Financial Service Tax Director

Overview

Financial Services (\”FS\”) Tax Director – Belfast. The Grant Thornton Advisors (NI) Tax Team is a growing group of specialists with deep industry, sector and technical knowledge across all our tax solutions.

Job Description Financial Services (\”FS\”) Tax Director – Belfast. The Grant Thornton Advisors (NI) Tax Team is a growing team with over 70 specialists providing broad tax advisory and compliance services. As a result of growth and the merger with Grant Thornton US, our tax team is expanding and we are establishing a new UK FS Tax practice in Belfast to serve a growing portfolio of clients in this sector. We are seeking an ambitious Director to lead this initiative and help shape the future of FS Tax at Grant Thornton Advisors. The role will be integrated with the wider firm’s FS Tax teams, including our team in ROI. The ROI FS tax team is led by two partners and includes over thirty employees, delivering tax advisory and compliance services to financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, institutional investors, asset managers and private equity firms. They provide specialised tax solutions across key financial sectors, including Banking & Capital Markets, Insurance, Asset Management & Private Equity, and Aviation & Leasing.

With deep industry expertise, the team helps clients stay compliant with evolving tax legislation while optimizing their tax positions, mitigating risk, maximizing tax efficiency, and navigating complex tax environments with confidence.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to join our Belfast office in a leadership capacity, driving the growth of a new and dynamic service line. As a Director in FS Tax, you will shape and drive our UK FS Tax offering, build a high-performing team, and deliver value to a diverse range of clients across the financial services industry in collaboration with colleagues across the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Development: Develop and implement the FS Tax strategy for the Belfast office, aligning with the firm’s objectives and growth plans.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing UK FS Tax team, fostering collaboration and excellence, and working with other FS Tax leaders across the firm.
• Client Leadership: Build and nurture relationships with new and existing clients in the financial services sector, offering tailored tax solutions to address complex business challenges.
• Technical Excellence: Provide expert advice on a wide range of UK FS Tax issues, including corporate tax compliance, tax structuring, transfer pricing, VAT, and operational taxes.
• Market Development: Identify and pursue business development opportunities within the FS sector to enhance the firm’s presence and reputation.
• Cross-Service Collaboration: Work with Audit, Advisory, and Consulting to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Governance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal risk management policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a driven and experienced UK tax professional with a passion for financial services and a proven track record in building teams and client relationships. This role is ideal for an ambitious FS tax specialist looking to own a priority practice area within the firm.

Essential Skills and Experience

• ACA/ACCA/CTA(UK) qualified (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in FS Tax.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally within a Big 4, top-tier professional services environment, or in-house at an FS organisation.
• Deep technical expertise in tax issues relevant to financial services, including current regulatory and market developments.
• Strong business development and client management skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver innovative solutions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to inspire confidence in clients and colleagues.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead and shape a new UK FS Tax practice.
• A collaborative and supportive environment that values innovation and diversity.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• Clear progression pathways and ongoing professional development.

Life at Grant Thornton

Reward and benefits are designed to create an environment where our people can flourish. We are committed to providing benefits to help promote a healthy lifestyle and success in our work.

Equity, diversity and inclusion: Grant Thornton provides equitable opportunities for all colleagues. We are a responsible, sustainable business where ED&I is at the forefront of our workplace culture. We continue to build and develop our ED&I structure and strategy to meet workplace needs. People are at the heart of our business and diverse backgrounds and viewpoints are valued. Integrity and authenticity are integral values in our day-to-day work-life. We encourage you to bring your authentic self to work.

Recognition: We celebrate performance through the Shout Out recognition scheme, which highlights achievements and values-based behaviours. The scheme enables thank-yous, celebrations, and awards for exceptional contributions.

About Us

Grant Thornton Ireland is a global firm with a presence in Ireland and beyond. We are trusted advisors, delivering local knowledge with a global network to help clients succeed wherever they are located. This includes service to the public sector, regulators and financial institutions, among others. A career at GT Ireland means a more inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment.