Group Tax Manager, FTSE 50, London

My client is a London based FTSE 50 business, with operations in over 50 countries worldwide, seeking a Group Tax Manager to join their first class tax team. Reporting to the Head of Tax, the Group Tax Manager will form part of the tax leadership team, managing two direct reports.

Key responsibilities

Group tax reporting and control:

* Consolidation of group tax numbers across approx. 400 reporting units spread over 45 countries during year end, interim reporting (external) and budget/quarterly forecasting (internal)
* Preparing all tax disclosures and narrative for the consolidated group accounts under IFRS
* Managing and forecasting the group's effective tax rate, including analysis of variance to Budget rate
* Maintaining the group tax reporting pack and associated controls testing. Training new staff on completing the tax pack
* Principal point of contact for audit queries
* Reviewing new legislation and reporting standards and advising Head of Tax of the implications for ETR, cash forecasts and disclosures

Corporate tax compliance and risk management:

* Managing two direct reports to ensure accurate and timely preparation of corporation tax return filings in the UK, including appropriate disclosure of all risk areas
* Preparing group filings such as group payment arrangement, group relief matrix, capital gains schedules, including management of tax attributes
* Building relationship with HMRC. Taking effective action on HMRC enquiry points to anticipate & proactively deal with future HMRC questions. Working up front with HMRC to establish treatment of specific transactions. Agreeing course of action with HMRC to identify risk areas and provide assurance to avoid future enquiries
* Responsibility for related filing matters for example R&D claims and capital allowances, plus working with the International Tax Manager in respect of the group's CFC position

Advisory and project work:

* Representing tax on M&A projects, for example preparing and presenting tax models, advising on negotiation positions and reviewing contracts
* Sundry project work including implementation of group structure reorganisations, dividend sourcing, group reorganisations and liquidations of dormant companies
* Recognising tax risk and opportunities and bringing to attention of Head of Tax
* Advising and educating group companies on effective methods of implementing commercial projects and plans, working closely with the business
* Identifying transfer pricing exposures and working with International Tax Manager to manage risk

Experience:

* Qualified accountant or Institute of Tax qualification with significant post qualified experience
* Comprehensive knowledge of UK tax matters in the context of a large group with in-house or audit experience of year end consolidated reporting under IFRS for FTSE100 group or equivalent
* Strong experience of UK tax computations, preference for track record of originating tax computations for large and complex UK companies
* Knowledge and experience of UK plc tax accounting and reporting

For further information on this role, please contact Phil Smyth for a confidential discussion