Head of Tax UK & Middle East – Strategy & Leadership in London

Head of Tax UK & Middle East – Strategy & Leadership in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ING

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic tax team, ensuring compliance and providing expert advice across the UK and Middle East.
  • Company: Join a major international wholesale bank with a strong reputation in the finance sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a thriving team in a major banking hub with excellent growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on tax strategy while developing your leadership skills in a global environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified tax or accounting professional with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

The London tax department currently comprises five staff who are responsible for:

  • ING Wholesale Bank’s direct and indirect tax compliance for the UK and Middle East (with oversight on employment taxes)
  • Tax advice to ING Wholesale Bank’s front office functions (including structured lending, financial markets and corporate advisor), and internal management/stakeholders
  • Support to the Group Tax department in Amsterdam, including Group reporting and Group policy implementation

Roles and Responsibilities

As the Head of a busy and thriving Tax department you will be involved across all aspects of direct and indirect taxes, and specifically the following:

  • Ensuring the UK and Middle East (Dubai and Saudi Arabia) meet all their statutory obligations and reporting requirements for tax purposes and submit accurate and timely tax returns and payments to the relevant tax authorities.
  • Providing expert tax advice and recommendations to the UK Management Team, Group Tax function and businesses/support functions on the tax implications of current or proposed corporate strategies/projects, products and transactions and the location of activities.
  • Maintaining a monitoring and risk reporting framework to enable monitoring of the current tax position and early identification of tax issues, risks or opportunities requiring action.
  • At the forefront of ING’s relationship with HMRC (and liaising with the relevant tax authorities in the Middle East), maintaining strong lines of communication and conducting negotiations as needed.
  • Also influencing UK tax policy via taking a lead role in industry discussions and networking with advisors and other Heads of Tax in the banking industry.
  • Contributing to the overall management of the Group’s financial affairs including quarterly sign off on Group reporting, assisting with internal and/or external audits.
  • Continuously reviewing and taking appropriate opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and consistency through process, technology and/or people capability development.
  • Leading, motivating and developing the Tax team to deliver high quality outputs in the most effective ways while ensuring their personal and professional development.

How to Succeed

This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned and highly qualified tax professional seeking to leverage deep technical expertise and in-house experience across a broad range of taxes within the finance function of a leading global bank. Based in a highly experienced UK team within a major international wholesale banking hub, the role offers excellent scope to further develop your capabilities, broaden your exposure, and build a long-term career with clear progression opportunities.

You will have strong working knowledge of UK tax compliance and advisory experience within relevant areas of financial services, with proven leadership experience. Ability to lead, coach, and develop individuals effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and a proactive, adaptable mindset to navigate change while maintaining a positive, strategic outlook. Knowledge of UAE and Saudi tax frameworks. Strong IT skills, with an appreciation for evolving technologies and initiatives (e.g. AI).

Qualifications & Education

Essential: Qualified tax or accounting professional (ACA and/or CTA) with training/experience gained within a reputable firm, industry, or HMRC.

Desirable: Additional relevant qualifications or evidence of continued professional development.

Head of Tax UK & Middle East – Strategy & Leadership in London employer: ING

ING Wholesale Bank is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where you can thrive as the Head of Tax for the UK and Middle East. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to extensive growth opportunities and the chance to lead a talented team while influencing tax policy within the banking industry. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and excellence, making it a rewarding place to build a long-term career.

ING

Contact Details:

ING Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Tax UK & Middle East – Strategy & Leadership in London

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend tax seminars, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. The more you mingle, the better your chances of landing that dream job through referrals.

Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge. Discuss recent tax changes or share insights on compliance strategies. This will position you as a thought leader and make you memorable!

Ace the Interview

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to tax compliance and advisory roles. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you can bring value to their team.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Tax UK & Middle East – Strategy & Leadership in London

UK Tax Compliance
Tax Advisory
Leadership Experience
Communication Skills
Risk Reporting Framework
Negotiation Skills
Industry Networking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Tax role. Highlight your expertise in UK and Middle Eastern tax compliance, as well as any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value 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. Share your passion for tax strategy and leadership, and don’t forget to mention your experience with HMRC and other tax authorities. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Tax, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to highlight your leadership style and successes. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to develop our Tax department. We’re all about growth here at StudySmarter!

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 you’re keen on joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at ING

Know Your Tax Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK, UAE, and Saudi tax frameworks. Be ready to discuss specific compliance issues and how they relate to the banking sector. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in a practical context.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop individuals, as this role requires strong leadership to drive the Tax department forward.

Communicate Clearly

Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice articulating complex tax concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to explain tax implications to non-tax professionals, so clarity is key!

Stay Current with Technology

Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies impacting tax functions, like AI and data analytics. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these tools to improve operational effectiveness within the Tax department.