Tax Director

The University 
 
At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.   
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here

The Role and Department 

Reporting directly to the CFO this role will lead the Universities tax strategy and tax compliance, primarily focusing on employment related taxes in the UK and overseas. The role will also oversee the wider tax obligations across the University, as well as acting as expert consultant to HR related projects as required.

Within the Finance team the successful applicant will manage, grow and develop the current tax team to ensure University wide compliance with tax legislation, liaising with advisors, HMRC and other relevant sector bodies. In conjunction with the CFO, they will also be responsible for the University’s response to tax legislation, designing and implementing new processes and controls to help the University effectively manage its tax obligations. As the head of the tax function, they will also lead the University’s relationship with HMRC and other tax authorities as well as represent the University with relevant sector bodies.

Working alongside the Human Resources and Organisation Development leadership, the successful applicant will also act as expert consultant as required with a particular focus on international mobility.

There is an expectation the successful candidate will work closely with the CFO and senior colleagues in Human Resources and Organisation Development to develop the responsibilities to best maximise the use of their skills to best meet the University’s requirements. This position is therefore ideal for an inquisitive, self-motivated individual who thrives on new challenges as it is a unique and exciting opportunity to ultimately shape the role whilst in post.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. 
 
Working at Durham  
 
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:  
 
•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.   
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into this University Superannuation Scheme (USS) which the University will add contributions of 21.4%.  
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. 
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.  
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. 
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). 
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community 
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.  
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.  
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. 
 

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values 

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 
 
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.  

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 
 
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.   
 
Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.  Your application should cover the following criteria: 
 
Essential Criteria   

1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally and effectively communicate complex issues to a range of stakeholders.
2.    Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating, influencing and networking nationally and internationally and a track record of creating successful teams and developing talent.
3.    Excellent digital competence with experience in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, financial systems, recruitment tools, eLearning authoring tools.  
4.     Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
5.    Professional tax practitioner qualified to CTA, or an equivalent tax qualification, with specialist knowledge and expertise in either employment taxes or VAT within the HE sector and used to influence events and activities within an organisation.
6.    Continuing professional development required to maintain professional recognition.
7.    Extensive experience of operating at an expert level in connection with UK tax legislation in the Higher Education sector for at least 15 years. In particularly in relation to employment issues such as employment status, payroll, employee benefits and reward as well as overseas employment taxes.
8.    Awareness and understanding of the activities, objectives and strategic direction of the university, both current and future, and a wider understanding of the potential implications this may have for tax and the wider people strategy within the university including employee reward both in the UK and internationally. 
9.    Well-developed knowledge of systems/services for own area and across functions, including payroll, and how they relate to the University Strategy.
10.    Breadth of vision gained from extensive experience of working on tax and people issues, specifically within the Higher Education Sector. 
11.    Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
12.    Ability to anticipate change due to changes in the economic, social and governmental and/or technological environment and a track record of analysing and implementing changes in tax legislation within a complex organisation.
13.    Experience of developing innovative solutions and practical implementations for responding to strategic and legislative change and incorporating these into the ongoing operations of an organisation.
14.    Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with tax and wider employee related regulations and both complying with and drafting organisational policy and guidelines.
15.    Experience of managing and controlling substantial budget/resources/funding and an understanding of financial management procedures.
16.    Well-developed understanding of regulations and procedures and the implications of non- compliance on other staff.
17.    Experience of being able to network effectively and develop strong and productive working relationships, to influence perceptions of the University within the HE sector and beyond, as well as with HMRC Public Bodies and Policy teams on issues relating to the University’s operations.
18.    Demonstrable ability to provide specialist advice and communicate this effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders to influence others at operational and strategic levels.
19.    Track record of cross-functional management and development experience, especially working across tax, finance, HR, payroll, and procurement, applied across a large service team or teams.

20.    Strong team leadership skills with experience of successfully developing, managing and motivating diverse teams to develop and implement business strategies and deliver excellent outcomes.

Desirable Criteria 

1.     Extensive experience of working closely with professional advisors to address detailed and complex issues through to resolution.

   
How to apply 
 
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). 
 
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.    
 
Submitting your application  
 
We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. 
 
What you need to submit    
 
•    A CV: and    
•    A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.     

 
Contact details    
 
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Alison Thompson, [email protected]
Typical Role Requirements 

Service Delivery
•    Provide professional and strategic leadership for significant areas of the organization with accountability for the development of business plans and outputs.  
•    Have a substantial impact on functional direction, strategy and objectives.   
•    Lead strategic planning and influence the development of functional goals. 
•    Lead, direct and manage the interrelationship of a team of managers and / or highly qualified professionals across a major area of activity of strategic importance to the University.  
•    Lead reviews and feasibility studies for the change of existing and the development of new functional areas of activity. 
•    Review and address performance and make a significant impact upon longer-term direction, strategy and objectives, advising the university executive where appropriate.   
•    Initiate and lead, through appropriate consultation and negotiations, organisational changes to tackle major new issues and situations. 
•    Develop functional workforce plans and identify talent priorities to ensure the recruitment and retention of highly competent and professional staff. 
•    Lead internal and external business meetings, working groups and committees at functional or strategic service level to influence governance, organisational policy and standards for the service. 
•    Accountable for significant budget responsibility across a large area of operation. 
•    Influence and shape the available resources as appropriate to meet the current and future needs of the University. 
•    Deputise for more senior manager where required. 

Analysis and Reporting 
•    Identify ways of improving efficiency and effectiveness and promote improvements in value for money.  
•    Review organisational performance over time in the area of responsibility and identify areas of improvement across the University.

  Planning and Organising  
•    Develop and lead the implementation of strategies and plans which support and take forward the university strategy and / or the enabling strategies including designing and implementing new processes and controls. 
•    Influencing and contributing to debate on university strategy, policy and global risks.   
•    Lead the development and delivery of functional /divisional strategy and policy 
•    Lead major projects and initiatives which have significant resources and strategic impact. 
•    Required to forward plan over a significant timescale (typically one to three years) and includes establishing functional or service priorities.

•   Strong and detailed project management, effectively managing and prioritising across multiple projects simultaneously with complex interconnected work streams.

Finance/Resource Management
•    Overall responsibility and accountability for the functional budget.
•    Undertake forecasting and ensure financial plans are developed and that services operate effectively within budget. 

•    Develop, initiate and lead improvements in efficiency and effectiveness and promote value for money. 

Customer Service and Liaison 
•    Liaise and work with senior colleagues from all areas of the University, with committees and external bodies, providing high level advice. 
•    Represent the University externally in sector groups such as BUFDG, and committees through consultation and negotiation where required.

•   Liaise and work with wider stakeholders on behalf of the University, such as HMRC and overseas tax authorities, as well as professional advisors.

•   Network and liaise with contacts across the sector to seek to identify and apply best practice.

People Management  
•    Lead and manage senior staff in a major functional area or service grouping, developing them and raising their performance through mentoring and coaching.

•    Team development, encouraging a strong team ethos and openness to sharing ideas whilst developing each individual through robust performance management and mentoring. 

•    Motivate, assess and reward senior employees as required under university policy. 

Continuous Improvement 
•    Lead continuous review of functional quality and of external benchmarks to promote the best possible service across the University.

•    Develop and implement a strategy to create an effective team to meet the University’s taxation

requirements.

Communication 
•    Undertake day to day interaction with people of any level, including internal and external stakeholders, representing the interests of the interests of the University.  
•    Any other reasonable duties as required.

 
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices – Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.    
 
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.