US Tax Associate Director in London

At Sopher + Co, we've spent more than 50 years helping entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals navigate complex financial and commercial challenges. From tax planning and private office services to business advisory and technology, we bring everything together to make life simpler and help our clients focus on what matters most. We don't just solve problems. We build relationships, offer clarity, and give our clients the confidence to move forward. And it's our people who make that possible.

We started in Elstree in 1975, working closely with clients in the media, entertainment and music industries. Today, we support a diverse and prestigious client base across more than 20 sectors, with a continued strong and long-standing presence in entertainment and media. While we've grown, our approach hasn't changed. We keep things straightforward and focus on advice that is practical, personal, and easy to act on. If something's complex, we simplify it. That's where we add value.

We're looking for an experienced US Business Tax Associate Director to join our specialist US/UK tax team in our Mayfair office. This is a senior, outward-facing role with real influence. Our specialist US practice provides consultancy and advisory services to individuals and businesses investing into the US, as well as US persons with interests in the UK and Europe. You'll support the leadership of the team, deliver high-quality advisory work, and help shape the continued growth of this specialist service line.

You’ll play a pivotal role in both client delivery and team leadership. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Client Delivery & Advisory: Lead complex US tax advisory assignments, including cross-border structuring, US expansion, treaty claims, and US entrepreneurs relocating to the UK. Oversee the preparation and review of US business tax returns (Forms 1120, 1120-F, 1120-S, and 1065) and complementary non-US entity forms (Forms 5471, 8858, and 8865), ensuring accuracy, quality and timely delivery. Manage enquiries and correspondence with the IRS, including involvement in more complex or technically challenging cases. Conduct high-level technical research and provide clear, practical recommendations to clients.
• Leadership & Team Development: Support the Partner in managing a growing team of US specialists. Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and technical training to junior staff. Delegate effectively, monitor progress, and help the team meet internal and external deadlines. Contribute to creating a high-performance culture that reflects Sopher + Co's commitment to excellence and client care.
• Commercial & Operational Management: Assist in managing group financial performance including WIP oversight, billing, cash collection and preparing fee quotes for existing and new work. Support business development activities, including attending marketing events, contributing to thought leadership, and developing your internal and external network. Uphold compliance with internal policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements and health & safety obligations.

What you’ll bring:

• You're technically strong and confident without relying on jargon. You build trust by making complex matters easy to understand.
• You're organised, proactive, and take ownership of your work. You're comfortable managing your own workload and deadlines, and know how to prioritise effectively.
• You communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally, and are confident dealing directly with clients.
• You enjoy working in a collaborative team where knowledge is shared openly and people support one another.
• Strong US tax technical expertise, supported by relevant post-graduate or professional qualifications (CPA, EA or JD).
• Significant experience in US business taxation — ideally around 10 years — with the credibility to advise inbound and outbound clients, and some experience advising within the UK.
• Solid grounding in cross-border US tax issues, including Subpart F, GILTI, treaty relief, and FIRPTA.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and external advisers.
• Strong leadership capability, ideally with experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Confident time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Competence with accounting and tax software; experience with CCH and Virtual Cabinet is highly advantageous.
• High levels of discretion when working with sensitive client information.

What you’ll get in return:

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, wellbeing, financial security and career development. Our benefits include (some available from day one, others after probation or length of service):

• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (Death in Service)
• Group Income Protection (GIP)
• Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Digital GP access
• Reward Gateway (employee discounts and cashback)
• Generous holiday entitlement, with the option to buy and sell leave
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Fully funded training packages with a generous exam reward structure
• Recognition and long-service milestones
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted wills and LPAs
• Social committee and regular social events
• Fresh fruit in the office

Just as important is the environment. We're a friendly, supportive team where people enjoy working together and take pride in what they do. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a well-known client base across a wide range of industries, gaining exposure that is genuinely unique and difficult to find elsewhere in a firm of our size.

Our commitment: Sopher + Co strongly believe in staff development and continuously encourage internal progression, supporting you to grow your career within the firm. We are committed to equality of opportunity in employment and expect all employees to act in accordance with this principle, recognising its importance to the success of our business.