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: Qualified ACA, ACCA or CTA with experience in tax leadership.
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 in Hemel Hempstead employer: Leisure Employment Services
Haven is an exceptional employer that values its team members through a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and extensive benefits including 25 days of holiday and discounts on holidays for employees and their families. Located in Hemel Hempstead, our hybrid working model promotes flexibility while providing exciting career development opportunities, ensuring that every employee can thrive and grow within our award-winning Bourne Leisure family.
Contact Details:
Leisure Employment Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Tax in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tax sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the Haven team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Head of Tax role. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful projects you've led. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Tax in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Tax role. Highlight your experience in tax leadership and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CTA. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed tax across complex organisations and built strong relationships with HMRC and auditors. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Head of Tax, you'll need to explain complex tax matters clearly. In your application, demonstrate your communication skills by using straightforward language and clear examples. We love candidates who can break down complicated topics into digestible bits!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Haven and our amazing culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leisure Employment Services
✨Know Your Tax Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK taxation rules and financial principles. Be ready to discuss specific tax matters like corporation tax, VAT, and payroll taxes, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Tax, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've managed tax across complex organisations or professional services firms, and be ready to discuss how you’ve mentored others in finance.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with HMRC, auditors, and external advisors. Think of instances where you successfully navigated these relationships and how they benefited your previous roles.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since the interview process may include a presentation or skills test, practice delivering clear insights on tax-related financial statements. Make sure you can explain complex tax matters in a straightforward way, as effective communication is key.
