Corporate Tax Manager - Finance Office - 80546 - Grade 8 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Annual salary: £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression to £63,606. Grade: 8; Full Time, Permanent.

Closing date: 24th June 2026.

Role Summary

The role will be responsible to the Tax Manager in all aspects of corporate and direct tax for the University and its subsidiaries – including its international entities and overseas permanent establishments. The Corporate Tax Manager will manage all day-to-day direct tax compliance and reporting obligations across all direct corporate taxes for both the UK and other territories in which the University operates, including transfer pricing compliance and compliance with our increasing obligations under the BEPS guidelines. The post holder will manage external advisor relationships and stay up to date with new developments that impact the University in this area. Additionally, the post holder will proactively identify and manage the implications of the University’s activities on direct tax across multiple jurisdictions. Process improvement will be a significant focus in this role, requiring good data skills and an interest in the development of future technologies to enhance processes.

This role will be involved in shaping the development of the Tax Function as the University moves into an exciting time, managing both compliance and advisory risk. Energy and enthusiasm will be important, along with an ability to take initiative and be curious.

Main Duties

• Manage the University’s Direct Tax Compliance Calendar and tasks:
• Preparation and filing of the University’s annual UK corporation tax return
• Preparation and filing of the University subsidiaries annual UK corporation tax returns
• Preparation and filing of the University of Birmingham Dubai annual corporate tax return
• Review and management of the other University overseas corporate tax returns for its international subsidiaries and international collaborative programmes – currently in China, India and Belgium
• Management of new corporate tax registrations in new territories
• Management of all transfer pricing compliances in territories in which the University operates
• Leading and responding on queries regarding the corporate tax position of the University and its subsidiaries
• Process improvement of the UK corporation tax processes – ongoing data analysis and automation to design a more efficient robust process
• Focus on reduction in reliance on external providers and reduction in professional fees
• Documenting tax processes in the UK and worldwide
• Management of the University group’s transfer pricing obligations
• Management of the group Transfer Pricing policy via the group Masterfile and other documentation (e.g., intercompany agreements)
• Annual updating of the group Masterfile and Local Files
• Ownership and management of reviews of the policy and supporting benchmarking where appropriate
• Undertaking and supporting new transfer pricing reviews where required
• Ensuring compliance with agreed transfer pricing policies within territories and monitoring day-to-day activities; leading specific projects where direct tax implications in overseas territories are involved
• Proactively managing direct tax implications, supporting teams with developing business cases, presenting to boards or teams on corporate tax implications of projects and liaising with international partners
• Participation in the British Universities Finance Directors (BUFDG) Tax Network including attendance at quarterly tax meetings and the annual conference, and attending KPMG and other advisors’ technical updates, webinars, etc.; further reading and networking as necessary
• Working closely with the Tax Manager around personal development and strategic plans for the development of the Tax Function at the University
• Deputising for the Tax Manager effectively where necessary
• Actively contributing to the wider Finance team and being a team player
• Accessing personal development opportunities through the University’s People & Organisational Department or elsewhere

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications)
• Significant relevant practical tax experience
• Tax or accounting qualification e.g. CTA, AAT
• Highly proficient IT skills – excellent data skills are essential with some evidence of experience in process improvement, data analytics and using the most up-to-date technologies to innovate
• Authoritative knowledge of the work practices, processes and procedures relevant to both UK and international tax, as well as a broader sector/commercial awareness
• Experience of working in a complex organisation, ideally in Higher Education
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to explain technical information to those without technical expertise
• Customer-focused and enthusiastic approach
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work, giving everyone the opportunity to succeed.