At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK tax compliance and governance, enhancing frameworks and managing HMRC relationships.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on tax governance and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership exposure, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into broader Group tax responsibilities.
- Why this job: Shape tax governance and make a real impact in a visible role.
- Qualifications: CTA qualified with 8-15 years of UK tax experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Our client is seeking a pragmatic, commercially minded Tax Compliance & Governance Manager to take ownership of their UK tax compliance framework, lead their relationship with HMRC and strengthen tax governance across the business. This newly created, highly visible role offers the opportunity to build and embed a stronger tax governance framework, rather than simply manage an established compliance process. The successful candidate will review and formalise tax systems, processes and controls and coordinate UK tax matters across VAT, corporation tax, payroll, BIK, imports/exports and emerging areas such as CBAM and E-Invoicing. The role will suit an experienced Tax Manager or Senior Tax Manager who wants to move beyond purely technical tax work and take genuine ownership of tax governance, controls, risk and operational stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities
- HMRC & Tax Governance: Lead the relationship with HMRC, including Customer Compliance Managers; manage enquiries and reviews; build HMRC confidence; and strengthen the company’s tax risk profile.
- Tax Controls & Risk: Build and maintain the Tax Control Framework, identify control gaps, establish testing and monitoring, and maintain the tax risk register.
- Tax Compliance: Oversee UK VAT and corporation tax compliance, including returns, reconciliations, payments, provisions and relevant areas such as imports/exports, property, payroll/BIK and intercompany activity.
- Business Partnership: Work closely with Finance, IT, Operations, Manufacturing, Property and Legal to embed effective tax controls, advise on projects and systems, and drive practical process improvements.
- Group Tax: Support transfer pricing and intercompany compliance, with scope to take on broader Group tax responsibilities over time.
What Success Will Look Like
Within the first 12–18 months, you will have:
- Established a clear view of key UK tax risks and priorities.
- Built a strong and credible relationship with HMRC.
- Designed and embedded a robust Tax Control Framework.
- Strengthened VAT and corporation-tax controls, with effective testing and monitoring.
- Improved senior management visibility of tax risk and compliance.
- Delivered a clear plan to enhance the company’s HMRC risk profile.
- Embedded greater tax awareness and accountability across the business.
What We Are Looking For
- CTA qualified; ACA or ACCA also desirable.
- 8–15 years’ UK tax experience, ideally as a Tax Manager or Senior Tax Manager within a large retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or FTSE business.
- Strong knowledge of UK VAT and corporation tax, with broader UK tax experience.
- Proven experience building or enhancing tax governance and control frameworks.
- Direct experience working with HMRC Customer Compliance Managers.
- Comfortable working with operational management, translating tax requirements into practical, sustainable processes.
- Highly analytical, organised and detail-focused, with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Confident challenging existing processes and driving improvements across the business.
- Able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting statutory deadlines.
What’s In It For You?
This is an opportunity to shape how tax is governed and managed across the business, with genuine ownership of the UK tax compliance and governance agenda. The role offers significant senior leadership exposure, direct engagement with HMRC and the opportunity to make a measurable difference to tax controls, risk and compliance culture. There is also scope for the role to grow into broader responsibility for transfer pricing and other Group tax matters.
Tax Compliance & Governance Manager employer: Metzger Search & Selection
As a Tax Compliance & Governance Manager in the West Midlands, you will join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and proactive governance. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture, offering competitive salaries and significant opportunities for professional growth, including direct engagement with HMRC and the chance to shape tax compliance frameworks. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to enhancing tax governance, this role provides a unique platform for making a meaningful impact within the business.
Contact Details:
Metzger Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Compliance & Governance Manager
✨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 Metzger Search & Selection, 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 Compliance & Governance Manager
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 Metzger Search & Selection'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 Metzger Search & Selection. 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 Metzger Search & Selection!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metzger Search & Selection
✨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 Metzger Search & Selection.
✨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 Metzger Search & Selection. It helps to show our commitment!
