Head of Tax

** Please only apply for this role if you have the right to work in the UK and the relevent experience from a Life & Pensions background **

MERJE are partnered with a leading Life & Pensions business in their search for a talented Head of Tax.

As Head of Tax, you will be responsible for all tax reporting and management for the Group

In this role you will be responsible for all corporate direct and indirect tax processes and practices, including oversight over the policyholder related matters. You will work to identify opportunities from the business and structure of the Group to improve the tax efficiency of the business.

You will lead and motivate a team and will engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify tax risks and planning opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for all direct and indirect tax processes and have oversight of all operational taxes (including RTI on pension benefit payments, PRAS recoveries, etc) of the group.
• You will manage the relationship with HMRC and ensure it is constructive and open.
• Consider how tax costs associated with the Group's diverse business activities can be minimised, subject to being consistent with risk appetite.
• Responsible for the Group's corporation tax compliance, reporting and planning processes, involving negotiating appropriate agreements of liabilities with the HMRC, in order to ensure that the Group maintains all internal and external regulatory requirements..
• Act as lead tax SME (subject matter expert) for business advice on key tax related processes and issues, leveraging other SMEs in the business as required.
• Povide relevant and timely tax advice for the management and financial decision processes of the Group, so that there is a good understanding of Tax impacts within the business.
• Ensure that relevant changes in tax legislation and practice are identified, their impact is assessed and champion the implementation of appropriate actions in order to ensure that the Group remains compliant and minimises / maximises the consequential tax cost / benefit.
• Responsible for representing the Group on selected external committees and working groups relating to tax, so that the Group's interests are represented and protected
• Ensure the appropriate monitoring and management of Tax risks (both operational and financial) and that all necessary records are maintained.
• Coach and develop team members to ensure the performance objectives are met and that the team feel highly valued and motivated.
• Support development of solutions to strategic and operational initiatives including delivery of assigned projects within agreed time scales and budgets ensuring a professional, market leading function.

Our Ideal candidate

• A wealth of experience in Tax and have substantial experience working within Life Company taxation.
• Proven ability to apply specialist life insurance taxation skills, knowledge and best practice across the business and to communicate taxation impacts on the business to non-tax specialists.
• In-depth knowledge of the procedures, practice and likely attitude of the tax authorities
• Qualified Accountant, preferably CTA.
• Highly analytical, pragmatic and have a good level of self-awareness; pursues self-development; seeks feedback from others and pursues opportunities to master new knowledge and broaden experience.
• Effective leadership skills, with experience of management of teams and projects
• An ability to understand the need for ethical considerations and to make reasoned judgements in a defined situation.
• Possess persuasive verbal and written communication skills using a range of communication media, with experience of influencing across the group including at executive level
• You have effective organisational skills to deliver accurate work under pressure against agreed deadlines, while remaining approachable.

The package 

c£100,000 depending upon experience plus:

• 30 days' holiday, with the option to buy up to 2 additional days
• A competitive pension for which LV= Life and Pensions will double match the amount you pay, up to 14% (please click here to read more about it)
• An annual bonus scheme based on company and personal performance
• Single cover private medical insurance which you can upgrade to family cover
• Flexible benefits - Cycle to work scheme/Health Assessment/Personal Accident Insurance/Critical Illness/Dental Insurance
• You'll receive up to 20% discount on our life products for you and your immediate family.
• Group Life Assurance 4 x basic pay to your dependants, with the option to increase to x 8 times cover
• Group Income Protection, if a member of the Pension scheme and reached 5 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service for support through difficult times in your life
• Virtual GP service
• Shared parental leave

Please note, should feedback not be received within 28 days due to the large volume of applications, unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful. However, we may be in touch with similar relevant opportunities. If you would like this job advertisement in an alternative format, please contact MERJE directly.