Head of Direct Tax in London

Head of Direct Tax in London

London Full-Time 100000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Robert Half International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the direct tax agenda and manage corporate tax compliance for a growing tech company.
  • Company: Join an international technology and services group in Central London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and health benefits.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of direct tax and influence key business decisions with senior leadership.
  • Qualifications: Professionally qualified tax specialist with strong corporate tax and transfer pricing experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity to shape the tax function and work closely with the CFO.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.

Robert Half are partnering with an international technology and services organisation operating across multiple regions. As the business continues to scale and strengthen its finance leadership, they are now seeking a Head of Direct Tax to bring core direct tax capability in-house and support the group through its next phase of growth. This is a senior, commercially focused role reporting directly to the CFO, with responsibility for corporate tax and transfer pricing, alongside exposure to the group's upcoming Pillar Two implementation. The position is well suited to a tax professional who combines strong technical fundamentals with a pragmatic, business-partnering approach.

About the Position

  • Taking ownership of the group's direct tax agenda, transitioning corporate tax oversight from external advisers to an in-house function.
  • Overseeing corporate tax compliance, reporting, and governance, with a primary focus on UK corporate tax.
  • Managing corporate tax provisions, computations, and annual tax filings.
  • Acting as the main point of contact for external tax advisers and coordinating outsourced activity.
  • Reviewing key tax positions, judgements, and risks, providing clear and practical advice to senior stakeholders.

Transfer Pricing

  • Leading the group's transfer pricing framework, ensuring alignment with OECD guidelines and commercial reality.
  • Reviewing and maintaining transfer pricing policies and documentation.
  • Supporting economic analyses for intercompany transactions and advising on pricing structures.
  • Managing transfer pricing enquiries and liaising with advisers as required.

Pillar Two & Emerging Tax Requirements

  • Supporting the group's implementation of OECD Pillar Two global minimum tax rules.
  • Working with existing templates, advisers, and finance teams to embed Pillar Two processes.
  • Maintaining a working knowledge of Pillar Two requirements, without the expectation of deep technical specialism.
  • Assisting with data gathering, calculations, and ongoing compliance once implemented.

Commercial & Strategic Support

  • Providing pragmatic tax advice to the CFO and wider business on commercial initiatives and structural changes.
  • Partnering with finance and legal teams to ensure tax considerations are embedded into key projects.
  • Monitoring relevant tax developments and advising on potential business impact.

What We're Looking For

  • Professionally qualified tax specialist (CTA, ADIT, or equivalent).
  • Strong experience in corporate tax and transfer pricing, gained within practice and/or industry.
  • Solid UK corporate tax background; international exposure advantageous but not essential.
  • Transfer pricing experience is a key requirement for the role.
  • Some exposure to OECD Pillar Two or global minimum tax rules, with the ability to build knowledge further.
  • Commercially minded, pragmatic, and confident working closely with senior finance leadership.
  • Strong communication skills, able to translate tax issues into clear business language.
  • Comfortable operating in a hands-on role within a growing organisation.

Here's What's Waiting for You

  • Salary of £100,000 - £120,000, plus bonus and benefits.
  • Hybrid working from the Central London office (Office based 1 day a week).
  • Direct reporting line to the CFO, with high visibility and influence across the business.
  • Opportunity to bring direct tax capability in-house and shape the function over time.

Benefits

  • Salary sacrifice pension with employer contributions matched up to 5%.
  • Life assurance from day one at four times basic salary.
  • 25 days' holiday, with the flexibility to buy or sell up to five additional days.
  • An extra paid day off for your birthday.
  • Private medical insurance, fully funded, with access to Digital GP services.
  • Dental cover and annual eyecare tests, with contributions towards specialist eyewear if required.

Why This Role Could Be Your Next Move

This is a strong opportunity to step into a visible, CFO-facing role and take ownership of direct tax within a growing business. With adviser support already in place and a measured approach to Pillar Two implementation, the role offers scope to build capability while focusing on core strengths in corporate tax and transfer pricing. If you're a senior tax professional looking for a commercially focused role with genuine influence, this position offers a compelling next step.

Head of Direct Tax in London employer: Robert Half International

Join an international technology and services group in Central London as the Head of Direct Tax, where you will enjoy a competitive salary of £100,000 - £120,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including a salary sacrifice pension, life assurance, and private medical insurance. With a hybrid working model that allows for office presence just one day a week, you will have the opportunity to influence key tax strategies directly reporting to the CFO, while also benefiting from a culture that prioritises employee growth and work-life balance.
Robert Half International

Contact Detail:

Robert Half International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Direct Tax in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tax sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to corporate tax and transfer pricing. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their growth.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in corporate tax and transfer pricing clearly and confidently. Highlight your commercial mindset and how you can add value to the CFO and the wider business.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Head of Direct Tax role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Direct Tax in London

Corporate Tax Compliance
Transfer Pricing
Pillar Two Implementation
Tax Governance
Tax Risk Management
Economic Analysis for Intercompany Transactions
Communication Skills
Commercial Awareness
Stakeholder Management
Pragmatic Problem-Solving
Tax Advisory
Data Gathering and Calculations
Hands-on Approach
Professional Tax Qualification (CTA, ADIT or equivalent)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Direct Tax role. Highlight your corporate tax and transfer pricing experience, and don’t forget to mention any exposure to OECD Pillar Two requirements!

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. Be sure to showcase your commercial mindset and how you can bring value to the CFO and the wider business.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to translate complex tax issues into clear business language. This will show us you can effectively partner with senior finance leadership.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half International

✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals

Make sure you brush up on your corporate tax and transfer pricing knowledge. Be ready to discuss key concepts and how they apply to the role, especially in relation to UK corporate tax compliance and OECD guidelines.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset

Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to provide pragmatic tax advice in a business context. Think about how you've partnered with finance and legal teams in the past to embed tax considerations into projects.

✨Be Ready for Pillar Two Discussions

Familiarise yourself with the OECD Pillar Two global minimum tax rules. Even if you're not an expert, showing that you have a working knowledge and are eager to learn more will impress the interviewers.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice translating complex tax issues into clear, business-friendly language. Strong communication skills are essential, especially when advising senior stakeholders like the CFO.

Head of Direct Tax in London
Robert Half International
Location: London
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