Senior Accounting Manager

BYD Europe; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading European firm based in Hounslow is seeking a Senior Accounting Officer responsible for ensuring tax and financial compliance. This role involves preparing tax returns, managing HMRC communications, and leading the finance team. A minimum of 5 years in finance, along with ACCA qualification, is required. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and analytical skills and a strong understanding of UK tax regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior finance/accounting role.
• Direct exposure to UK tax compliance.
• Strong understanding of Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve all tax returns to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for compliance.
• Act as the main point of contact for HMRC queries.
• Maintain and update a Tax Risk Register.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of UK tax regulations

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Fully qualified ACCA (or equivalent — ACA/CIMA)

Job description

Role Summary

The Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) is responsible for ensuring the organisation’s tax and financial compliance meets HMRC requirements. This role demands high professional standards, extensive tax knowledge, and the ability to manage risk and reporting processes across the business. The SAO will also act as a key link between local finance and headquarters to align group and local compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Tax Compliance & Filing
  • Review and approve all tax returns (corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, etc.) to ensure accurate and timely submissions to HMRC.
  • Ensure tax positions are correctly reflected in financial statements and align with UK tax laws and HMRC expectations.
  • Regularly monitor tax changes and advise on their impact.
• Documentation & Compliance Reporting
  • Prepare and maintain all supporting documentation required for HMRC compliance, including workpapers, reconciliations, and audit trails.
  • Ensure all compliance-related reports are accurately prepared and submitted in accordance with HMRC timelines.
  • Maintain clear audit-ready files for all tax and accounting areas.
• Internal & External Reporting
  • Prepare regular compliance reports, risk registers, and summary dashboards for management and external auditors.
  • Provide financial compliance updates and insights to senior leadership.
• Liaison with HMRC & Group HQ
  • Act as the main point of contact for HMRC queries, audits, or reviews — proactively managing and responding to requests.
  • Coordinate with group headquarters to align local reporting and tax compliance with global accounting standards and policies.
  • Ensure local systems and practices are integrated with HQ's compliance frameworks.
• Risk Management
  • Maintain and update a comprehensive Tax Risk Register, identifying compliance risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Regularly assess and test internal controls over tax and financial reporting processes.
• Team Support & Leadership
  • Guide and support the finance team on tax and compliance-related issues.
  • Ensure the team is informed of relevant HMRC changes and trained on internal compliance processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Qualification: Fully qualified ACCA (or equivalent — ACA/CIMA).
• Experience: At least 5 years in a senior finance/accounting role with direct exposure to UK tax compliance, HMRC submissions, and financial reporting.
• Compliance Expertise: Strong understanding of HMRC’s Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements and ability to fulfil associated duties.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of UK tax regulations and accounting standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and cross-functional relationships (e.g. HQ collaboration).
• High attention to detail and professional integrity.