Head of Tax

National Head of Tax

Location: United Kingdom (flexible as to location, but prime hubs are London, Manchester, Leeds, Midlands)

About the Role

We are offering an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled and ambitious Tax professional to join our award-winning advisory network. In this pivotal role, you will lead our national transaction tax practice, initially focusing on tax due diligence, guiding clients through every stage of their transactions, and ultimately building a thriving tax advisory business within our network.

This is your chance to establish and grow a national tax practice for the Dow Schofield Watts client base, leveraging the strength of our brand and your expertise. You will recruit and develop a team of tax specialists to deliver best‑in‑class due diligence and advisory services to our clients.

To support your success, we provide:

• Dedicated coaching and mentoring to guide your professional and leadership development.
• Skills training and masterclasses to enhance your expertise.
• A bespoke PR and networking plan to raise your profile and expand your reach.
• Regular strategic sessions to help you shape and execute your business plan, preparing you to launch and grow your own business within the Dow Schofield Watts group.

We are passionate about empowering entrepreneurial professionals. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your career, invest in your future, and thrive in an environment designed for growth.

About You

You are an ambitious, entrepreneurial Tax specialist with exceptional technical knowledge and proven leadership experience. You excel at building strong client relationships, delivering complex tax solutions, and have the drive to create and grow your own business.

Required Skills & Experience

Professional Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent (CTA strongly preferred).
• Significant post‑qualification experience in a transaction tax, corporate tax, or M&A environment.

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of UK corporate tax rules, including loss utilisation, capital allowances, group relief, intangibles, and financing rules.
• Understanding of international tax principles (OECD, BEPS 2.0, transfer pricing).
• Experience drafting and negotiating SPA/APAs tax clauses.
• Proven ability to lead tax due diligence projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with our transaction services team to win combined financial and tax due diligence engagements.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience working with private equity and corporate acquirers.
• Excellent communication, report‑writing, and presentation skills.
• Build lasting client relationships and identify post‑deal advisory opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent transactions under tight deadlines.

Typical Background

• Experience in a Big Four or large mid‑tier advisory firm, or transaction tax role in‑house/private equity.
• Track record of delivering high‑value due diligence tax advice on deals of varying size, from mid‑market to large‑cap.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead buy‑side and sell‑side tax due diligence engagements across the UK and cross‑border transactions.
• Identify key tax risks, exposures, and opportunities impacting valuation and deal structure.
• Review historic tax compliance, tax provisioning, and uncertain tax positions.
• Produce high‑quality tax due diligence reports.
• Advise clients on efficient transaction structures, including share and asset deals.
• Support SPA/APA tax clause drafting and negotiation.
• Client Relationship Management — Act as a trusted adviser to private equity firms and corporate clients; build strong long‑term relationships and identify additional advisory opportunities.
• Technical Leadership — Stay up to date with UK tax legislation and international tax developments; provide technical guidance to senior managers and managers.
• Practice Development & Growth — Contribute to business development, including proposal writing and pitching; mentor and coach junior staff.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work with a top‑tier accountancy firm, with a pioneering brand.
• Significant investment in your career development, with a tailored development programme to fast‑track your career progression.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment, with easy access to partners and peers for guidance and advice.
• Competitive salary and benefits package with a clear career route to owning your own business.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Accounting/Auditing

Industries

Financial Services, Accounting, and Investment Advice

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