At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tax matters, ensuring compliance and risk management across a large business.
- Company: Join Haven, part of the award-winning Bourne Leisure family.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual bonus, and exclusive discounts on holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA or CTA qualified with tax leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Tax to join our finance team at Haven on a 12 month FTC. This is a leadership role, designed for an experienced tax professional who can take ownership of all tax-related matters across our large, multisite business. You’ll be part of the Financial Control, Tax & Treasury function and play a key role in ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and enhancing our control environment.
Your Opportunity:
- Lead on all direct and indirect tax matters across the group, including corporation tax, VAT, payroll taxes and more
- Own tax governance, compliance, and risk management, including SAO responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with HMRC, auditors and external advisors
- Oversee the preparation and review of tax-related financial statements and audit deliverables
- Deliver accurate and timely tax reporting to senior management, providing clear insights and explanations
- Coordinate the submission of R&D claims, PSA returns, and management of IR35 compliance
- Support and advise the business on tax implications of key decisions and projects
- Drive continuous improvement of financial systems and internal controls
- Manage and develop a Tax Accountant direct report
- Play an integral role in the wider finance team, contributing to a strong culture of compliance and accountability
What we’d like you to bring:
- ACA, ACCA or CTA qualified, with demonstrable experience in tax leadership
- Proven experience in managing tax across a complex organisation or within a professional services firm
- In-depth understanding of UK taxation rules, financial principles, and accounting standards
- Experience liaising with external advisors, including auditors and HMRC
- Effective communicator with the ability to explain complex tax matters clearly
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A proactive and strategic mindset, committed to continuous improvement
- Integrity and a high level of professional ethics
- A collaborative working style with the ability to build strong internal relationships
- Previous experience managing or mentoring others within a finance function
What’s In It For You?
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Holiday Buy Scheme
- Annual bonus
- 20% discount on both Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends
- Comprehensive wellbeing support
- Exclusive discounts with corporate partners
- Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees
- Enhanced family friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied)
Who are we?
We’re part of an award-winning Bourne Leisure family, which includes Haven & Warner Hotels. We have 9,000 fantastic team members and 39 beautiful seaside locations and our HQ based in Hemel Hempstead.
What’s it like to work with us?
Working with us is ultimately defined by our exceptional people and teams. At Haven, we take pride in our Breath of Fresh Air culture, which focuses on valuing and supporting every team member. We prioritise openness and transparency in our interactions allowing our team members to be their authentic selves. We operate a hybrid working model, meaning 50% of your working week will be spent at the office, occasionally on Park, or at external events.
What can you expect during the recruitment process?
The interview process will be up to 3 stages and may contain a presentation or skills test, depending on the role. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments to help you perform at your best during this process, please let us know.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require, including whether a role can be part-time or a job-share.
We genuinely care about every candidate's experience during the recruitment process and are here to provide support where we can. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at resourcingteam@bourne-leisure.co.uk.
How to Apply
We’re committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. To get started, click apply now and answer a few quick questions, which should take 5 minutes. Once submitted, a member of our team will be in touch.
Head of Tax employer: Haven
Haven is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Lancashire where you can thrive as a Venue Cleaner. With flexible hours, comprehensive training, and numerous career development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and succeed while enjoying exclusive perks that enhance their work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Tax
✨Tap into Professional Networks
In the world of tax advisory consulting, connections can make all the difference. Get active in professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Join relevant LinkedIn groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about reaching out for advice from seasoned pros!
✨Utilise Recruitment Agencies
For temporary roles in tax advisory, recruitment agencies can be your best mate. They often have access to opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Find out which agencies specialise in finance and tax, and get on their radar—they can help match you with placements that suit your skills.
✨Stay Ahead with Tax Trends
Keeping up-to-date with tax legislation and trends can give you a fab edge. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and industry news. This knowledge could come in handy during interviews, showing that you’re not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Apply Directly at Haven
Don’t forget to check out the careers page for Haven! Applying directly through their website often makes you more visible to their hiring managers. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills in tax advisory, and don't hesitate to emphasise your eagerness to learn in a temporary role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Tax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Tax advisory in consulting is all about understanding the nitty-gritty of tax regulations and how they apply to different scenarios. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, internships, or certifications in tax law. Don't be shy about mentioning specific regulations or areas you're keen to dive deeper into with this role at Haven.
Quantify Your Contributions:When detailing your past experiences, especially in tax, don't just list tasks – quantify your contributions. Did you help save clients a certain percentage in tax? Did you streamline a process that boosted accuracy? Numbers grab attention and show that you have real-world impact, which is crucial for a temporary role like this at Haven.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, focus on why you're excited about this temporary position at Haven. Share what you hope to learn and why this role is a stepping stone for you. We like to see enthusiasm and willingness to absorb as much as possible – we all learn faster that way!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Given that this is a temporary role in tax advisory, your application needs to be sharp and to the point. Cut any fluff and really focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant. We want to see that you know what you're getting into and can hit the ground running!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haven
✨Brush Up on Tax Legislation
Since you’re looking at a temporary role in tax advisory consulting, make sure you’re up to speed with the latest tax laws and regulations. Be prepared for technical questions that assess your understanding of recent changes in tax legislation, as this will show you’re ready to dive in without much hand-holding.
✨Demonstrate Client-Facing Skills
In a consulting role, especially with a temporary position, you'll likely deal directly with clients. Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills during the interview. Maybe share past experiences where you successfully managed client expectations or resolved queries—this will showcase your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
Even for a temporary role, the interviewer might want to see some examples of your previous work. Prepare a portfolio that includes case studies of tax planning strategies or advisory services you've provided. This can be a great way to visually demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to Haven quickly.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability to new teams and projects. Be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to new tasks or environments in the past. This will reassure Haven that you can effectively handle the often fast-paced and changing nature of consulting work.
