Tax Manager

About the Role

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

The Tax Manager will lead the UK tax function, ensuring full compliance with all tax obligations while proactively managing tax risks and identifying opportunities for optimization. This role will provide strategic tax advice to senior management, maintain strong relationships with HMRC and external advisers, and uphold robust governance to give confidence to the Senior Accounting Officer (SAO). Over time, the successful candidate may assume SAO responsibilities.

This role is based in our Head Office in Richmond Upon Thames with hybrid working (60% in office and 40% WFH).

• Oversee preparation and submission of UK corporation tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Manage quarterly and annual tax provisions, including deferred tax calculations and disclosures for financial statements.
• Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess their impact on the business.
• Ensure full compliance with UK tax obligations, including PAYE, VAT, Customs Duties, and Transfer Pricing.
• Maintain robust processes and controls to meet HMRC requirements and internal governance standards.
• Develop and implement tax policies and procedures to support compliance and mitigate risk.
• Act as the primary point of contact with HMRC for all tax matters, including audits, inquiries, and negotiations.
• Provide timely and accurate responses to HMRC queries, ensuring transparency and building trust.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisers and auditors, ensuring efficient delivery of tax services and audits.
• Coordinate tax-related aspects of statutory audits and provide necessary documentation and explanations.
• Support the SAO in meeting obligations under HMRC requirements, providing confidence in tax governance and controls.
• In time, assume SAO responsibilities subject to experience and capability.
• Maintain and update transfer pricing documentation in line with OECD guidelines and UK requirements.
• Liaise with global tax teams to ensure alignment on intercompany pricing and cross-border transactions.
• Identify tax planning opportunities to optimize the company’s tax position while ensuring compliance.
• Advise senior management on the tax implications of business decisions, transactions, and new initiatives.
• Maintain Tax Strategy documentation for issuance on Company website.
• Monitor and manage tax risks, implementing proactive measures to mitigate exposure.
• Ensure tax processes are embedded within the company’s internal control framework.
• Prepare regular tax reports for senior management, highlighting key risks, opportunities, and compliance status.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate tax-related inputs.
• Drive automation and process improvements within the tax function to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and best practices, ensuring the tax function remains forward-looking and proactive.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operational teams to ensure tax considerations are integrated into business processes.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and compliance.

• Professional
  
  Qualification:
  
  ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 1-3 years in a tax-focused role, ideally within a multinational or complex business environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, Customs, and transfer pricing regulations.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Interpret complex tax legislation and provide clear, actionable advice.
• Communication:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Leadership:
  Proven ability to manage projects and stakeholders.
• Technology:
  Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and tax compliance software; strong Excel skills.
• Forward-Looking:
  Anticipate changes in legislation, adapt strategies accordingly.

For the Tax Manager position, the salary range is £65,000 - £75,000. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance, chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, £100 personal development allowance, birthday day off and other perks.