Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we're on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.
 

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.

We are a leading UK accountancy and advisory firm, committed to building the firm where the best people choose to work. Our people are our greatest asset and investing in how they grow, develop and lead is central to our strategy.

As the Group Tax Director, you will own the firm’s tax strategy, structuring and compliance at UK Topco and firmwide level, including oversight of tax risk arising from the group’s private equity ownership structure and growing international footprint. You will lead on firmwide tax strategy, HMRC relationship management and partnership tax, reporting to the Finance Director.
 

Protecting the firm’s tax position sits at the centre of everything we do in Tax, and you will be the driving force behind the strategy, compliance and relationships that keep the group tax-efficient and resilient as it grows.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As Group Tax Director, you will:

• Report to the Group Finance Director, the role drives significant value for the firm by protecting its tax position and enhancing the tax strategy, structuring and compliance capability that is critical to the firm's stability and growth.
• Develop the firm's Direct and Indirect tax strategy, structuring and compliance in conjunction with the Finance Director.

• Own UK Topco and firmwide tax compliance, maintaining oversight of tax risk arising from the group's private equity ownership structure and evolving international entity footprint

• Work with local finance teams to understand local tax compliance for individual group entities, including international tax implications

• Assess international tax matters such as transfer pricing, permanent establishment, tax residence and cross-border withholding taxes

• Liaise with external advisors for support on complex technical areas.

• Oversee the existing partnership tax and accounting teams, helping optimise partner/partnership tax compliance and partnership accounting processes.

• Review key accounting relating to tax and partner accounts.

• Own all tax matters for audit and statutory accounts reporting.

• Develop tax KPIs for internal and Board reporting.

• Propose approaches to manage tax risk, working with the Finance Director to secure support and implement agreed actions.

• Support M&A activity, including preparation of deferred tax provisions and review of tax due diligence.

• Manage existing VAT processes (in conjunction with the VAT Manager) and advises/seeks advice on specialist areas such as global mobility and self-employed contractors.

• Maintain and grow the firm's relationship with HMRC and other relevant tax authorities and stakeholders.

• Maintain and develop Tax policies and processes, including increased digitalisation.

• Lead and develop the tax team to minimise key person risk and maintain a balanced resourcing approach.

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as Director of Tax, the minimum criteria you’ll need is significant senior tax experience gained within a complex, multi-entity organisation, including direct and indirect tax strategy, compliance and structuring. You will have experience of international tax matters such as transfer pricing and cross-border tax risk, and be comfortable managing relationships with HMRC and other tax authorities. You will also bring strong leadership experience, having led and developed an internal tax team.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

• Familiarity with private equity ownership structures
• Experience of partnership tax and profit-sharing processes in a partnership or LLP environment
• Experience supporting M&A activity from a tax perspective, including due diligence and deferred tax provisions
• Relevant professional qualification, such as CTA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone.  Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job 

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.