Senior Tax Manager (46828) presso British Council | The UK’s international culture and education organisation

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Senior Tax Manager.

Purpose of the Role:

 This is a great opportunity to join the finance team on a permanent basis.

The Group Tax and Status is a specialist advisory team within the wider group finance function, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

As an international Tax specialist you, along with the team, will provide advice on direct and indirect tax matters to the wider finance function and leaders of strategic business units, manage global tax risks and support group reporting obligations for corporate income tax and transfer pricing. The team also includes UK VAT compliance specialists and finance business partners who support the finance aspects of establishing overseas subsidiaries and other appropriate legal vehicles.

Whilst day to day overseas tax compliance is the responsibility of In-country finance colleagues, the Group Tax team oversees local tax reporting and provides specialist tax support to finance colleagues when new overseas entities are being established, there are major tax changes in overseas jurisdictions or there are challenging fiscal audits requiring specialist input.

You will play a key role in supporting the Group Status and Tax function on business projects and transactions across the UK and overseas.  This will include performing due diligence work, analysing, and advising tax implications on cross-border transactions, exploring tax risk mitigation and tax efficiency strategy and supporting the business in implementing changes. 

 Accountabilities: 

This role will require a person with substantial experience in dealing with multiple tax jurisdictions and regions, covering both direct and indirect taxes and in coordinating with multiple internal and external stakeholders from different business units, regions, and countries. 

You will be a forward looking, commercial thinking finance professional and will have the ability to articulate and analyse financial and tax information and provide valuable input and advice to the organisation on implications arising from business restructuring, divestments (including disposal of real estate assets).

Qualifications & Experience: 

You must be CTA, ADIT or ATT qualified with Chartered Institute of Taxation or equivalent professional body.

A desirable qualification is: Membership/fellowship of one of the following:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA

Technical/ Commercial knowledge

• Operations in International and culturally diverse organisations
• Direct and Indirect Tax Laws
• Familiarity with basic principles of transfer pricing and international tax concepts (e.g., permanent establishment, double tax agreements, withholding taxes) and practical experience of implementing or advising on strategies involving these concepts
• Negotiation with external parties

Specific experience

• Regional/ International Tax experience
• Handling complex business transactions and intercompany arrangements
• Tax assessment in business set up/ closure, and global growth
• People skills to implement transitional and change programmes

Analytical skills – ability to precisely frame advisers’ terms of reference, interpret external advice and apply complex legislation to specific problems and circumstances.

Strong communication and influencing skills. ability to explain complex technical issues to lay colleagues in clear and commercial way.

Building relationships at all levels of the organisation.

Flexibility, independence, and initiative to perform successfully in a rapidly changing environment.

Ability to operate effectively and prioritise in a busy global facing role.

Important Information:

 
Department:  Finance.

Contract type: Indefinite (Permanent)

Contract Hours: Full time - 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

Pay band: SMP-S

Salary: £55,699 - £68,649. (Plus an additional £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only).

For candidates with exceptional skills, knowledge and experience (specific to the role) the British Council may consider a moderate broadening of the advertised pay range.

Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme 

Location of the role:

UK - London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast.

Please note, you will be required to work in the office for 3 days per week. 

Closing Date: Friday 26th September 2025 at 23:59 UK time.

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. 

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 

Interviews will be held around the middle of October. 

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]