Tax Manager in Liverpool

BUSINESS UNIT OVERVIEW
The Finance department is responsible for the preparation and reporting of the monthly management accounts for the UK and overseas entities within the Group, providing insightful commentary to assist management make the appropriate decisions. There is a strong emphasis on credit control and cash collection. Transaction processing, ledger maintenance and statutory compliance through strong controls, processes and governance are effective in mitigating financial risk throughout the organisation.

PURPOSE
To lead the Group's tax strategy, ensure global tax compliance, optimise the worldwide tax position, and act as the principal internal advisor on all direct and indirect tax matters, reinforcing the company's ethical and statutory obligations across all jurisdictions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own, develop, and implement the Group’s global tax strategy, ensuring it aligns with commercial objectives, legal obligations, and the Group's ethical risk appetite.
• Act as the primary internal advisor to Executive Management, Finance and Legal teams on the tax implications of all major business decisions, including M&A activity, financing structures, transfer pricing arrangements, and new market entry.
• Proactively identify and execute legally compliant tax planning opportunities to minimise tax liabilities (e.g., Corporation Tax, VAT/Sales Tax) and optimise effective tax rates (ETR) across all operating territories.
• Oversee and manage the timely and accurate preparation and submission of all UK Corporation Tax returns and coordinate the timely preparation and submission of all non-UK direct tax returns (in conjunction with local teams and external advisors).
• Ensure robust processes are in place for accurate, timely submission of all indirect tax returns, including UK VAT, international VAT/GST, Sales Tax, and withholding taxes.
• Manage the preparation and review of the consolidated Group tax provision and effective tax rate (ETR) calculation for interim and annual financial statements under relevant accounting standards.
• Ensure all tax-related disclosures within the Group and statutory financial statements comply fully with IFRS/UK GAAP requirements.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Group's global Transfer Pricing policy, ensuring intercompany transactions (e.g., service fees, IP charges, financing) are conducted on an arm's length basis.
• Manage the preparation and upkeep of contemporaneous TP documentation (Master File and Local Files) in line with OECD and local country requirements.
• Monitor TP risks and exposures, advising on adjustments and required restructuring to mitigate challenges from tax authorities globally.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls and processes to manage tax risk and ensure compliance with the UK’s Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements (if applicable) and corporate governance standards.
• Act as the main point of contact and representative for the Group in dealings with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and other international tax authorities, managing audits and resolving queries efficiently.
• Continuously monitor and analyse changes in UK and international tax legislation (e.g., OECD BEPS Pillars One and Two), assessing their potential impact on the Group and implementing necessary adjustments to policies and systems.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Tax Assistant, managing their workflow, performance, and professional development to ensure high-quality tax execution.
• Develop and deliver internal training and guidance to non-finance colleagues on key tax principles (e.g., permanent establishment risk, employee taxation, VAT) to ensure tax considerations are embedded across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement in tax compliance processes and underlying financial systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and automation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Preferably qualified ACA / ACCA / CTA. Qualified by experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of UK Corporation Tax principles and practices, with a deep understanding of UK VAT, international VAT/GST, Sales Tax, etc.
• Transfer Pricing Principles; expertise in OECD guidelines, the arm's length principle, and the preparation and defense of Master and Local TP Files.
• Functional knowledge of other major international tax jurisdictions where the Group operates.
• Comprehensive understanding of current and emerging global tax reforms and their impact on an international company.
• Strong experience in the tax provision process, effective tax rate (ETR) calculation, deferred tax accounting, and tax disclosures under IFRS or UK GAAP.
• Ability to work under pressure, ensuring compliance with deadlines, establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with department staff.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to take responsibility for resolving issues.
• Strong organisation skills with the ability to plan, manage and prioritise workload to ensure all key deadlines are met.
• Good communication skills and a proven change management track record demonstrating the ability to interact with, influence and support people at varying levels within the Group.
• Possess excellent IT skills with a very good understanding of the UK taxation system and a working knowledge of international tax.
• Motivated with a thirst for learning, a desire to succeed and have experience of working in a high pressure dynamic environment.