Tax Reserves Manager

Ao Shearman; Carrickfergus; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ao Shearman, based in Belfast, is seeking a Tax Reserves Manager to support the Head of International Tax in managing the group's global tax affairs with a focus on reserves.

You will develop understanding of tax systems, set up reserves in GBP and currency for partners, coordinate UK and international teams, and drive process improvements including tech solutions. This role requires strong ledger skills and ACA qualification.

Qualifications

• Strong General Ledger accounting skills required.
• Evidence of strong numeric skills throughout accounting work.
• ACA or equivalent accounting qualification is required.
• Tax qualification (ADIT or CTA) desirable.
• Personal or Corporate Tax experience to Manager level.
• Collaborative approach with PAT and global teams.
• Ability to explain complex tax and accounting issues clearly.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of tax systems for territories of operation.
• Set up tax reserves in GBP and currency; manage equity and partner reserves.
• Coordinate UK and international tax teams for consolidated reserves view.
• Review processes and implement improvements, including automation.
• Lead reconciliation and release of residual reserve balances.
• Support year-end tax reserve and disclosures work.
• Ensure accounting systems reflect reserve positions accurately.
• Mentor London/Belfast juniors and coordinate with external advisors.

Skills

GL accounting

Numeric skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Tax knowledge

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

ACA or equivalent

ADIT/CTA desirable

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Tax Reserves Manager to join our Finance team, based in A&O Shearman's Belfast office. Finance team - Belfast The Tax Reserves Manager is a member of the Partners' Affairs and Tax ("PAT") team supporting the Head of International Tax in the management of the global tax affairs of the A&O Shearman grouping, with a specific focus on the delivery of partners’ tax reserves.

What you will do

• Develop a detailed understanding of the tax systems of the territories in which A&O Shearman operates in relation to partner tax reserves.
• Set up of tax reserves both in GBP and in currency, for both equity and employee/consultant partners, and subsequent reconciliation and release of residual balances, including review of various tax equalisation arrangements.
• Coordination of work done by UK and international tax teams to obtain a consolidated view of partners’ overall tax reserves positions as part of ongoing reserves reconciliation and releases processes.
• Ongoing review of existing processes to ensure that they continue to be appropriate (e.g. to reflect impacts of business change transactions and external legislative developments), and to identify opportunities to improve these.
• Play a leading role in determining and putting in place appropriate processes for reconciling partner tax reserves for new offices and ensuring that these are maintained going forward.
• Support year-end work to deliver tax reserves calculations, tax equalisation calculations and relevant tax disclosures.
• Ensuring that positions taken in relation to partner tax reserves are correctly reflected in relevant accounting systems.
• Reconciliation and ongoing maintenance of deferred tax control accounts.
• Build awareness of technology solutions (including use of AI and automation) that could generate efficiencies in the tax reserving process and propose recommendations on how these could be implemented.
• Communications with partners, CFOs and other stakeholders in relation to tax reserving matters.
• Liaising with external advisors where required.
• Coordinate and support the work of junior team members in London and Belfast.

What you will have

• Strong General Ledger accounting skills.
• Evidence of strong numeric skills.
• ACA or equivalent accounting qualification.
• Tax qualification (e.g. ADIT or CTA) desirable.
• Personal or Corporate Tax Experience to Manager level.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build strong relationships with PAT team colleagues, as well as colleagues in other teams located across the globe.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex tax and accounting issues both orally and in writing to non-specialists.
• Strong analytical skills and an eye for detail.
• Broad knowledge of tax issues affecting partners in professional partnerships would be helpful but is not a pre-requisite.

What we can offer you

To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careers

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.

#LI Role level: Manager