Tax Accountant

Dunelm; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading homewares retailer in the UK is looking for a qualified Tax Manager to oversee the Group's tax compliance, focusing on Corporation Tax and VAT. The ideal candidate will lead on tax planning and manage relationships with stakeholders and external advisors. Strong technical skills, line management experience, and the ability to work under deadlines are essential for this role. The position is based in Leicester and offers a welcoming work environment.

Benefits

Accessibility support

Wellbeing programs

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience working with large corporates.
• Ability to coach and develop team members.
• Strong knowledge of tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead on new tax legislation.
• Ownership of Corporation Tax computations.
• Completion of R&D tax credit claims.
• Accurate and timely completion of VAT returns.
• Management of the Group's tax affairs.

Skills

Technical tax expert with experience

Proven line management

Advanced stakeholder management

Highly effective organizational skills

Self-motivated and resilient

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CTA qualified

Tools

Excel

Alphatax

ERP systems (SAP desirable)

Job description

Overview

Home. There's no place like it. And there's no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that's what we do. We're the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And we've crafted a workplace that feels just as welcoming - where you can bring your ideas, be yourself, and feel right at home.

About our Finance team

Our Finance team sits at the heart of strategic decision‑making, working hand‑in‑hand with trading and operational teams to drive commercial success. We don't just manage the numbers - we make them meaningful. From customer transactions and procurement to financial reporting, we deliver insights that uncover trends, spot opportunities, and highlight risks.

With around 90 colleagues across UK and Ireland Group Finance, we offer a unique mix of breadth and depth. Our lean structure means every role is varied and impactful, while our scale gives you plenty of room to grow and explore different areas of finance.

We're not just supporting the business - we're shaping it. As Finance evolves, we're moving beyond transactional tasks to become strategic thinkers. Our team is transforming into proactive, cross‑functional advisors who use data to tell compelling stories and influence decisions.

Right now, we're embarking on a major finance transformation, including the implementation of SAP S/4HANA. This is a pivotal moment to modernise systems, enhance processes, and redefine how Finance operates across the business.

If you're passionate about making a difference, eager to grow, and ready to help shape the future of Finance, we'd love to hear from you.

Department Overview

The group tax function is responsible for all areas of tax compliance including preparing and filing tax returns, VAT returns, Plastic packaging returns, R&D claims and overseeing sign off for IR35 contractors alongside tax advisory work with payroll, tech and customs teams.

Reporting to the Tax Senior Manager, this is a highly technical and specialised role, being responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the Group's tax affairs. This includes all aspects of Corporation Tax and VAT as well as some overseas tax considerations. You will take the lead on tax planning to ensure the Group operates in the most tax efficient manner and liaise with the wider business to ensure tax implications have been considered in all appropriate business decisions, working closely with internal stakeholders (FD, CFO, Finance, Payroll etc), the external tax advisors and HMRC.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and advising on any new tax legislation as it emerges
• Ownership of the Corporation Tax computations, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met
• Analysis of Capital Allowances to ensure the correct claims are made
• Completion of R&D tax credit claims on a timely basis
• Accurate and timely completion of VAT returns
• Ensure all aspects of overseas tax requirements are met
• Act as advisor to other business areas regarding tax treatments
• Liaise with business stakeholders to ensure tax implications have been considered as appropriate
• Work with external tax advisors and HMRC
• Maintain appropriate tax records and drive process improvements
• Day to day management, including training and development of the Assistant Tax Accountant, to ensure on track to become a fully qualified tax professional
• Lead on tax projects as required
• Assist on technical research as required

What we’ll look for in you

Essential Skills

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CTA qualified
• Technical tax expert with experience of working with large corporates
• Proven line manager, capable of coaching and developing team members to achieve strong performance
• Advanced stakeholder management skills, able to tailor approach to audience whether internal, independent tax advisors or HMRC
• Highly effective organisational skills, logical approach and attention to detail
• Proactive approach to self‑development and team development
• Proven ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Self‑motivated, resilient and able to demonstrate initiative

Desirable skills

• IT skills with strong knowledge of Excel including pivot tables and lookups
• Alphatax experience
• Competent in the use of ERP systems (SAP desirable)
• Experience in practice

Behaviours we look for:

• Change mindset - supports and embraces change, understands the rational for change and makes improvements within own role
• Positive, can‑do attitude, seeking out ways to contribute to the wider team and business
• Resilience – has a positive attitude even when under short‑term pressure, working hard to deliver results
• Seeks out responsibility for taking on new challenges within their team.
• Hands on attitude to problem solving
• Responds quickly to feedback from all areas
• Self‑starter

D&I statement

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio‑economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Our commitment to you

Accessibility allows everyone to have an equitable chance when applying and showing off their potential, which helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team that brings fresh ideas and perspectives.

Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available in the top menu to support you when you're completing your application. If you require any other reasonable adjustments during the application and assessment process, reach out to your recruitment partner.

Work your way

We want our colleagues to feel at home wherever they work, so that they are comfortable and can be their best selves. In addition, we want everyone to feel connected to the business, our strategy and the teams they work with.

Where hybrid working is applicable, colleagues need to strike the right balance to fulfil both of these important factors. You will find the right mix of being at home, in the office & out in the business, bearing in mind business needs, job role and level of responsibility.

Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here

From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we're committed to supporting our colleagues in every area - and at every stage - of their lives. Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Taking opportunities

Meet Amanda, our Chief Stores and People Director, who shares how she feels empowered to take opportunities every day, why Dunelm is her happy place, and why it's a really exciting time to join us.

Of course, you should never judge a business by its tech stack. But take a peek at the range of technologies our engineers and developers are currently playing with.

At Dunelm, we love every aspect of the design process. We're continually researching new developments in packaging, materials and production methods, tapping into new data insights and keeping track of changing lifestyle trends. We're hugely collaborative in the way we work. Together, the teams here have a direct impact on our success, creating amazing products that drive sales and delight our customers, as well as providing direction for our wide and varied range of brands.

Where you'll be working

Here is where you'll be based, whether that's an office, or store or one of our sites.

Watermead Business Park, Pontylue Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE7 1AD