Tax Compliance, Reporting and Control Lead - EMEA (UK) in Addlestone

Tax Compliance, Reporting and Control Lead - EMEA (UK)

Location: Addlestone, UK. This is a permanent role with a hybrid working model, with the expectation to be in office 1–2 days per week.

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Purpose & Scope

• The EMEA Direct Tax is accountable for managing, supporting and advising on all direct tax matters across the EMEA region. The team works closely with local EMEA affiliates and cross‑regional stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely and efficient reporting to Group headquarters in Japan and to external stakeholders, including local tax authorities.
• The function provides strategic direction and advice to the Group Headquarters, Affiliates, Corporate and wider functions, with a strong focus on tax risk management, governance and the consistent application of sound tax practices. It supports delivery of the Group’s tax strategy and helps maintain a robust control environment.
• As part of a highly experienced, collaborative team, the role offers broad exposure and variety. The position operates with a high degree of autonomy while maintaining strong, proactive communication within the tax team and with the wider business. A key emphasis is on transformation through automation, controls and standardisation, leveraging technology to help shape and deliver the future Astellas tax operating model.

Role and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate agility and adaptability as the EMEA tax operating model continues to evolve.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership, coaching and oversight to junior team members.
• Review and take ownership of EMEA quarterly and year‑end direct tax reporting, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
• Own and maintain the direct tax compliance calendar; manage the outsourced compliance engagement with the appointed external tax advisor to deliver returns on time and to the required quality standard.
• Lead cross‑regional communications and take accountability for EMEA inputs to head office reporting requirements, including CbCR, Pillar Two, JCFC and J SOX.
• Own the EMEA Direct tax budget, monitoring and managing external adviser engagements as appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement/transformation across processes, identifying and delivering opportunities to standardise, centralise and automate activities using technology.
• Design, document and implement standardised processes, ensuring robust governance, controls and audit‑ready documentation.
• Partner with local affiliates and external advisers to identify, manage and resolve tax risks and opportunities, including local audits and incentive/relief claims (e.g., capital allowances, RDEC, Patent Box).
• Support the EMEA Direct Tax Lead and wider stakeholders on ad‑hoc tax advisory and project work (e.g., business investments and office/location initiatives).

Values & Behaviours

• We’re looking for someone who actively embraces and demonstrates Astellas Values and Behaviours in everything they do. This includes acting with integrity, putting patients at the centre of decisions, collaborating openly across teams and functions, and taking accountability for outcomes. You will be expected to communicate transparently, show respect for diverse perspectives, and drive continuous improvement by challenging the status quo in a constructive, solutions‑focused way.

Required Qualifications

• University Degree.
• Recognised accountancy and/or tax qualification with 10+ years post‑qualification experience.
• Experience with Corporate Income Tax EMEA region (UK, Ireland, NL).

Preferred Qualifications

• Life Science, Pharma or Medical Sector experience.
• International Tax proficiency.
• RDEC and/or patent box experience.
• Technology implementation.
• Strong reporting and compliance background within multinational listed organisations.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like‑minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients’ lives worldwide.
• Real‑world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviours

• Impact
• Innovation
• Integrity
• One Astellas
• Accountability
• Courage
• Sense of Urgency
• Outcome Focus

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.