At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Aston University's tax strategy and ensure compliance with UK and international tax requirements.
- Company: Aston University, a vibrant campus in Birmingham with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, training opportunities, and discounts on activities and retailers.
- Other info: Opportunity for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Shape the tax strategy of a growing university and influence key strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified tax professional with experience in VAT and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 87971 - 87971 £ per year.
Aston University is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Tax to lead all aspects of the University's tax function and support delivery of the Aston 2030 Strategy.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, you will provide expert leadership across VAT, corporate tax, employment tax and international tax matters.
This is a senior leadership role with significant influence across the University.
You will develop and implement the University's tax strategy, ensure compliance with UK and international tax requirements, advise on major projects and commercial activities, and lead relationships with HMRC and external advisors.
You will be a qualified tax professional (ideally CTA) or have equivalent experience, with a strong track record of providing tax advice in a large and complex organisation or professional practice.
Experience in VAT and indirect taxation is essential, together with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and implement Aston University's tax strategy, ensuring it supports the University's long-term ambitions and evolving activities.
- Provide expert advice on tax risk, compliance and opportunities to support informed decision-making across the organisation.
- Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, employment tax and international tax obligations, while promoting best practice and effective controls.
- Support major UK and international projects, providing strategic tax advice from planning through to delivery.
- Lead relationships with HMRC and other tax authorities, acting as the University's principal tax contact.
- Build tax awareness and strong tax governance across the University, helping colleagues understand and manage tax considerations effectively.
- Lead and develop the tax function, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the tax strategy of an ambitious and growing university, working closely with senior leaders and contributing to key strategic initiatives that support Aston's future success.
What we offer
- Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Hybrid working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here.
- Excellent training and developmentopportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family-friendlypolicies.
- On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
- USS pension scheme worth over 20% of your salary (6.1% contribution and 14.5% Aston University contribution)
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
Please note interviews for the role will take place week commencing 14th September 2026.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www. gov. uk/skilled-worker-visa
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Head of Tax in Birmingham employer: Aston University
Aston University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of Birmingham with excellent transport links. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. With access to on-site facilities like a gym and pool, as well as family-friendly policies, Aston University prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in transnational education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Tax in Birmingham
✨Join Tax Networks
Get involved in tax-focused networks or associations, like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. These communities often host events and workshops which can help you make connections with industry professionals, plus they might even have job boards exclusive to members.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for tax-related conferences and seminars. Events like these are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers face-to-face. Use these opportunities to ask questions and express your interest; it’s all about putting a face to the name!
✨Leverage Social Media
Follow leading tax advisory firms, such as Aston University, on social media. Engage with their posts – comment, share insights, or even ask questions. This can help you get noticed and show your enthusiasm for the industry before you even apply!
✨Showcase Your Knowledge
Consider writing articles or blogs on tax trends and issues. Sharing your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn can boost your visibility and establish you as someone who is serious about a career in tax advisory. Plus, it gives you something to discuss when you land that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Tax in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant tax qualifications, certifications, or coursework you've completed. We want to see that you understand tax laws, regulations, and compliance issues—so detail your academic background or any practical experience in tax advisory to catch Aston University's eye!
Quantify Your Achievements:In the tax consultancy field, showing measurable outcomes from your previous work can set you apart. Use your CV to include specific examples of how your advice helped clients save money or avoid penalties. Numbers speak volumes in our industry and can really highlight your impact.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you're passionate about tax consultancy and why you're excited about working at Aston University. Share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your interest in the tax advisory field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep It Professional but Approachable:While your written application should maintain a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality show. Tax advisory is about building relationships, so if you can convey your approachable nature in your writing, that's a bonus when applying for this full-time role at Aston University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals
Brush up on the core principles of tax law, especially recent updates that might affect clients. During the interview, we could face scenario-based questions where we'll need to apply these principles to solve problems, so get comfy with hypothetical situations!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Tax advisory isn't just about knowing the rules; it’s about interpreting them. Make sure to prepare examples from your previous studies or experiences where you successfully analysed complex data. We want to demonstrate how we can bring those analytical skills to the table for Aston University.
✨Understand the Consulting Aspect
Since this is a full-time role, the interview might involve discussing how we communicate tax strategies to clients. Think about times we've interacted with clients or presented technical information in a digestible way. This shows we’re not just tax boffins but can also connect with people!
✨Your Long-Term Vision
As we're aiming for a full-time position, it's important to convey our enthusiasm and long-term interest in tax advisory. Be prepared to chat about why we’re passionate about this field and how we see ourselves growing within Aston University. It helps to show our commitment!
