At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage trust accounting, tax compliance, and administration for a leading legal team.
- Company: Join Freeths, a top-tier law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values communication and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with high responsibility and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Experience in trusts and private client tax compliance; strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Freeths is seeking a highly skilled Tax and Accounts Manager based in Nottingham or Oxford, to join our growing Trusts, Estates & Tax (TET) team, which is spread nationally across our offices. For 15 consecutive years Freeths’ Trusts, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in the UK’s leading legal directory, Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high‑quality trust accounting, tax compliance and trust administration services within a thriving national practice.
The Top Tier Oxford Trusts, Estates and Tax Team is jointly led by Partners Louise Lewis and Lisa Mark‑Bell, who are both listed in Chambers (HNW) and Legal 500. Lisa is dual qualified as a solicitor and a chartered tax adviser and both are based in our Oxford office. The East Midlands Trusts, Estates and Tax Team is led by Rahul Kotecha and supported by Marie Cooper who are both Directors based in our Nottingham office.
About The Role
As a Tax and Accounts Manager, you will be responsible for the efficient management of trust accounting, trust taxation and wider private client tax compliance. This role is instrumental in supporting our fee earners and maintaining the smooth, compliant operation of the team’s trust and estate portfolio. You will provide technical expertise, deliver accurate reporting, and build strong relationships with trustees, beneficiaries and advisers. This is a varied and rewarding position ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, technical problem‑solving, and autonomy.
Key Responsibilities
- Trust Accounting & Financial Management
- Prepare and maintain annual trust accounts in line with HMRC requirements.
- Conduct full accounts checks for all trusts administered by the team.
- Review annual estate accounts to support accurate income and capital treatment.
- Monitor financial transactions, distributions, loans, and asset movements.
- Reconcile investment portfolios and identify risks or anomalies.
- Tax Compliance & Reporting
- Income Tax
- Prepare and file annual Trust & Estate Tax Returns (SA900).
- Produce R185 certificates and advise beneficiaries.
- Manage tax pool calculations and oversee tax payments.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
- Prepare CGT computations and file 60‑day UK property CGT returns.
- Track base costs, enhancement expenditure and losses.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT)
- Prepare IHT100, IHT100a and associated schedules.
- Assist with IHT400 schedules where required.
- Manage 10‑year anniversary and exit charge calculations.
- Income Tax
- Trust Administration & Governance
- Maintain trust deeds, minutes, statutory records and resolutions.
- Support trustee meetings and ongoing trust reviews.
- Liaise with investment managers, brokers, property agents and advisers.
- Client Care & Communication
- Act as a trusted point of contact for trustees, beneficiaries and peers.
- Provide proactive updates on compliance deadlines.
- Support smooth onboarding of new trust clients.
- Compliance, Risk & HMRC Liaison
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC deadlines and AML obligations.
- Manage the Trust Registration Service (TRS).
- Liaise directly with HMRC on returns, queries and investigations.
- Contribute to internal process improvements.
- Team Support & Knowledge Development
- Deliver training to junior team members and fee earners.
- Support the wider team with complex queries.
- Assist in growing the trust administration offering and contribute to digital transformation projects.
Skills & Experience
- Experience of working with trusts and private client tax compliance.
- Strong technical knowledge of IHT, CGT and Income Tax as applied to trusts.
- Experience preparing trust accounts and SA900 returns.
- Excellent Excel and numeracy skills.
- High attention to detail and strong organisational ability.
- Ability to clearly explain complex tax matters to clients and colleagues.
- ATT/CTA, STEP Diploma or similar relevant qualification.
- Experience with CCH, Digita or equivalent tax software.
- Experience gained in a law firm, accountancy practice or specialist trust team.
- Knowledge of estate taxation and personal tax returns.
This role will give you the opportunity to develop professionally, working on high quality instructions alongside leaders in their respective fields. There will be a good level of supervisory responsibilities involved and business development activities will be supported and encouraged.
No agencies. Direct applications only. For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact the recruitment team at recruitmentfreeths@freeths.co.uk.
Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths. Become part of the team at Freeths. Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.
Tax and Accounts Manager (TAM) - Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford or Sheffield employer: Freeths
Freeths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Tax and Accounts Manager in the vibrant cities of Nottingham or Oxford. With a strong focus on professional development, our team is recognised nationally for its expertise, providing you with the opportunity to work alongside top-tier legal professionals while enjoying a culture that values collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in trust accounting and tax compliance, all while benefiting from our commitment to employee growth and a supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax and Accounts Manager (TAM) - Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford or Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Tax and Accounts Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss IHT, CGT, and Income Tax as they apply to trusts. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Tax and Accounts Manager, you'll need to explain complex tax matters clearly. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing these topics in a straightforward way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Freeths!
We think you need these skills to ace Tax and Accounts Manager (TAM) - Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford or Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Tax and Accounts Manager role. Highlight your experience with trusts, private client tax compliance, and any relevant qualifications like ATT/CTA or STEP Diploma. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 you can contribute to our Trusts, Estates & Tax team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge of IHT, CGT, and Income Tax, make sure to showcase these skills in your application. Mention any software you’ve used, like CCH or Digita, and provide examples of how you've applied your expertise in previous roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Freeths!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freeths
✨Know Your Tax Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax as they apply to trusts. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with Excel and any tax software you've used, like CCH or Digita. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage trust accounts or prepare tax returns, as this will highlight your practical experience.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask about the Trusts, Estates & Tax team and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be acting as a point of contact for trustees and beneficiaries, it's crucial to convey your ability to explain complex tax matters clearly. Share examples from your past where effective communication made a difference in client relationships.
