At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the new Air Departure Tax team and ensure effective tax compliance.
- Company: Revenue Scotland, a key player in Scotland's public services.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's tax system and enhance public services.
- Qualifications: Tax qualifications required; commitment to ongoing learning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Revenue Scotland is Scotland's devolved tax authority and contributes to Scotland's public services through the taxes we collect. Revenue Scotland currently has responsibility for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, Scottish Landfill Tax and Scottish Aggregates Tax. Air Departure Tax will be the fourth tax that we are responsible for when it commences in April 2027.
We are seeking a Head of our new Air Departure Tax (ADT) team. This is a key strategic leadership role as a senior leader within the organisation. The team’s core function is to carry out compliance and technical work to secure collection of ADT.
This role requires a self-motivated individual with excellent leadership and communication skills and the ability to build constructive working relationships with stakeholders. It is envisaged that the responsibilities of the role may be expanded in future to include other devolved taxes.
Responsibilities
- Providing strategic, technical and tactical leadership to the ADT team, building technical capability and ensuring robust decision making and the effective resolution of tax disputes.
- Leading on developing and implementing the team’s compliance plan, championing the innovative use of data analysis, systems audit techniques and compliance skills to identify and address tax risks.
- Providing advice and assurance on the interpretation and application of legislation and the proportionate use of statutory powers to the Head of Tax Compliance & Professionalism, Head of Tax, Revenue Scotland’s Tax Assurance Group, the CEO and Revenue Scotland’s Board.
- Working with Scottish Government policy colleagues to ensure the relevant legislation continues to meet its policy objectives and build meaningful relationships with external stakeholders to provide advice and support, enhancing Revenue Scotland’s reputation with its customers.
- Taking a lead role in decision making on complex cases and litigation, representing or instructing on behalf of Revenue Scotland at tax tribunals when required.
- Be accountable for team performance, delivery of key targets, and operational results, proactively contributing to wider management plans.
- Lead talent management and development, coaching and mentoring staff, and building capability for future needs.
Qualifications
You will possess one of the following tax qualifications:
- Advanced Diploma in International Tax (ADIT)
- Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
- Association of Taxation Technicians Qualification (ATT)
- Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies membership qualification (such as ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Post Graduate legal qualification specialising in tax
- HMRC TSP or predecessor qualification (TPDP, IDP, ITS2, CPT, FT2)
Experience
Experience of working and leading in a tax compliance environment utilising tax powers, litigation processes and upstream behavioural shift to deliver a range of effective compliance approaches across a sector.
Behaviours
- Communication and Influencing - Level 4
- Leadership - Level 4
- Seeing the bigger picture - Level 4
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1500 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and assessment. Assessments are scheduled for w/c TBC.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered. Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About Us
Revenue Scotland is a diverse, high performing organisation that has a reputation for delivering excellence and a commitment to continually improving the way we work while supporting the health, well-being, and development of our employees. Revenue Scotland is a great place to develop new skills, and you will be supported in your role with learning and development to enable you to perform at your best.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options. Our hybrid working principles require you to attend your assigned office, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh at least 2/3 days each month. Our hybrid approach supports a blend of home and workplace working, this should be agreed with the line manager to achieve the right balance between collaboration, in-person engagement and flexibility.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
We are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them in our Revenue Scotland Candidate Guide.
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Apply Before: 22/09/2026 (23:59pm) - This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Head of Air Departure Tax in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Air Departure Tax in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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