At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Serco’s global Indirect Tax function and provide expert advisory support.
- Company: Serco delivers essential public services across various sectors globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30% bonus, private medical, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real difference in public services with global impact.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Indirect Tax leadership and relevant professional qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Serco is committed to inclusivity and supports applicants with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Serco, we deliver essential public services that make a real difference—supporting governments and citizens across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare and more. With 50,000 employees operating in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, we operate in a complex and dynamic tax environment that underpins our commercial success.
We are now looking for a senior tax leader to join us as Head of Indirect Tax—a role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical delivery. Reporting to the Group Head of Tax, you will lead Serco’s global indirect tax agenda, providing high-quality advice and oversight across compliance, bids, M&A, finance transformation, and contract structuring. You will drive improvements in our indirect tax control frameworks, guide international VAT policy, and support the delivery of large-scale programmes including ERP transformations. You will also work closely with tax authorities and business stakeholders across the Group to ensure the integrity of our tax position and support commercial growth.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead Serco’s global Indirect Tax function, setting the strategic direction and maintaining tax integrity across 20+ countries
- Provide expert indirect tax advisory support for bids, contract structures, acquisitions, divestments, and operational delivery
- Oversee global indirect tax compliance, working with our Shared Services VAT compliance team
- Act as a senior tax advisor on ERP implementations and finance transformation programmes
- Maintain and evolve robust tax control frameworks, including SAO compliance and audit readiness
- Engage with external advisors, HMRC, and international tax authorities
- Support business units and Group stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Commercial) with pragmatic, risk-aware advice
- Mentor and develop indirect tax capability across the function
What you’ll need to bring
- A strong background in Indirect Tax leadership, ideally gained in a complex multinational business
- Extensive experience in indirect tax advisory across bids, M&A, contract structuring
- Deep technical knowledge of global indirect tax regimes (UK, EU, Middle East, ANZ, US preferred)
- Experience leading indirect tax elements of ERP/finance transformation programmes
- A proactive, analytical mindset and the ability to turn complex legislation into clear, actionable strategy
- Experience engaging with tax authorities and managing audits
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- A professional qualification (CTA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) is strongly preferred
What we offer
- Competitive base salary
- Up to 30% performance-related bonus
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Private medical insurance
- 25 days holiday + flexible working options
- Access to Serco employee benefits and discounts
Head of Indirect Tax, Group employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Indirect Tax, Group
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the tax field, especially those who have experience in multinational businesses. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in indirect tax.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Serco's operations and their approach to indirect tax. Understanding their business model and recent projects can help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led indirect tax initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience with ERP implementations and compliance frameworks, as these are crucial for the Head of Indirect Tax position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on global indirect tax regulations, particularly in the regions where Serco operates. Being knowledgeable about current changes and challenges in tax legislation will position you as a strong candidate who can provide valuable insights.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Indirect Tax, Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Indirect Tax position. Familiarise yourself with Serco's operations and how indirect tax plays a role in their business.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in indirect tax leadership, advisory roles, and any specific achievements in multinational environments. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV aligns with what Serco is looking for.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and provide strategic tax advice, as well as your familiarity with global tax regimes.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a senior tax role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Indirect Tax role. Familiarise yourself with Serco's operations across different countries and how indirect tax impacts their business model. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the discussion.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in indirect tax advisory, especially in complex multinational environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges related to compliance, M&A, or contract structuring, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior tax leader, it's crucial to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare to share instances where you've mentored teams or led projects, particularly in finance transformation or ERP implementations. This will show your capability to guide and develop others in the function.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex tax issues to non-tax professionals and collaborated with different departments to achieve common goals.