"Head of Tax"

Head of Tax

Finance Division
Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford with the option of some remote/hybrid working
Salary: Grade 10 with market supplement
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

About Us

The University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence.

The Finance Division is responsible for providing professional advice and guidance on financial matters affecting our departments, divisions and subsidiary companies at the University of Oxford.

The tax team partners closely with our academics, researchers and leadership teams across the collegiate University, taking responsibility for tax compliance and planning the tax affairs.

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Pension.
• Award winning family leave schemes, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, electric care scheme, and season ticket loans.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As the Head of Tax, you hold responsible for the University’s tax strategy, and ensure that the University is fully compliant with its tax obligations in the UK and internationally as well as providing advisory services to departments and divisions.

You will also lead the tax team fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and encouraging them to maximise their professional potential.

The role covers all forms of tax including VAT, SDLT, Employment taxes, Customs Duty, Corporation Tax with a focus on educational charity exemptions.

As the senior leader for tax, you will also represent the University with HMRC and other representative bodies such as Charities Tax Group and British Universities Finance Directors Group.

About You

To be considered for this senior role you must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Professionally qualified tax professional (ATT, CTA or equivalent), or qualified accountant with extensive relevant experience in tax
• Substantial experience of providing tax advice in a large complex organization or in practice, ideally in a partially exempt organisation
• Proven track record of managing large teams of professional tax experts
• Substantial in-depth knowledge of indirect tax and knowledge of charity taxes
• Proven experience of liaising and negotiating with HMRC
• Strong experience of partnering with, and influencing Board/senior leadership level colleagues
• Ability to coach and develop teams to achieve high performance

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 13th February

Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd February and 2nd March and will be held face-to-face