Senior Tax Manager – HMRC Investigations Specialist

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.

• 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.

• 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 fostering an inclusive team and learning environment.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications.

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

Established in 1919, we’ve grown to a team of nearly 1,000 people, based across our offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. This means we’re big enough to do challenging work for exciting clients, but small enough to maintain our friendly and supportive culture.

We work hard to ensure you can belong, be yourself and be brilliant as part of a forward‑thinking team. This includes a flexible approach to hybrid working. And our focus on wellbeing and learning and development has been…