Jobs › Optiver

Senior Tax Manager

Optiver · Chicago, IL · Tax

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked with an external advisory firm to develop a tax position. How did you manage them?

What they are checking: Whether they direct outside advisers rather than simply accepting their conclusions.

Tell me about a federal or state tax controversy you supported. What was your role?

What they are checking: Direct controversy experience, which the posting lists as a duty.

How would you become a trusted advisor to a trading team that sees tax as a roadblock?

What they are checking: Relationship-building that makes the business want to involve tax early.

What would you do

The trading desk wants to launch a new financial product next quarter. How do you work out the US tax implications?

What they are checking: Ability to advise on new products early, which is the center of this role.

A colleague in Amsterdam has a different view on a cross-border issue. How do you reach alignment?

What they are checking: Collaboration within a global tax function across jurisdictions.

How do you spot tax risk in a business change before anyone brings it to you?

What they are checking: Proactive risk identification as business activities and rules change.

About the work

How would you explain mark-to-market treatment under Section 475 or 1256 contracts to a trader?

What they are checking: Core trading tax knowledge communicated in plain terms to non-tax stakeholders.

How would you think about entity structure when the firm enters a new market?

What they are checking: Understanding of how structure choices drive tax, regulatory and operational outcomes.

What transfer pricing issues come up in a global trading firm with offices in several countries?

What they are checking: Cross-border awareness relevant to a multinational trading business.

How do you document a tax position so it holds up years later under audit?

What they are checking: Rigor in documentation that protects the firm in future disputes.

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The full job description

As published by Optiver.

Optiver is seeking a Senior Tax Manager focused on US tax advisory within a global trading firm. The role is centered on advising the business as it expands into new products, markets, and structures. You will work alongside an established US tax team and in close collaboration with tax colleagues across Optiver’s global offices to support cross-border initiatives, share expertise, and ensure alignment on global tax matters and business developments. What You’ll Do As Senior Tax Manager, your responsibilities include: • Advise stakeholders on the tax implications of new trading strategies, financial products, markets, and transactions • Consult with external advisory firms to develop tax positions and strategies • Execute on new (trading) initiatives, market expansion, and strategic projects • Build relationships across trading, technology, legal, finance, and leadership teams, becoming a trusted advisor to the business • Collaborate with members of Optiver’s global tax function across multiple jurisdictions on cross-border projects, business initiatives, and global tax matters • Provide guidance on entity structures, cross-border activities, and operational models • Proactively identify and assess tax risks and opportunities arising from evolving business activities and regulatory developments • Support federal and state tax controversy matters • Contribute to the development of tax governance, policies, and best practices within the organization What you’ll get You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets. In addition, you’ll receive: • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries • Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure • 401(k) match up to 50% • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sports leagues and more Who you are • 8+ years of US tax experience with a focus on financial services • Experience with the taxation of financial instruments and understanding of the trading industry • Broad familiarity with the US tax system across multiple areas of tax • Strong communicator, able to build relationships with stakeholders, make complex tax positions clear for non-tax stakeholders and translate technical tax concepts in practical business advice • Pro-active mindset and problem-solving capabilities • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, intellectually demanding environment with evolving priorities • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening Who we are At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe. Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.   Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.    Base Salary Range $200,000 — $300,000 USD

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