Tax Manager

My client, a long-standing and highly reputable North West institution, is looking to appoint a Tax Manager to join its Liverpool-based head office.

This is a great opportunity for a tax professional looking to step into a high-profile, varied in-house role where you’ll have genuine influence across a large and complex organisation.

Reporting to the Head of Tax, you’ll take ownership of the VAT compliance and advisory function, while also playing a key role in tax strategy, risk management and process improvement. You’ll work closely with senior finance colleagues and stakeholders across the organisation, providing advice on a wide range of activity from research funding and capital projects to international collaborations and commercial ventures.

This is much more than a compliance role – you’ll have the opportunity to shape processes, identify tax efficiencies, influence decision-making and act as a trusted tax adviser across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Take ownership of VAT, Corporation Tax and Climate Change Levy compliance, including returns across the organisation and its subsidiaries.
• Lead on complex VAT calculations, including PESM and Capital Goods Scheme adjustments.
• Provide specialist VAT advice on research funding, capital projects, international activity and commercial ventures.
• Support and develop the organisation’s wider VAT strategy and identify opportunities for tax efficiencies.
• Advise on VAT and Corporation Tax implications relating to subsidiaries, joint ventures and corporate structures.
• Manage tax risk and governance, developing controls and processes to ensure robust compliance.
• Build strong relationships with HMRC, auditors and external advisers, including managing VAT exemptions and PESM negotiations.
• Act as the organisation’s key VAT expert, providing advice and training to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Keep on top of changes in UK and international tax legislation and ensure the organisation responds effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and tax reporting.
• Provide operational leadership and support the development of the tax team.
• Work closely with senior finance leadership, providing insight and contributing to wider financial and strategic objectives.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong experience across tax compliance and advisory, ideally within a large or complex organisation.
• In-depth knowledge of UK VAT and Corporation Tax, with employment tax knowledge also beneficial.
• CTA or CCAB qualification with degree-level education or equivalent.
• Experience leading and developing teams, alongside the ability to manage complex projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident communicator who can explain complex tax matters clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and constructively challenge at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Strong IT and ERP experience; Unit4 ERP knowledge would be a bonus.
• Experience within the University, public sector or Not-for-Profit sector would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of overseas taxes and project management experience would also be beneficial.
• 3+ years’ post-qualified experience is desirable.

The opportunity

If you’re looking for a role where you can move beyond pure compliance and have real ownership, visibility and influence, this is an excellent opportunity.

You’ll be joining a complex organisation where tax plays a key role in supporting strategic decisions, with the scope to make a genuine impact across the wider Finance function.

To apply, please get in touch today!

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates