Manager | Senior Manager - Tax Policy & Controversy

EY; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Flexible work arrangements

Benefits package

Job summary

EY in Auckland seeks a Manager or Senior Manager to lead EY’s Tax Policy and Controversy practice in New Zealand. You will head complex engagements, shape governance strategies, and advise a diverse client portfolio while navigating regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations.

The role blends technical tax expertise with strategic advisory and leadership, offering opportunities to influence client outcomes and the broader tax environment in New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in tax advisory with expertise in tax controversy and governance.
• Proven ability to lead complex engagements at Manager or Senior Manager level.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication with senior clients and regulators.
• Experience shaping client governance strategies and engagement with Inland Revenue.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex tax controversy engagements, including dispute resolution and policy interpretation.
• Design and oversee tax governance frameworks and control testing programmes.
• Oversee preparation and review of submissions, ruling applications, and disclosures.
• Build and maintain trusted client and regulator relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Tax advisory

Tax controversy

Governance

Policy interpretation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Location: Auckland

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: 16 Sept 2026

Requisition ID: 1713535

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

With your contribution and my contribution, together we will thrive.

Hei Oranga Iwi | The opportunity

Due to strong and sustained market growth, we are seeking a Manager or Senior Manager to join EY’s Tax Policy and Controversy team in New Zealand.

In this role, you will take a leadership position in resolving complex tax disputes and shaping client tax governance strategies, advising a broad portfolio of clients - from large corporates to entrepreneurial businesses and high-net-worth individuals. You will operate at the forefront of tax policy developments, supporting clients to navigate regulatory change, manage risk, and enhance governance frameworks.

This is a high-impact role combining technical expertise, strategic advisory, and stakeholder leadership, with opportunities to influence both client outcomes and the broader tax environment.

In this role, you will lead the delivery of complex engagements while supporting the development of client relationships and junior team members.

• Lead and deliver advice on complex tax controversy matters, including dispute resolution, technical interpretation, and engagement with Inland Revenue.
• Design and oversee tax governance frameworks and control testing programmes, providing strategic insights and recommendations to clients.
• Oversee the preparation and review of high-quality technical outputs (e.g. submissions, ruling applications, voluntary disclosures), ensuring accuracy and commercial relevance.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders, contributing to business development and growth initiatives.

Pūkenga | Skills and attributes for success

We are looking for experienced professionals who combine strong technical capability with leadership, judgement and commercial acumen.

• Extensive experience in tax advisory, with deep expertise in tax controversy, governance, and policy interpretation within a professional services or legal environment.
• Proven ability to lead complex engagements, manage risk, and provide strategic advice, with increasing responsibility at Manager or Senior Manager level.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging confidently with senior clients, regulators, and decision-makers.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to coach and develop team members while contributing to a high-performing team culture.

At EY, we value potential as much as experience. If you’re proactive, curious, and motivated to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you - even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Ko TakuRourou|What we offer you

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more .

• Careerdevelopment: At EY, your career is yours to shape!We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences www.ey.com/nz/careerdevelopment
• Flexibleworkarrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.
• Acomprehensivebenefitspackage: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/nz/benefits

Inclusiveness is core to who we are and how we work together, driving value for our people and for our business. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at [e-mail] or [phone] (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

EY | Building a better working world

Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.