Job Summary:
The Senior Tax Manager plays a central leadership role within the Private Client Tax Department, balancing a high-quality portfolio of client-facing technical work with departmental oversight, workflow management, technical development of the team, and contribution to the wider strategic objectives of the firm. The role requires strong technical expertise, dependable management capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to maintain consistent standards across the department.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Client-Facing Responsibilities
1.1 Portfolio Management - Manage a portfolio of complex high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, trusts, estates, and other private client assignments. - Prepare and review Self-Assessment tax returns, computations, supporting schedules, and related correspondence. - Act as primary point of contact for long-standing and higher-value clients.
1.2 Technical Advisory Work - Provide high-level advice on Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, residence and domicile issues, trust planning, estate administration, and other personal tax matters. - Review and sign off advisory reports prepared by junior and mid-level staff. - Identify tax-planning opportunities.
1.3 Client Interaction - Manage client relationships professionally and efficiently. - Conduct client meetings to discuss tax matters and planning opportunities. - Participate in onboarding meetings for new clients.
1.4 P11D and Employment-Related Compliance - Oversee the P11D preparation process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. - Advise on employment-related benefits, PAYE matters, and compliance obligations.
2. Departmental and Indirect Responsibilities
2.1 Compliance Cycle Oversight - Oversee the entire private client tax return cycle for the firm. - Set and manage departmental timetables, workflows, and milestones. - Monitor overall progress and ensure effective resource allocation.
2.2 Departmental Communication and Reporting - Provide regular progress and risk updates to the partners. - Contribute to Tax Team meetings. - Maintain communication with partners on client-specific matters.
2.3 Billing and Financial Management - Take responsibility for departmental billing and ensure timely billing. - Manage billing for own portfolio and support the team.
3. People Leadership and Team Development
3.1 Supervision and Review - Review tax returns, letters, calculations, and advisory notes prepared by staff. - Provide detailed feedback.
3.2 Mentoring and Staff Development - Mentor junior members of the team. - Assist in training needs assessments. - Promote a positive working environment.
3.3 Delegation and Workflow Management - Delegate tasks effectively. - Ensure clear expectations and timely review of delegated work.
4. Practice Development and Internal Contribution
4.1 Business Development - Assist partners with opportunities for new business. - Identify cross-selling opportunities.
4.2 Internal Process Improvement - Contribute to review and improvement of departmental processes. - Ensure the department remains efficient and compliant.
4.3 Technical and Legislative Awareness - Maintain awareness of UK tax legislation and HMRC guidance. - Share updates with the Tax Team.
Professional Requirements:
CTA qualified with extensive post-qualification experience in private client taxation.
Strong technical expertise across personal tax, CGT, IHT, trusts, estates, and partnerships.
Experience supervising staff and managing workflows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail