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 excellent employer that prioritises a collaborative and supportive work culture, allowing legal support professionals to thrive in their roles. With flexible working options and a focus on employee growth, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful client outcomes. The firm’s commitment to efficiency and strategic priorities ensures that every employee plays a vital role in enhancing the overall success of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax and Accounts Manager (TAM) - Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford or Sheffield
✨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 Freeths, 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 Tax and Accounts Manager (TAM) - Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford or Sheffield
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 Freeths'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 Freeths. 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 Freeths!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freeths
✨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 Freeths.
✨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 Freeths. It helps to show our commitment!
