights are essential in shaping the future of talent in the tax world.

So, thank you for everything you do for the tax community.

-Tom Berec

A big thanks to Tom Borec for sharing his insights and experiences, really inspiring for anyone in the tax field!

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