Head of International Tax

UpNext UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 551,000 - 771,000; Full time

Job summary

UpNext UAE is seeking a Head of International Tax in Dubai to build and develop a European and international tax advisory offering for a business consulting firm. The role focuses on strategic leadership, expanding the client portfolio and establishing a high-performing international tax practice.

The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with commercial acumen, driving growth and delivering tailored tax solutions for sophisticated international clients and founders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Taxation, Law, Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• 7-12 years of relevant international tax experience, ideally at Manager or Senior Manager level.
• Experience with Big Four or leading international tax advisory practice.
• Strong European cross-border tax experience and UAE/GCC taxation knowledge.
• Expertise in international tax structuring, double-tax treaties, CFC rules, transfer pricing.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop the European and international tax advisory offering.
• Advise clients on cross-border tax planning and international structuring.
• Provide guidance on European cross-border tax matters, UAE/GCC taxation knowledge.
• Advise on transfer pricing, holding-company structures and cross-border operations.
• Support high-net-worth individuals, founders with international tax planning and relocation.
• Originate opportunities, develop client relationships and contribute to revenue growth.
• Lead and mentor the international tax team and strategy.

Skills

Big Four exp

European cross-border tax

ADIT/CTA

Client relationship

Leadership

Education

Taxation/Law/Accounting degree

ADIT/CTA qualification

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of International Tax to build and develop a European and international tax advisory offering for a business consulting firm in Dubai. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced tax professional to shape the firm's service offering, expand its client portfolio and establish a high-performing international tax practice.

The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen, an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to develop trusted client relationships while driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Practice Development: Build and develop the European and international tax advisory offering, identifying opportunities to expand services and strengthen market positioning.
• International Tax Advisory: Advise clients on cross-border tax planning, international tax structuring, double-tax treaties, controlled foreign company (CFC) rules and permanent establishment issues.
• European & GCC Taxation: Provide guidance on European cross-border tax matters, supported by a strong working knowledge of UAE and wider GCC taxation.
• Transfer Pricing & Corporate Structuring: Advise on transfer pricing, international holding-company structures, tax-efficient arrangements and cross-border business operations.
• HNWI & Founder Advisory: Support high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and founders with international tax planning, relocation and cross-border wealth structuring.
• Business Development: Originate new business opportunities, develop strategic client relationships and contribute directly to revenue growth.
• Client Relationship Management: Build long-term relationships with sophisticated international clients, delivering commercially focused and tailored tax advisory solutions.
• Leadership & Team Development: Establish and grow the international tax function, mentor team members and develop a high-performing advisory team.
• Strategic Growth: Identify emerging market opportunities, shape the firm's long-term tax advisory strategy and strengthen its presence in the international tax market.

Requirements

• Degree in Taxation, Law, Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• Approximately 7-12 years of relevant international tax experience, ideally at Manager or Senior Manager level.
• Strong experience with a Big Four firm or leading international tax advisory practice.
• Significant European cross-border tax experience and a strong working knowledge of UAE and wider GCC taxation.
• Expertise in international tax structuring, double-tax treaties, CFC rules, permanent establishment issues, transfer pricing and holding-company structures.
• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals, founders and entrepreneurs on international tax matters and relocation.
• Professional qualification such as ADIT, CTA, a tax law qualification or an equivalent credential.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to translate complex tax matters into practical solutions.
• Proven business development capabilities, including originating opportunities and developing client relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ambition and capability to build and lead an international tax advisory function.