Head of International Tax

Our client, a leading global law firm, is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of International Tax to lead their international tax function.

As Head of International Tax, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the firm's global tax strategy. Your responsibilities will span strategic leadership, compliance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and team development, including:

Strategic Tax Leadership

• Develop and maintain a forward-looking global tax strategy aligned with best practices and the firm's commercial goals.
• Identify and assess emerging tax risks and opportunities, advising senior leadership on strategic responses.
• Lead on international tax considerations for major initiatives such as new office openings, lateral hires, and changes to remuneration structures.

Global Tax Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee the timely and accurate completion of all global tax compliance obligations, including:
• Income and corporation tax returns
• VAT and sales tax filings
• Payroll taxes and double tax relief claims
• Tax provisioning and statutory account balances
• Manage transfer pricing documentation and reporting, including Country-by-Country reporting and evolving requirements (e.g. Pillar 2).
• Liaise with HMRC, ATO, and other tax authorities to maintain favourable risk ratings and negotiate positions.
• Lead responses to global tax audits and enquiries, coordinating with local finance teams to ensure efficient resolution.

Partner & Employment Tax Oversight

• Monitor and reconcile partners' tax payments and ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage employment tax matters including IR35, PSA, FBT, and ad hoc issues.
• Oversee tax implications of partner and staff relocations, secondments, and international remote working, in collaboration with the International Mobility team.

Commercial Advisory & Business Support

• Advise fee earners and finance teams on tax-efficient structuring of cross-border transactions and client billing arrangements.
• Support management with tax-related aspects of foreign exchange, partnership entities, and strategic finance decisions.
• Ensure tax is embedded in business decision-making by educating and collaborating with non-tax stakeholders across the firm.

Governance, Controls & Reporting

• Support the Director of Tax and Partner Finance and CFO with quarterly RMAC papers and other senior-level reporting.
• Work with the Head of Partner Finance, Tax Processes and Controls to ensure robust year-end processes and internal controls.
• Monitor legislative changes and implement compliant policies and reporting frameworks.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop the international tax team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, talent development, and succession planning.
• Act as a senior leader within the Tax and Partner Finance team, contributing to overall team strategy and planning.
• Build strong relationships across Business Finance and firm leadership to proactively identify areas for tax involvement.
• Drive operational improvements and best practice across tax processes and controls.

Experience needed:

• Must have experience in tax and partner finance within a partnership environment.
• 10+ years' experience in a senior advisory role within a large organisation (flexibility on years for the right candidate).
• Strong technical knowledge of international tax, especially UK, US, and Australia.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and driving operational improvements.
• Professional qualifications: ACA/ACCA and/or CTA (or equivalent).

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