Senior Tax Manager – Head of Direct Tax

MS Companies

. Take end-to-end ownership of the Group’s direct tax affairs .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in corporation tax compliance, risk management, and governance, with a strong focus on tax technology and process improvement. Capable of providing strategic tax advice and managing complex tax issues while partnering effectively with senior stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

ACA QualifiedCTA QualifiedACCA QualifiedCorporation Tax KnowledgeAdvanced Excel Capability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Tax ComplianceTax AccountingTax ProvisioningEffective Tax Rate AnalysisTax JudgementsCross-Border Tax IssuesTransfer PricingTax Risk ManagementData ControlsFinancial Systems Transformation

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsOwnershipJudgementAbility to Manage Competing Priorities

Tools & Technologies

S/4HANATax Technology

Certifications & Qualifications

ACACTAACCA

Industry Keywords

Direct Tax AffairsMultinational OrganisationListed CompanyTax Authority EnquiriesExternal Reporting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Take end-to-end ownership of the Group’s direct tax affairs
Lead corporation tax compliance, payments, forecasting, tax accounting and external reporting across half year and year-end
Act as final reviewer for key technical positions and judgements
Provide direct tax advice on commercial initiatives, transactions and business change
Identify tax risks and opportunities and translate complex tax considerations into practical recommendations
Lead the direct tax risk and governance agenda and support delivery of the Group tax strategy
Assess legislative and accounting developments and manage tax authority enquiries
Own tax input into S/4HANA design, setup and testing
Improve direct tax processes, controls, data and systems
Provide support on cross-border issues, permanent establishments, withholding tax and transfer pricing
Coach and quality-assure the Direct Tax Manager
Work with external advisers where appropriate

Requirements

What you’ll need

ACA, CTA or ACCA qualified
Significant senior-level experience within a complex listed or multinational organisation
Strong corporation tax knowledge
Hands-on expertise across current and deferred tax provisioning, effective tax rate analysis, journals, disclosures and significant tax judgements
Strong judgement, ownership, analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and resolve complex issues independently
Ability to partner with senior Finance and business stakeholders, tax authorities, auditors and advisers
Advanced Excel capability
Experience of tax technology, data, controls or financial systems transformation would be particularly valuable

Benefits

Comp & perks

20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
Office-based collaboration three days a week