Tax Accountant

Tax Accountant job description

A critical compliance and advisory role for finance professionals with strong technical expertise, the Tax Accountant ensures organisations meet their tax obligations efficiently and legally. Tax professionals continue to be in high demand, particularly those with specialised knowledge in corporate, indirect or international taxation.

What is tax accounting?

Tax accounting focuses on the accurate preparation, reporting and compliance of tax obligations. It covers corporate income tax, VAT, employment taxes and other indirect tax regimes. Tax Accountants are responsible for ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax legislation, minimising risk, and advising on efficient tax structures and opportunities for savings.

Key responsibilities

Prepare and file tax returns (corporate, VAT, PAYE, etc.)

Liaise with HMRC and tax advisors on compliance and planning

Conduct tax provision and deferred tax calculations

Monitor changes in legislation and ensure compliance

Provide guidance on tax implications of business decisions

Support audits and manage tax risks

Background and experience

Fully or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA) or chartered tax adviser (CTA)

Experience in corporate tax, indirect tax or international tax

Strong knowledge of UK tax legislation and reporting standards

Analytical, detail-oriented and able to interpret technical regulations

Skilled in Excel and tax software (e.g. Alphatax, ONESOURCE)

Team structure

Tax Accountants typically report to the Head of Tax, Financial Controller or Finance Director, and work with:

Financial reporting and FP&A teams

External tax advisors or consultants

Legal and compliance departments

HMRC and regulatory bodies

In larger firms, they may be part of a broader tax team or specialise in direct/indirect tax.

What makes the role rewarding?

This role combines technical expertise with strategic value:

Trusted advisor to the business on tax implications and strategy

High demand for qualified professionals across sectors

Opportunities for specialisation (e.g. R&D, transfer pricing)

Integral to cost control and risk mitigation

Future-focused skills and development

Tax professionals must stay up to date with a constantly shifting regulatory landscape. Development priorities include:

Digital tax tools and automation (e.g. MTD, e-filing platforms)

ESG-related tax implications and sustainability reporting

Transfer pricing and cross-border structuring

Navigating HMRC investigations and audits

How industry affects the role

Tax responsibilities can vary depending on business model and sector:

Retail and eCommerce: Indirect tax, customs duties, and cross-border VAT

Pharmaceuticals and tech: R&D reliefs and international transfer pricing

Financial services: Complex reporting and regulatory obligations

Construction: CIS compliance and project-based tax planning

Role differences by company size

SMEs: Hybrid responsibilities including reporting, planning, and compliance

Multinationals: Specialised roles in direct, indirect, or international tax functions

Sought-after benefits

Tax professionals may look for:

Paid study support (CTA or ATT)

Hybrid or remote working options

Bonuses tied to efficiency or audit outcomes

Access to technical training and tax advisory resources

Career progression

Tax Accountants can progress to:

Tax Manager or Group Tax Manager

Head of Tax or Director of Tax

Finance Director or CFO (especially in tax-sensitive sectors)

Advisory roles in practice or consultancy

With technical excellence and business awareness, many move into senior finance and leadership positions.

Looking for a tax accountant or a tax accountant job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your tax accountant staffing needs.

Salary for Tax Accountant

53250 - 62750

25th percentile

53250

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

57500

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

62750

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

126250

171750

202000

Group Finance Director

110750

126250

141500

Finance Director

91000

106000

123250

Shared Service Centre Director

91000

111000

131250

Group Financial Controller

80750

101000

121250

Financial Controller

65750

81750

90000

Finance Manager

54500

63000

67000

Group/Financial Reporting Accountant

55500

60500

65750

Qualified Management/Financial Accountant

51500

57250

63500

Director of Audit & Risk

91000

96000

106250

Internal Audit Manager

58500

66000

71500

Internal Auditor

51000

54500

59750

Treasury Manager

66000

74000

79250

Treasury Accountant

53250

57500

61500

Tax Manager

70750

80750

91000

Explore more salaries

Explore exclusive insights

Latest Tax Accountant jobs

Search all jobs

Tax Accountant

Tax Manager

Tax Analyst

Bookkeeper

Accountant

Financial Accountant

Accountant

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire