Zanda is an Executive search partner that works exclusively with high growth start-ups and scale-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VCs, Founders, CEOs, CFOs and CPOs when it comes to successfully delivering on key senior appointments.
WHO IS THE BUSINESS
We're partnering with an ambitious VC backed, fast-growing start-up to find a Head of Tax who can take full ownership of tax compliance, treasury operations and capital structure across a multi-entity, multi-jurisdictional group.
They operate in a capex-heavy, development-led sector, with strong momentum and international expansion on the horizon. This role offers autonomy, visibility and ownership that comes with being an early team member.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Reporting to the CFO, you'll be the in-house technical lead across both disciplines, working closely with external advisors, banks, investors and the wider finance team.
On tax, you'll own UK corporation tax, VAT and employment tax compliance, lead the annual R&D claims, and manage the international position as the business scales (transfer pricing, withholding taxes and cross-border structuring), alongside share schemes, SEIS/EIS and tax matters on transactions.
On treasury, you'll own cash flow forecasting and runway visibility for the CFO and Board, manage multi-entity banking relationships, and build the group's readiness for future debt financing and capex funding, including developing the FX policy and hedging approach.
You'll also support the CFO on audit, investor reporting, board materials, fundraising, M&A and restructuring.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential:
* Qualified ACA, ACCA or CTA (or equivalent), with at least five years' post-qualification experience
* Strong technical knowledge of UK corporation tax, VAT and employment tax, with practical R&D claims experience
* Hands-on treasury experience across cash flow forecasting, banking operations and an understanding of debt markets and lender relationships
* Experience operating within a multi-entity group structure, ideally with international exposure
* Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills
* Strong commercial judgment and the ability to translate technical matters into clear advice for non-specialists
* Proven ability to manage external advisors and to know when in-house judgment is sufficient versus when to escalate
Desirable:
* SEIS/EIS compliance and venture-backed company structures
* Exposure to capex-heavy or development-stage businesses (hospitality, real estate, infrastructure or similar)
* FX hedging in a corporate (non-financial services) context
* Share scheme design and administration (EMI, growth shares, unapproved options)
* Supporting transactions (fundraising, M&A, refinancing) from either side