At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop CIS offerings, providing expert advice on employment tax matters.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a focus on innovative tax solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior staff and manage complex client relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in CIS and strong technical knowledge of tax legislation.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead and develop our Construction Industry Scheme ("CIS") offering as part of our Employment Tax team. This role will provide technical and practical advice to clients on all employment tax matters with a focus on the operation of CIS, including compliance, risk management and HMRC engagement. The successful candidate will act as a key technical lead within the employment tax team, driving delivery across complex engagements, supporting client relationships and contributing to the firm’s national CIS capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Advisory & Technical Leadership
- Provide expert advice on all aspects of CIS, including complex and high‑risk areas.
- Lead technical input on large and complex client engagements across all aspects of employment taxes, ensuring high-quality, commercially practical advice.
- Develop your own network of contacts internally and externally and start winning own work and cross‑selling.
- Be responsible for coaching and developing junior members of staff.
- Compliance & Operational Support
- Support clients in meeting their CIS obligations.
- Advise on remediation of historic compliance issues and implementation of best practice frameworks.
- Provide guidance on record‑keeping and audit readiness.
- HMRC Engagement & Dispute Management
- Act as a primary point of contact with HMRC on employment tax and CIS matters.
- Represent clients in complex discussions with HMRC, ensuring robust technical positions are articulated and defended.
- Monitor HMRC trends and enforcement activity to inform client advice.
- Business Development & Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong client relationships across real estate, construction and wider sectors.
- Identify opportunities to provide additional advisory, compliance and training services.
- Support the development of proposals, thought leadership and market‑facing materials.
- Manage the team providing CIS advice to clients and contribute to growth of employment tax revenue streams.
- Lead the CIS offering (reporting into the partners) and manage all financial aspects of our services.
- Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration
- Provide technical oversight and mentoring to managers and junior team members.
- Act as a central point of expertise within the firm’s CIS network, supporting colleagues nationally.
- Work closely with Real Estate, VAT and other service lines on multidisciplinary projects.
- Contribute to internal training and knowledge sharing.
- Manage wider employment tax projects arising from clients and contacts.
Skills & Experience
- Significant experience advising on CIS across a range of sectors (e.g. property, construction, large corporates, overseas investors).
- Strong technical knowledge of CIS legislation (Finance Act 2004), contractor vs subcontractor rules, deemed contractor thresholds and exemptions.
- Proven track record of dealing with HMRC enquiries, disclosures and technical negotiations.
- Experience managing complex client relationships and leading engagements.
- Commercial awareness and ability to translate technical rules into practical advice.
- An in‑depth, up‑to‑date knowledge of taxation with specialist knowledge and the ability to deal with complex tax issues beyond CIS (including income taxes, PAYE/NIC, benefits in kind).
- Project and staff management experience.
- Ability to manage a substantial client portfolio profitably while actively seeking opportunities for new clients and services.
- Experience of dealing with client senior management and success in bids/proposals for new work.
- Experience in marketing, commoditising new ideas and opportunities.
- Demonstrable post‑qualified experience.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and team development capability.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- High attention to detail with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach.
- Ability to operate at a senior level with clients and stakeholders.
Success Measures
- Delivery of high‑quality, technically robust client advice.
- Effective management of HMRC interactions and risk outcomes.
- Growth in CIS‑related revenue and client base.
- Development of internal CIS capability and team expertise.
- Seek innovative solutions to complex challenges.
- Leverage stakeholder relationships to deliver superior results.
- Lead large scale or complex projects within own area of expertise.
Associate Director – Employment Tax and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) in London employer: BDO UK LLP
As an Associate Director in our Employment Tax team, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. Our firm offers comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and a culture that encourages innovation and excellence, all while being located in a vibrant city that fosters both personal and professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Employment Tax and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to CIS and employment tax. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. Highlight your technical knowledge of CIS and your ability to manage complex client relationships. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Employment Tax and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience with CIS and employment tax, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities, like managing client relationships or dealing with HMRC. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge of CIS legislation, make sure to highlight your expertise in this area. Include examples of how you've navigated complex tax issues and provided practical advice to clients. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDO UK LLP
✨Know Your CIS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) legislation, especially the Finance Act 2004. Be prepared to discuss complex areas and demonstrate your understanding of contractor vs subcontractor rules, as well as deemed contractor thresholds.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex client relationships. Be ready to share how you’ve navigated HMRC enquiries or negotiations, as this will highlight your ability to provide high-quality, practical advice.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development
Prepare to talk about your experience in mentoring and developing junior staff. Highlight specific instances where you've led a team or contributed to their growth, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that test your knowledge of employment tax matters beyond just CIS. Brush up on related topics like income taxes, PAYE/NIC, and benefits in kind, so you can confidently articulate your expertise during the interview.
