At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead indirect tax strategy and compliance for a rapidly scaling fintech.
- Company: Join Starling, the UK's first digital bank, on a mission to transform banking.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility leadership role during exciting growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK indirect tax within financial services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Starling is the UK's first and leading digital bank on a mission to fix banking! We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We're a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We're a bank, but better: fairer, easier to use and designed to demystify money for everyone.
Hybrid Working
We have a Hybrid approach to working here at Starling - our preference is that you're located within a commutable distance of our London office so that we're able to interact and collaborate in person. We're asking that you attend the office a minimum of 10 days per month.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Head of Indirect Tax (or an experienced Senior Manager ready to take the next step in their career) to join our growing tax team, reporting directly to the Group Director of Tax. As a central leader within the tax function, you will take overall responsibility for managing the group's UK and international indirect tax affairs spanning strategic tax planning, international expansion, structuring and transactions, as well as indirect tax compliance and governance. This is a high-visibility leadership role during an ambitious phase of scaling for the Starling Bank group. You will lead indirect tax strategy across our core UK banking operations, our global Software-as-a-Service banking platform (Engine by Starling), overseas entities and branch networks, new financial product developments, and strategic corporate transactions.
Responsibilities
The role involves a wide range of responsibilities and high-impact opportunities in a rapidly scaling fintech environment, including:
- Leading the group's indirect tax strategy and compliance, proactively identifying opportunities and navigating statutory changes across UK and international jurisdictions.
- Supporting high-profile corporate projects including IPO planning, group reorganisations, acquisitions, international expansion, and transfer pricing.
- Championing strategic VAT planning and optimisation across the group, anticipating emerging indirect tax developments and requirements that could impact our operations.
- Establishing, monitoring, and continually refining the group's Indirect Tax Risk Management & Governance Framework, ensuring rigorous alignment with Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements, anti-facilitation of tax evasion controls, and internal audit standards.
- Managing relationships with external professional advisers, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective delivery.
- Partnering closely with Finance, Engineering, and Technology teams to optimise and automate ERP tax engines (e.g. NetSuite, Workday), auditing and configuring automated VAT determination logic, general ledger mapping, and digital invoice matching to support Making Tax Digital (MTD) and international real-time e-invoicing standards.
- Delivering clear, commercially minded indirect tax advice and structured training to Commercial, Product, and Finance teams regarding indirect tax implications and new product rollouts.
- Leading all engagements with tax authorities, overseeing routine inquiries, formal audits, and proactive dispute resolution.
Requirements
Substantial post-qualification experience in UK indirect tax within financial services (such as retail banking, lending, payment institutions, or fintech), featuring demonstrable experience leading complex Partial Exemption calculations. Comprehensive knowledge of international indirect tax frameworks, including EU B2B place-of-supply rules, reverse charge mechanics, and Fixed Establishment risk management. Proven ability to act as a trusted adviser to executive leadership (CFO, Head of Tax, General Counsel), translating complex indirect tax regulations into actionable commercial strategy and clear briefings. Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent, backed by strong core accounting knowledge. Collaborative, self-motivated leadership approach with exceptional organisational ability, meticulous attention to detail, and a pragmatic attitude toward indirect tax risk management. A commercial, solution-focused mindset, alongside the ability to communicate technical indirect tax matters clearly to both tax specialists and non-tax stakeholders.
Benefits
25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you). An extra day's holiday for your birthday. Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off. 16 hours paid volunteering time a year. Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme. Life insurance at 4x your salary. Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton. Generous family-friendly policies. Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks. Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships.
About Us
You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box. While we can't accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion. We're on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes.
Tax Manager M&A in London employer: Starling Bank
At Engine by Starling, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the banking technology sector. Our flexible working culture, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and private medical insurance, and commitment to employee growth create a supportive environment where legal professionals can thrive. Located in a dynamic and rapidly growing company, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Manager M&A in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Tax Manager M&A in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Starling Bank.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Starling Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Starling Bank.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Starling Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
