Hiring trends in Tax - March 2025

​As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year, the demand for talent across all areas of tax remains strong, primarily due to the increasing complexity of tax regulations and the need for specialist expertise.

 Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and automation is transforming the recruitment landscape. Firms are now seeking candidates who possess both traditional tax skills and technological proficiency.

 This trend is reshaping roles within accountancy practices, placing a greater emphasis on tech-savvy professionals.

 Here's a roundup of what's happening in the world of tax this month:

Private Client Tax

There is an increased demand for those with advisory experience in trusts and HNWIs at the Assistant Manager to Senior Manager level.

 For those who are part-qualified ATT or CTA, there are opportunities within the top 50 firms to engage in advisory roles alongside compliance, managing your own portfolio.

There is a significant demand for professionals with expertise in areas such as inheritance tax, trusts, and non-domiciled (non-dom) client work. The Big 4 as well as smaller practices are particularly focused on recruiting senior-level directors and partners with specialised knowledge in these areas. These roles often come with attractive salary packages and clear progression paths to partner positions.

Corporate Tax

As we approach the end of the tax year, a period typically marked by promotions and the finalisation of hiring budgets for FY26, there is a notable push for Senior Managers within London across firms of all sizes. Additionally, there is a significant demand for corporate tax professionals at various levels in the regions.

Real Estate tax appears to be the most challenging area for clients to hire in, due to high demand and the passive nature of candidates. Generally, corporate tax candidates have also been passive, making this an ideal time for them to explore new opportunities given the abundance of options available.

M&A Tax

The M&A tax market is experiencing rapid growth, with opportunities predominantly available within the Big 4 firms. Given that M&A tax candidates are often passive, this presents an excellent time to explore new opportunities. Firms are frequently offering salary premiums to attract top talent, making it an opportune moment for candidates to consider a move.

Transfer Pricing

Since the start of 2025, TP has seen a significant shift in hiring, with more and more teams looking for strong talent. There is still a strong focus on candidates within the FS space, as well as a demand for candidates to enter the deals space of TP.

We're seeing some really ambitious growth plans for firms outside of the Big 4, who have huge plans to expand their TP teams. Candidates within the Big 4 are often hesitant and apprehensive to leave their enclosed environment.

However, the ability to offer more exposure, flexibility, and advisory work has made it even more attractive to make the move to a smaller, growing TP team.

Senior-Level Tax Directors / Tax Partners

The demand for experienced professionals in corporate tax remains robust, driven by the increasing complexity of tax regulations and the need for strategic tax planning.

There has been a notable uptick in recruitment activity for Director and Partner level corporate tax candidates, particularly outside of London.

Firms are focusing on candidates' ability to manage and expand their client base, as well as their capacity to grow a book of business. This trend reflects the broader market's emphasis on securing top talent to navigate the evolving tax landscape and drive business growth.

VAT

Across all established Top 20 practices, VAT teams are expanding! We are seeing an increased demand for candidates from the Qualified Senior level up to Senior Manager.

For those with advisory experience in Property, Not-for-Profit, Financial Services, and Insurance, the market is at its peak.

Individuals with VAT Compliance experience, particularly in the EU, have opportunities to transition into mixed roles that include advisory.

The Big 4 are particularly hiring at the Associate Director level, specifically in Financial Services and M&A.

US Tax

Private Client Tax

The demand for dual handlers at all levels remains exceptionally high, as both the Big 4 firms and dedicated US tax practices are expanding their dual handling teams.

There is a significant need for experienced Preparers, Assistant Managers, Managers, and Senior Managers across the board. This sector continues to experience substantial growth, with clients struggling to keep up with hiring demands as work continues to flow into the business.

In response to this demand, firms are increasingly emphasising the importance of candidates holding either the Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. These qualifications are crucial for candidates at the Manager level and above, as they enable professionals to sign off on returns and ensure compliance with both US and UK tax regulations.

This focus on professional qualifications underscores the need for highly skilled and qualified professionals in the dual handling tax sector.

Corporate Tax

The US corporate tax space within certain Big 4 firms and dedicated US tax practices is experiencing high demand for Assistant Manager, Manager, and Senior Manager level candidates.

These roles require a strong understanding of US corporate and partnership taxes, particularly with exposure to private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) funds.

Firms are seeking professionals who can navigate complex tax regulations, provide strategic tax planning, and manage client relationships. As with the US Private Client tax space, relevant qualifications such as Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certifications are highly valued. This demand reflects the growing volume of work and the need for specialised knowledge in the US corporate tax sector.

As you can see, this is an excellent time to consider opportunities in the market, given the high demand for tax professionals. It's a great opportunity to advance your career or find a role that better aligns with your ambitions and future plans.

Your talent and expertise are highly sought after as we navigate the ever-changing tax landscape.

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About the author

Claire Cheung is an experienced Tax recruiter at Ambition, working closely with big 4, top 10, top 100 and boutique practices. Claire specialises in placing Director and Partner level candidates across all taxes, and US Tax and Global Mobility candidates at all levels .

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