Senior Tax Manager

In a nutshell

The Senior Tax Manager specialising in HMRC Investigations is a pivotal role within our Tax team. This position demands a high degree of technical tax expertise, strategic thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills. The role’s primary focus is to manage, advise on, and resolve complex tax investigations initiated by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), ensuring our clients remain compliant while achieving the best possible outcomes.   

What you'll be doing day to day

• Managing HMRC Enquiries: Take ownership of all stages of HMRC investigations, including Code of Practice 8 and 9 (COP8/COP9) cases, voluntary disclosures, and full or aspect enquiries. Oversee the preparation of robust responses to HMRC queries and ensure all deadlines are met
• Client Advisory: Advise clients or internal stakeholders on the management and implications of ongoing and potential HMRC investigations. Provide strategic guidance to minimise exposure and risk, and recommend the most effective approach to resolution
• Technical Analysis: Carry out in-depth technical analysis of tax matters under investigation, identifying strengths and weaknesses in clients’ positions, and developing solutions that comply with UK tax law and HMRC guidelines
• Negotiation and Representation: Act as the main point of contact with HMRC, representing clients in meetings, correspondence, and negotiations. Strive to secure fair outcomes, leveraging technical and commercial arguments whilst maintaining positive relationships with HMRC officers
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Proactively identify risk areas within clients’ tax affairs. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and prepare for potential HMRC scrutiny
• Voluntary Disclosures: Lead the preparation and submission of voluntary disclosures to HMRC, ensuring full and accurate reporting and effective management of any resulting investigation
• Internal Training and Knowledge Sharing: Mentor junior team members, deliver internal training, and disseminate up-to-date knowledge on HMRC investigative processes, changes in tax legislation, and best practices in managing disputes.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, legal advisors, and HMRC personnel
• Reporting and Documentation: Oversee the preparation of clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and documentation to support investigation cases, both for HMRC and clients or colleagues
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay abreast of developments in UK tax law, HMRC operational practices, and trends in tax dispute resolution

About you

• CTA qualified (ACA, CA or ACCA an advantage) or equivalent with significant post-qualification experience
• Experience of providing the advice in respect of tax investigations detailed above
• In depth tax technical knowledge of UK tax legislation and HMRC practices
• Adept at interpreting tax legislation and communicating complex advice in plain English  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills  
• Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong interest in business development activities and opportunities for growth, through networking and building lasting client relationships  
• Experienced in and passionate about coaching and developing others, including and fostering an inclusive team and learning environment  
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications 

Why work at PKF Francis Clark

As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.

Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.

We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.

For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.

We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services. These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people. In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance. We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.

We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms. Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.

Your core benefits 

Financial wellbeing 

• Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions 
• Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary 
• Group income protection available after six months’ service 
• Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse 

Mental wellbeing 

• Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family 
• Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family 
• Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support 

Physical wellbeing 

• Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000* 
• Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK 
• Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan 
• Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support 

Additional benefits 

• Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network  
• The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) * 
• One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations 
• Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) * 
• Gifts to mark key career and family milestones 
• Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing 
• Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship 

* These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage 

Additional information 

• Job title used internally may not align exactly with the title displayed in this advert

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