Tax Accountant in Scotland

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.

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Salary for Tax Accountant in Scotland

58000 - 68500

25th percentile

58000

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

50th percentile

62750

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

75th percentile

68500

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)

137500

187250

220250

Group Finance Director

120750

137500

154250

Finance Director

99250

115500

134250

Shared Service Centre Director

99250

121000

143000

Group Financial Controller

88000

110000

132250

Financial Controller

71750

89000

98000

Finance Manager

59500

68750

73000

Group/Financial Reporting Accountant

60500

66000

71750

Qualified Management/Financial Accountant

56250

62500

69250

Director of Audit & Risk

99250

104750

115750

Internal Audit Manager

63750

72000

78000

Internal Auditor

55500

59500

65250

Treasury Manager

72000

80750

86500

Treasury Accountant

58000

62750

67000

Tax Manager

77000

88000

99250

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