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Key hiring trends in Tax- November 2025

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​As we find ourselves halfway through the final quarter of 2025, the UK tax recruitment market remains active, though increasingly strategic.

Economic uncertainty and cost pressures continue to shape hiring decisions, but professional services firms are leading the charge, with tax vacancies projected to rise by 26% year-on-year.


Hybrid working models and regional flexibility remain key differentiators for firms looking to attract top talent.

Here’s a snapshot of current hiring trends across key tax specialisms:

Private Client Tax

With busy season approaching, demand is surging for Managers and Senior Managers - especially those skilled in Trusts, Partnerships, and non-dom advisory.

The abolition of the non-dom regime in April has intensified the need for experts in:

  • Cross-border planning

  • Inheritance tax exposure

  • Offshore structuring

Boutique and mid-tier firms, particularly in the North and Midlands, are expanding to meet growing HNW client demand.

Firms are actively seeking ATT and CTA-qualified professionals, offering competitive packages and flexible working.

At the Director level, firms are prioritising individuals who can:

  • Develop niche offerings (e.g. international estate planning)

  • Mentor junior talent

  • Drive revenue growth, especially in PE-backed or M&A-active firms


Corporate Tax

Corporate tax hiring remains robust, with a 25% increase in vacancies year-on-year.

Recent fiscal reform, including changes to NICs, VAT on private school fees, and EV taxation have driven demand across all levels. 


Hotspots include:

  • Real Estate Tax is a standout area, with firms seeking specialists to support complex structuring and compliance. 

  • Regional hubs such as Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham are seeing a surge in hiring, as firms decentralise advisory teams.  

We're seeing strong demand for: 

  • Managers/Senior Managers with sector-specific expertise (FS, real estate, international tax)

  • Junior qualified candidates to build future leadership pipelines

  • Director/Partner-level talent in mid-market firms offering equity pathways.


Transfer Pricing (TP)

TP is currently the fastest-growing area in tax recruitment, with growth largely driven by the removal of the SME exemption and the introduction of the new International Controlled Transactions Schedule (ICTS) reporting requirements, which are bringing a wider range of mid-market businesses into the scope of transfer pricing regulations.

This regulatory shift is accelerating a broader industry trend away from compliance-heavy roles toward advisory-led models, as firms increasingly outsource routine compliance to focus on strategic, value-added services. 

Key hiring trends: 

  • Mid-tier firms are aggressively expanding TP teams, offering competitive salaries, better work-life balance, and broader exposure than the Big 4. 

  • Sponsorship opportunities are more common in TP, as firms seek to widen the talent pool. 

  • Demand spans Analyst to Director level, with a particular focus on candidates who can lead client engagements and navigate OECD-aligned reforms. 


VAT hiring is being fuelled by regulatory changes and sector-specific growth, particularly in Financial Services and Private Equity. 

Firms are actively hiring:

  • Associate Directors and Senior Managers to lead strategic initiatives

  • Candidates with HMRC experience and advisory backgrounds, particularly in London and the South East

FS VAT teams are scaling rapidly, offering:

  • High-profile client exposure

  • Clear progression to Director-level roles

  • Opportunities to shape team strategy

M&A Tax


The M&A tax market continues to grow, with strong demand across the Big 4 and increasingly technical roles in Top 10 firms.

Real estate and infrastructure deals are particularly active, with PE remaining dominant.

If you’re in general CT advisory and considering a move into M&A, now may be the ideal time, before the hiring spree slows.


US/UK Tax


The abolition of the non-dom regime and the introduction of the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime have reshaped the US/UK tax landscape.  

US/UK Expatriate Tax: 

  • Steady demand for Senior Managers and Directors

  • Focus on pre-arrival planning, treaty interpretation, and HNWI structuring

 US Trust & Private Client Tax:

  • Surge in demand for Tax Managers with cross-border trust expertise

  • Advisory on IHT implications of grantor trusts under new LTR rules

Despite a cautious economic backdrop, the tax recruitment market remains dynamic and opportunity-rich.

Firms are hiring with intent, focusing on strategic growth, regulatory readiness, and client-centric advisory.

 

​For more tailored market information, please get in touch: taxrequest@ambition.co.uk

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