Job Description
Corporate Tax Assistant Manager - Top 40 Practice
Salary: £45,000-£55,000
Location: Manchester City Centre
Step Up to Leadership in Corporate Tax
Are you a Corporate Tax Senior or Assistant Manager ready to take the next step towards management? This is your opportunity to join a Top 40 accountancy practice where you'll lead client portfolios, manage complex tax projects, and develop your leadership skills with a clear pathway to Tax Manager.
Based in a modern Manchester city centre office you'll work on sophisticated corporate tax matters for diverse clients, supervise and mentor a team, and contribute to practice development. With hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive study support, and genuine progression opportunities, this role offers the perfect platform to advance your corporate tax career.
About Our Client
Our client is a prestigious Top 40 national accountancy practice serving over 100,000 clients across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2019, they've built a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and delivering tailored advice that makes a tangible difference to SMEs and businesses at every stage of their financial journey.
What sets them apart:
- National resources with local expertise – access to specialist teams and technical support across the UK
- Modern city centre location with excellent transport links (Metrolink, rail, and bus)
- Collaborative, supportive culture that invests in professional development and leadership training
- Hybrid working arrangements offering flexibility (typically 2-3 days in office)
- Diverse client base across multiple sectors including manufacturing, property, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and not-for-profit
The Role: Leadership Meets Technical Excellence
As Corporate Tax Assistant Manager, you'll take ownership of a portfolio of corporate tax clients, lead complex advisory projects, and supervise junior team members whilst developing your management capabilities. You'll work closely with managers and partners, gaining exposure to high-quality work and strategic tax planning opportunities.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Client Portfolio Management:
- Taking ownership of corporate tax client portfolios, acting as primary contact for day-to-day matters
- Managing complex corporation tax computations and returns for diverse clients
- Leading tax planning projects including group restructuring, capital allowances, R&D tax credits, and tax-efficient structures
- Managing HMRC enquiries and disputes with increasing independence
- Identifying proactive tax planning opportunities and presenting recommendations to clients
- Building strong client relationships as a trusted advisor and technical expert
Team Leadership & Development:
- Supervising and mentoring tax seniors and junior staff (typically 2-4 team members)
- Reviewing and approving work prepared by junior team members to ensure technical accuracy
- Providing coaching and technical guidance to support team development
- Contributing to recruitment and onboarding of new team members
- Delegating work effectively and managing team capacity
Technical Advisory & Compliance:
- Advising on complex corporate tax matters including group relief, loss utilisation, and international tax
- Supporting tax due diligence projects for corporate transactions
- Preparing technical tax advice letters and client presentations
- Managing tax compliance deadlines across your portfolio
- Staying current with tax legislation changes and advising clients proactively
Practice & Business Development:
- Contributing to business development initiatives including proposals, pitches, and networking
- Identifying cross-selling opportunities within existing client relationships
- Supporting practice development through process improvements and innovation
- Representing the practice at networking events and seminars
- Contributing to technical training and knowledge sharing within the team
What You'll Need to Succeed
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- CTA qualified (or ATT qualified and studying towards CTA completion)
- Minimum 4-6 years' experience in corporate tax within a UK accountancy practice
- Proven experience managing client portfolios with increasing independence
- Demonstrated supervisory or mentoring experience with junior team members
- Strong technical knowledge of complex corporate tax matters
Technical Skills & Expertise:
- Advanced understanding of UK corporation tax legislation, compliance, and planning
- Experience with complex tax matters including group structures, capital allowances, R&D tax credits
- Knowledge of international tax principles and cross-border transactions
- Proficiency with tax software (CCH, Alphatax, or similar platforms)
- Strong analytical skills with ability to identify tax planning opportunities
- Excellent attention to detail and technical accuracy
Leadership & Professional Skills:
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) for client interaction and team leadership
- Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Leadership potential with ability to motivate and develop team members
- Commercial awareness and understanding of client business needs
- Proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
- Client-focused mindset with commitment to delivering exceptional service
What's On Offer: A Comprehensive Rewards Package
Financial Rewards:
- Competitive salary: £45,000-£55,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Annual salary reviews with performance-based progression
Work-Life Balance:
- Hybrid working arrangements (typically 2-3 days in office, flexibility to suit your needs)
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Modern city centre office with excellent transport links
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- Additional holiday purchase scheme available
Career Development:
- Clear progression pathway to Tax Manager within 18-24 months
- Full CTA study support (exam fees, study leave, materials, and revision courses)
- Leadership development programmes and management training
- Continued professional development with access to technical training and conferences
- Professional subscriptions paid (CTA membership and relevant professional bodies)
- Mentoring and coaching from experienced tax partners and directors
- Exposure to diverse sectors and sophisticated tax planning opportunities
Health & Wellbeing:
- Enhanced pension scheme with employer contributions
- Private medical insurance for you and your family
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Employee assistance programme for wellbeing support
- Income protection scheme
Additional Benefits:
- Social events and team activities throughout the year
- Access to national resources and specialist technical teams
- Supportive, collaborative culture that values your contribution
- Modern office facilities with breakout areas, meeting spaces, and on-site café
- Professional networking opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme and other lifestyle benefits
Location & Working Arrangements
Transport Links:
- Walking distance from Manchester Piccadilly (5 minutes) and Victoria stations (10 minutes)
- Direct Metrolink access at St Peter's Square (2 minutes walk)
- Excellent bus connections across Greater Manchester
- City centre parking available nearby (NCP and Q-Park)
- Secure cycle storage available
Working Pattern: Hybrid working with typically 2-3 days per week in the office, offering flexibility to balance collaboration, client meetings, and focused work time.
Ready to Step Up to Leadership?
If you're a Corporate Tax Senior or Assistant Manager ready to advance your career with a Top 40 practice that offers genuine progression, technical excellence, and comprehensive development support, we'd love to hear from you.
This is your opportunity to join a practice that will invest in your leadership development, support your CTA progression, and provide the platform to build a successful career path to Tax Manager and beyond.
For a confidential discussion about this exceptional opportunity, please contact:
Jake Harris
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment practices and will only submit your details to our client with your express written consent.