Role Summary:
The Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) is responsible for ensuring the organisation's tax and financial compliance meets HMRC requirements. This role demands high professional standards, extensive knowledge, and the ability to manage risk and reporting processes across the business. The SAO will also act as a key link between local finance and headquarters to align group and local compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Tax Compliance & Filing
* Review and approve all tax returns (corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, etc.) to ensure accurate and timely submissions to HMRC.
* Ensure tax positions are correctly reflected in financial statements and align with UK tax laws and HMRC expectations.
* Regularly monitor tax changes and advise on their impact.
Documentation & Compliance Reporting
* Prepare and maintain all supporting documentation required for HMRC compliance, including workpapers, reconciliations, and audit trails.
* Ensure all compliance-related reports are accurately prepared and submitted in accordance with HMRC timelines.
* Maintain clear audit-ready files for all tax and accounting areas.
Internal & External Reporting
* Prepare regular compliance reports, risk registers, and summary dashboards for management and external auditors.
* Provide financial compliance updates and insights to senior leadership.
Liaison with HMRC & Group HQ
* Act as the main point of contact for HMRC queries, audits, or reviews — proactively managing and responding to requests.
* Coordinate with group headquarters to align
local reporting and tax compliance
with
global accounting standards and policies
.
* Ensure local systems and practices are integrated with HQ's compliance frameworks.
Risk Management
* Maintain and update a comprehensive
Tax Risk Register
, identifying compliance risks and mitigation strategies.
* Regularly assess and test internal controls over tax and financial reporting processes.
Team Support & Leadership
* Guide and support the finance team on tax and compliance-related issues.
* Ensure the team is informed of relevant HMRC changes and trained on internal compliance processes.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Professional Qualification:
* Fully qualified
ACCA
(or equivalent — ACA/CIMA).
* Experience:
* At least
5 years
in a senior finance/accounting role with direct exposure to UK tax compliance, HMRC submissions, and financial reporting.
* Compliance Expertise:
* Strong understanding of
HMRC's Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements
and ability to fulfil associated duties.
Skills & Competencies:
* Advanced knowledge of UK tax regulations and accounting standards.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication for both internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to manage multiple deadlines and cross-functional relationships (e.g. HQ collaboration).
* High attention to detail and professional integrity.