At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tax due diligence for exciting M&A transactions and advise on tax-efficient structures.
- Company: Join a respected mid-market accountancy firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a discretionary annual bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile deals while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: ACA or CTA qualified with strong corporate tax skills and M&A experience.
- Other info: Clear career progression from Manager to Senior Manager in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly regarded, mid-market accountancy and business advisory firm to recruit a Tax Manager with a strong interest in M&A and transactions tax. You will join an established corporate tax team that works together with an award-winning Corporate Finance and transaction diligence practice, supporting a diverse client base across a wide range of sectors.
The opportunity:
- You will be part of a successful tax team that has advised on numerous high-profile and mid-market transactions, including:
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Management buyouts (MBOs) and private equity-backed deals
- Group reorganisations and demergers
- Cross-border and international structuring
Key responsibilities:
- Lead or play a key role in tax due diligence assignments for buy-side and sell-side transactions.
- Advise on transaction structuring, including tax-efficient acquisition and disposal structures.
- Support on international tax aspects where relevant, working alongside internal specialists.
- Advise on employment-related securities and other transaction-linked tax issues as required.
- Work closely with the firm's Corporate Finance and transaction diligence teams, as well as other tax specialists (e.g. VAT, employment tax).
- Build strong relationships with management teams, private equity houses and other stakeholders, explaining complex tax issues in a clear, commercial way.
- Contribute to training, coaching, and developing junior team members.
Qualifications:
- ACA or CTA qualified (or equivalent), with strong corporate tax technical skills.
- Solid experience in corporate tax, with demonstrable exposure to transactions tax (M&A, due diligence, structuring or PE-backed work).
- Brand is less important than capability and attitude.
- Genuinely comfortable with the pace and peaks/troughs of deal work; quiet periods followed by urgent deadlines.
- Commercial, pragmatic and able to tailor advice to owner-managers, PE investors and corporates alike.
- Enjoy collaborating with corporate finance, other tax specialists and wider teams across offices.
Location, hybrid working & travel:
- The firm's core offices for this role are Reading, Oxford, Newbury, or Southampton, with a marginal preference for Reading because that's where Corporate Finance is based.
- Hybrid working once probation is passed; typically 2-3 days a week in the office on average, applied flexibly depending on workload.
- During the first three months, they expect you to be in the office most days to build relationships and learn the deal processes.
- Occasional travel between offices to work with colleagues and clients.
- They are particularly keen on candidates currently commuting into London who live within reach of Reading/Oxford/Newbury/Southampton and would value a shorter local commute.
Large enough to have specialist teams (employment tax, VAT, corporate finance, restructuring, etc.) but small enough that you are known by name, can make a visible impact, and don't feel like a tiny cog in a huge machine. Good work-life balance, even in transactions; this is not a culture of routine late nights and weekends. Clear career progression, with genuine scope to move from Manager to Senior Manager for the right individual.
Other benefits:
- Discretionary annual bonus based on contribution and going above and beyond.
Tax Manager or Senior Manager - M&A in Reading employer: Baker Thornton
Contact Detail:
Baker Thornton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Manager or Senior Manager - M&A in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with folks already working in M&A or tax roles. Ask them about their experiences and insights. This not only helps you learn but also shows your genuine interest in the field, making you stand out when applying for jobs.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience with transactions tax and M&A. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to their team. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Tax Manager or Senior Manager - M&A in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in M&A and transactions tax. Highlight specific projects you've worked on that align with the role, showing us you understand the nuances of corporate tax.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can benefit our team. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your interest in working with diverse clients.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration! In your application, mention experiences where you've worked closely with other teams or stakeholders. This shows us you’re not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baker Thornton
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of M&A and transactions tax. Be ready to discuss recent deals you've worked on or studied, and how you approached the tax implications. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience working with corporate finance teams and other tax specialists. Share examples of how you've built relationships and communicated complex tax issues clearly to different stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Employers want to see that you can tailor your advice to various clients, from owner-managers to private equity investors. Think of examples where you've had to adapt your approach based on the client's needs and the specific transaction context.
✨Be Ready for the Fast Pace
This role involves dealing with peaks and troughs in workload, so be prepared to discuss how you manage stress and deadlines. Share strategies you've used in the past to stay organised and deliver quality work under pressure.