Overview
We are seeking a Head of Tax to lead on tax matters across UK and European investments throughout the asset holding lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in real estate Fund Management/Asset Management with expertise in tax strategies and compliance in the UK and Europe.
This is a high-impact role, requiring a combination of technical tax knowledge, strong commercial acumen, and exceptional communication skills.
Skills and qualifications
· Qualified Chartered Accountant and/or Chartered Tax Advisor (or equivalent) with at least ten years of post-qualification experience.
· Proven experience in real estate Fund Management or Asset Management in both the UK and Europe.
· Strong commercial acumen with the ability to articulate complex tax issues clearly and concisely.
· Excellent interpersonal skills to manage relationships with key stakeholders.
· In-depth technical knowledge of UK and European tax rules, compliance requirements, and legislation.
· Demonstrated experience managing external tax advisors effectively and cost-efficiently.
· Proactive in monitoring changes in tax legislation and assessing their impact on current and future investments.
· Experienced in transaction-related tax matters, with a proven track record of successful project management.
Key responsibilities – deals and structuring
· Lead all tax-related aspects of investments, providing strategic advice on UK and European tax matters.
· Oversee tax-related issues in share or asset acquisitions and dispositions, ensuring tax warranties and indemnities are addressed appropriately.
· Work cross-functionally with teams across asset management, investment management, legal, and compliance, providing input on tax-related matters.
· Play an active role in investment modelling and forecasting, with a keen focus on tax implications to include completion of taxation specific transaction checklists, and confirming the appropriateness of tax assumptions used in underwrite models.
· Approve tax due diligence scope of work and review output from providers of that service. Ensure that specific advice is clearly communicated to the wider business.
· Provide tax-related training sessions to the wider team, including fund accountants.
Key responsibilities – compliance and tax governance framework
· Define the tax risk management processes and develop a tax control framework, together with integrating such processes into the existing business strategy, governance framework and reporting obligations.
· Ensure that each jurisdiction in which the business operates complies with the requirements of the applicable tax governance framework and document the controls and processes which are applicable.
· Develop a process to integrate the jurisdiction specific tax governance frameworks to create a single global tax governance framework.
· Work with existing compliance providers and fund reporting teams to oversee the ongoing tax compliance obligations for UK and European investment vehicles, including:
o Annual corporation tax returns.
o VAT.
o Construction Industry Scheme.
o Capital allowances reviews.
o Senior Accounting Officer regime.
Key responsibilities – returns to investors
· Collaborate with the fund reporting team and senior finance management to:
o Support year-end reporting and audit processes.
o Develop a best-in-class approach to quarterly tax return provisioning and reconciliation.
o Monitor capital project expenditures and repairs/maintenance costs and therefore determine the appropriate tax treatment.
o Create a robust approach to cash management, with clear expectations on tax-related cash flows.