At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tax strategy and compliance for a world-class university.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture of inclusion and respect.
- Why this job: Shape the future of tax strategy in higher education and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior tax professional with experience in higher education or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The University of Southampton is a world‑leading, research‑intensive university, recognised globally for excellence, innovation and enterprise. We are seeking an experienced Head of Tax to join our Finance Leadership team at a key point in the University’s strategic and financial development. This is a senior role with responsibility for the tax strategy, governance, compliance and risk management of a large and complex University Group, spanning UK and international activities, subsidiaries, capital projects and commercial ventures.
Acting as the University’s principal tax adviser, you will work closely with senior leadership and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure tax matters are managed effectively, transparently and in line with the University’s values and public‑benefit mission. You will lead the development and delivery of the Group’s tax strategy, oversee tax risk and compliance, provide high‑quality advice on complex transactions, and manage relationships with HMRC and external advisers. The role offers significant scope to shape how tax supports the University’s long‑term sustainability and ambitions.
We are looking for a senior tax professional with strong technical breadth, sound judgement and the credibility to influence at Executive level. Experience in higher education or the public sector is essential.
What We Can Offer You
Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits in addition to our competitive rates of pay. Our core benefits include:
- Pension scheme membership
- A generous annual leave allowance (supplemented by University closure days and public holidays)
- Excellent family leave arrangements (including maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave)
All our benefits can be viewed on the Benefits Explained website. As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Head of Tax in Southampton employer: Cyber Security Academy Southampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a member of the Finance Leadership team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and comprehensive family leave arrangements, all while contributing to a prestigious institution dedicated to innovation and public benefit. With a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and equality, the University provides ample opportunities for meaningful engagement and influence at the executive level, making it an ideal place for experienced tax professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
Cyber Security Academy Southampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Tax in Southampton
✨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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton, 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 Southampton
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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton'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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton. 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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyber Security Academy Southampton
✨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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton.
✨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 Cyber Security Academy Southampton. It helps to show our commitment!
