Direct Tax Accountant

Direct Line Insurance Group plc; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Direct Tax Accountant based in Leeds with regular workdays in London. This role involves supporting the tax reporting and compliance processes. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in tax environments, solid UK corporation tax knowledge, and excellent analytical skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, with at least two days in the office per week, competitive salary, and extensive benefits.

Benefits

9% employer contributed pension

50% off insurance plus free breakdown cover

Health and Dental insurance

EV car scheme

Generous holidays

Buy as you earn share scheme

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in an in-house tax role.
• Strong relationships with tax authorities and external advisers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support internal direct tax reporting and UK tax compliance.
• Manage direct tax provisions and group reporting cycle.
• Finalise tax computations for submission to HMRC and handle queries.

Skills

Tax qualification (Chartered Institute of Taxation or equivalent)

Big 4 Tax environment experience

UK corporation tax knowledge

Data analysis skills

Oracle experience

Education

Chartered Institute of Taxation or Association of Chartered Accountants qualification

Tools

One Source Corporate Tax

Alphatax

Oracle

Job description

Direct Tax Accountant

Leeds based but with regular work days in London

12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment

Salary - £60,000 to £80,000 depending on experience

Direct Line is evolving. Across every part of our business, teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re already part of Direct Line or thinking about joining us, you’ll have the chance not only to be recognised for your skills, but also to build on them and be empowered to do your very best.

What you'll be doing:

• Reporting to the Direct & Employment Tax Manager, the role involves supporting the Direct and Employment Tax Manager to deliver internal direct tax reporting and external UK tax compliance.
• Manage the process to deliver internal direct tax reporting including the preparation of direct tax provisions and supporting analysis for the annual statutory accounts, including full deferred tax calculations, and group reporting cycle.
• Finalisation of direct tax computations for submission to HMRC (using One Source Corporate Tax/Alphatax) and dealing with HMRC direct tax queries including preparing elections where required.
• Post the legal entity monthly tax charge and producing the groups consolidated tax charge and proof of tax. Also ensure direct tax balance sheet reconciliations are produced monthly, issues are monitored and resolved and reported appropriately.
• Liaison with the offshore and onshore Finance teams for Oracle GL data analysis, evaluating opportunities for automation and driving process improvement.
• Assist with forecasting the effective tax rate and calculating the Group's Payments on Account.
• Understanding of tax procedures, risks and controls, with the requirement to notify any risks / failures in controls to the appropriate channel.
• Ensure that core systems are fit for purpose for direct tax reporting and compliance.
• Provide tax technical support and subject matter expert input into ad hoc finance and business projects.

Our hybrid model offers a ‘best of both worlds’ approach. When you’ll be in the office depends on your role and team, but colleagues spend at least 2 days a week in the office.

What you'll need:

• Suitable tax qualification, either Chartered Institute of Taxation or Association of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (or equivalent)
• Experience of a Big 4 Tax environment.
• At least 5 years post‑qualification experience working in an in‑house tax role
• Solid technical grounding in UK corporation tax and tax accounting
• Effective working relationships with tax authorities and external advisers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong data analysis and spreadsheet skills.
• Oracle experience desirable.

Benefits

• 9% employer contributed pension
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free Green Flag breakdown cover
• Additional optional Health and Dental insurance
• EV car scheme
• Generous holidays
• Buy as you earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback
• Plus, many more

We recognise we wouldn't be where we are today without our colleagues, so we offer benefits that suit your lifestyle. Our offer looks beyond the financial rewards and supports our people to work at their best, offering real choice, flexibility and a greater work‑life balance.

Be yourself

Direct Line is an equal opportunity employer, a Top 50 Inclusive Employer and is committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers.

We know you’re more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people who work in different ways so if you need adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-CL3