Indirect Tax Controversy Director

Where to start Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WTS UK is building a modern, conflict-free tax advisory firm, offering senior leadership collaboration and direct client exposure. This role shapes workflows and works with senior leaders on high-profile engagements.

You will lead major indirect tax controversy matters, develop long-term client relationships, and help drive cross-border projects within the WTS Global network. A strategic, technically deep leader is sought to mentor managers and grow the practice.

Qualifications

• CTA/ACA/ACCA/CA or equivalent qualification, or qualified by experience.
• Extensive experience in indirect tax controversy, HMRC enquiries or VAT compliance.
• Deep technical expertise in VAT, HMRC enquiry and investigation processes, and dispute resolution.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear, practical advice for senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to CFOs and other senior client contacts.

Responsibilities

• Lead major indirect tax controversy engagements for large multinational businesses, presenting advice to CFOs and Tax Directors.
• Review complex technical matters and act as technical reference point in indirect tax controversy.
• Grow and lead major client relationships, identifying opportunities and building the market network.
• Advise on complex client matters across VAT enquiries, customs, disputes, tribunal litigation, ADR, or HMRC settlements.
• Own portfolio management including resource utilisation and recovery across clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues across jurisdictions within the WTS Global network on cross-border projects.
• Lead pitches and win new opportunities, coaching Senior Managers and building succession plans.
• Champion technology-enabled working, using AI and digital tools to enhance delivery.

Skills

Indirect tax

Client relationships

Leadership

Communication

Strategic advice

Education

Professional qualification: CTA/ACCA/CA

Job description

"We're setting out to reshape the future of tax advisory - one that's better for clients, and better for advisers." WTS UK is a new non-audit tax advisory firm offering the full range of services to large and listed businesses.

We take a fresh approach to tax advisory - unafraid to offer bold perspectives on complex issues. We provide clear, actionable advice, demonstrating what's possible when a firm is purpose-built for today's environment.

Modern, focused, and powered by senior expertise, we embed AI into our ways of working to sharpen insight and enhance client service.

We are proud to be part of WTS, headquartered in Munich, and connected through WTS Global, a network spanning 100 countries. We combine international reach with entrepreneurial agility.

The Role

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in building a modern, conflict‑free tax advisory firm - shaping workflows and working directly with senior leaders and high‑profile clients in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading major indirect tax controversy engagements for large and multinational businesses, presenting advice directly to CFOs and Tax Directors
• Reviewing and resolving the most complex technical matters, acting as the deepest technical reference point in indirect tax controversy
• Growing and leading major client relationships, identifying opportunities and building your network in the market
• Advising on complex client matters relevant to your specialism — for example, VAT enquiries, customs and indirect tax disputes, tribunal litigation, alternative dispute resolution, or settlement negotiations with HMRC
• Taking ownership of portfolio management, including resource utilisation and recovery across your client base
• Collaborating with colleagues across jurisdictions within the WTS Global network on cross‑border projects
• Leading pitches and helping win new opportunities for the firm Coaching and developing Senior Managers, and building succession plans within your team
• Championing our technology‑enabled ways of working, using AI and digital tools to enhance delivery across your business area Contributing to business unit leadership, potentially leading a service line, sector, or region

What We're Looking For

• CTA, ACA, ACCA, CA or equivalent professional qualification - or qualified by experience
• Extensive experience in indirect tax controversy, HMRC enquiries or VAT compliance, gained in practice or industry
• Deep technical expertise in VAT, HMRC enquiry and investigation processes, and dispute resolution, with a track record of resolving complex matters
• Commercial mindset with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear, practical advice for senior stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to CFOs and other senior client contacts
• Experience leading major client relationships, winning new business, and developing Senior Managers and below
• A collaborative, highly credible mindset aligned with our culture

Why Join WTS?

• Work in a bureaucracy‑free, pure advisory environment
• Build something new in a high‑growth firm
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and complex client work
• A culture built on collaboration, not hierarchy
• Flexibility to shape your career path

If you're looking for a different kind of tax advisory firm - one focused on clarity, impact, and collaboration - we'd love to hear from you.