Head of Tax

The Guardian; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension contribution match

Volunteering days

Life insurance

Healthcare

Dental insurance

Job summary

The Guardian seeks a Head of Tax to join the Finance leadership team in London. You will lead UK tax operations, oversee VAT, corporation tax, and international tax matters, reporting to the Director of Group Finance.

This role combines hands-on tax work with board-level advisory, mentoring a small team, and shaping the tax strategy across the group.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial tax knowledge gained in-house or in practice.
• Qualified accountant or tax professional (ACA, ACCA, ATT, CTA).
• Ability to balance hands-on work with effective communication at Board level.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Own year-end reporting, UK corporation tax and VAT with international oversight.
• Act as liaison with Commercial and Editorial to embed tax in strategic decisions.
• Oversee tax advisory matters and investments, in coordination with CIO on endowment/portfolio taxation.
• Lead and mentor a small tax team within the finance leadership team.

Skills

Commercial tax knowledge

ACA/ACCA/ATT/CTA

Board-level communication

Problem solving

Job description

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We’re now looking for a Head of Tax to join our Finance leadership team reporting to the Director of Group Finance. This is an excellent opportunity for someone currently in a deputy position, who is looking to transition into a head role, or for those looking to move from practice into an in-house role.

This hands-on, business-facing role offers you the chance to not only manage day-to-day tax operations but also to have direct reporting responsibilities to the Audit Committee and Board to ensure adherence to the Group Tax Strategy.

About the Role

• Full accountability for year end reporting, UK corporation tax and responsibility for UK VAT returns. The role also has an international aspect, particularly in the US and Australia, with oversight of tax matters and outsourced tax compliance.
• Acting as a key liaison with Commercial and Editorial departments to build strong relationships and ensure tax considerations are integrated into strategic decision-making processes.
• Overseeing general tax advisory matters, you'll have the added dimension of managing the tax implications of investments within the endowment portfolio of equity investments and private equity investments, working closely with the Chief Investment Officer.
• Lead and mentor a small team, and as a member of the finance leadership team you will also have the opportunity to lead wider initiatives across the department.

About You

• Strong commercial tax knowledge, gained either working in-house or in practice
• Certification as a qualified accountant or tax professional (ACA, ACCA, ATT, CTA)
• Ability to balance hands-on involvement with effective communication at Board level
• Strong problem-solving skills

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

Benefits at the Guardian

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and Pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Learning & Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

We take pride in our surroundings and are pleased to offer versatile meeting rooms and colourful communal areas. We have a brilliant canteen that caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner, with views overlooking Regent’s Canal.

Additional Benefits & Policies

• We offer 30 days annual leave per annum, plus an additional 5 day holiday purchase scheme.
• Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age).
• We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.
• You are entitled to life cover, income protection, healthcare, sick pay and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.
• We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Guardian News and Media is proud to be a London Living wage employer. The minimum salary for any full-time role within the organisation is £30,000 per annum. Salary ranges are dependent on skills and experience

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