At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global tax strategy and manage complex cross-border tax queries.
- Company: Join DS Smith's dynamic Group Tax Team in Paddington.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid role with flexibility; equal opportunity employer.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international tax strategy across 35 countries.
- Qualifications: Professional accountant with strong international tax experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About the role
Join our Group Tax Team at DS Smith's Paddington headquarters. Lead the global execution and advisory aspects of our international tax strategy, serving as the primary contact for complex cross‐border tax queries, M&A transactions, and legal entity structures. Partner with senior internal teams on commercial projects, build relationships across our global footprint of over 35 countries, and directly manage and develop an International Tax Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the group's international tax strategy, partnering with Treasury on capital structures, dividend planning, and repatriation methods.
- Provide expert tax advice to regional finance teams and corporate functions on commercial projects, managing risks around CFC regimes and permanent establishments.
- Lead tax due diligence on potential acquisitions or divestments, designing tax‐efficient structures and overseeing post‐acquisition integration and legal entity rationalisation.
- Track global tax updates to assess business impact, ensuring alignment on key international compliance components like Pillar 2 and transfer pricing principles.
- Provide strategic support to the Direct Tax team and local entities on tax audit queries relating to international tax matters.
- Directly manage, mentor, and coach the International Tax Manager, fostering a collaborative, high‐performance culture aligned with the wider tax function.
About you
- Professional qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CA/CTA or equivalent.
- Demonstrable progressive International Tax experience, ideally at leadership level within a large multinational or large advisory.
- Extensive knowledge of UK direct tax (CFC, loan relationships, Pillar 2), Double Tax Treaties, and foreign tax regimes.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate complex tax matters into business outcomes and influence cross‐functional stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage, coach, and develop direct reports while driving strategic corporate projects independently.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Car allowance
- Private healthcare
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) – however flexibility will be required at times.
Fair recruitment
DS Smith is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Head of International Tax in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Paddington headquarters where innovation meets collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member can thrive. With competitive benefits including private healthcare, a discretionary bonus, and a flexible hybrid working model, we empower our employees to achieve both personal and professional success while making a meaningful impact across our global operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of International Tax in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals in your field. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with people who work in roles you’re interested in. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn more about the company and role. Plus, it shows your genuine interest and can lead to referrals down the line!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge in international tax. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a blog, showcasing your expertise can make you stand out as a thought leader in the field.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really interested in joining our team at DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of International Tax in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head of International Tax role. Highlight your international tax expertise and any leadership experience you've had, as we want to see how you can contribute 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 at DS Smith. Share specific examples of your past achievements in international tax and how they align with our goals.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:We’re looking for someone who can translate complex tax matters into business outcomes. In your application, make sure to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Tax Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK direct tax, CFC regimes, and Double Tax Treaties. Be ready to discuss how these elements impact business decisions and demonstrate your ability to translate complex tax matters into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing an International Tax Manager, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you've fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with DS Smith's operations and their global footprint. Be ready to discuss how your international tax strategy can align with their commercial projects and support their growth across different countries.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complex cross-border tax queries or leading tax due diligence on acquisitions. Think through specific scenarios where you've navigated challenges and what strategies you employed to achieve successful outcomes.
