Tax Policy Advisor

Job Purpose:

To help develop policy on the taxation of insurance companies, with particular focus on direct tax and financial services products. To provide support on tax issues affecting general developments in policy on insurance issues, such as: financial regulation; solvency; and product regulation. To represent and help members of the company represent industry views and interests to UK government, the OECD, European bodies and other relevant stakeholders.

Principal Responsibilities:

* Review policy on maintenance and operation of the UK regime, through consultation with members, and influence decision making by representing the industry's views in writing or in discussion with HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, Parliament or other commentators.
* Manage one or more of the company Working Groups; assisting on policy development on wider tax issues dealt with by the team, such as savings incentives, policyholder tax, international tax, indirect tax issues and Automatic Exchange of Information initiatives, where appropriate.
* Build the profile of the tax team within the company, through collaborative working with wider company teams.
* Build effective relationships with staff at all levels in member firms based on a strong understanding of their commercial environment and the impact of regulation and legislation.
* Develop influential relationships with key industry stakeholders including HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs
* Lead on engagement with members to raise their understanding of tax issues affecting their policy areas and encourage the need to consider tax impacts early in the debate
* Monitoring developments and change in general and life insurance markets with regard being given to business and regulatory factors driving those markets
* Benefit the industry and its customers by formulating and communicating persuasive policy initiatives supported by robust evidence, that address legislative and regulatory concerns and enhance the reputation of the industry.
* Contribute to the activities of the wider company Regulation Directorate, company staff and company Member Groups, to reach industry wide views on key issues. Support other members of the Taxation team by working on other taxation and financial reporting issues where required.
* Promote the aims and objectives of the company and help secure the outcomes and deliverables set out in the company Business Plan.
* Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably be required by the company.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

* Ability to gain credibility with those at senior levels within the financial services industry, government or elsewhere.
* Experience, or a keen understanding of, what is required to facilitate and influence decision-making at those levels would also be beneficial
* Ability to work with members to understand their priorities and concerns, gather evidence from them, and develop robust and credible policy positions, both through the company's formal Committee structure and through bilateral relations with key stakeholders
* Excellent lobbying skills, including the ability to influence and persuade senior people in member firms, Government, regulators and elsewhere, and to argue persuasively for the industry's interests
* Strong analytical and technical capability to deal with complex multi-layered issues
* Ability to understand and anticipate a regulator's needs and approach, and to match industry response to that
* Present clear and concise messages to summarise our positions and represent the industry in meetings, seminars and in the media
* Experience of presenting complex financial concepts to a senior, but not necessarily expert, audience with the ability to achieve good understanding and positive outcomes
* Be flexible across a wide-ranging portfolio, able to prioritise effectively and respond to time critical and/or technical material, and the ability to react quickly to urgent issues and incidents
* An enthusiasm for promoting the interests of the insurance industry and its customers through to development of a fair and efficient tax system
* An understanding of the UK Tax System and UK Tax Policy, most probably a qualified accountant or tax professional
* Excellent analytical skills and an evidence-based approach to policy making, decision making, and problem solving
* A broad understanding of, or interest in obtaining experience and knowledge on, a range of non-tax issues including financial and product regulation, financial reporting and accounting and wider developments in financial markets
* Good understanding of the UK 's legislative and regulatory environment, including knowledge of the workings of Parliament.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with attention to detail, the ability to write articulately on complex issues for a wide range of audiences
* Demonstrable experience of building and managing strong working relationships internally and externally and successfully influencing stakeholders to effect change
* Good numeracy skills
* Ability to work collaboratively and to contribute to the wider work of the company. A premium is placed on an open and friendly personality. Behaviours associated with the company values
* Demonstrates willingness to challenge others' perspectives to get a more positive outcome.
* Demonstrates willingness to try new ideas and go beyond what is comfortably within typical areas of expertise.
* Takes a solutions-focused approach and can be relied on by others to deliver work.
* Communicates effectively with all colleagues and stakeholders, identifying when their involvement is needed in various workstreams.
* Shows appreciation for the contribution of others, remembering to show gratitude and finds ways to celebrate success.
* Behaves respectfully towards all colleagues and stakeholders and treats them as individuals.
* Actively makes time for quality engagements and builds positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
* Demonstrates a high level of curiosity - asking questions and consistently looking to expand own knowledge.
* Proactively seeks out and shares new ideas and approaches with others.
* Actively makes time to provide feedback to colleagues

Please apply as soon as possible for immediate consideration.