Job Summary:

The Head of Client Accounting and Tax is a Director-level Group-wide leadership role, responsible for the strategic direction, technical oversight, and operational performance of both the Client Accounting and Client Entity Tax compliance and reporting across all jurisdictions.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the postholder will shape, lead, and continuously improve the delivery of high-quality client accounting and tax compliance services for .. complex corporate, trust, and private wealth structures across multiple regulated environments.

The role requires a highly experienced, commercially astute, and technically accomplished professional with deep knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards/UK Financial Reporting Standards and multi-jurisdictional tax compliance and reporting requirements within international fiduciary operations.

With responsibility for large, geographically dispersed teams, the postholder will lead transformation initiatives, embed consistent best practice, mitigate risk, and ensure that client accounting and tax compliance services are efficient, scalable, and fully aligned with Group strategy

Job Accountabilities:

As the Head of Tax and Client Accounting, you will provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership across the Groups client-accounting and tax teams . You will be accountable for the design, delivery, governance, and optimisation of client accounting and tax compliance services , supporting sustainable growth and maintaining excellence of service to all stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership & Business Alignment

• Define and lead the long-term vision, strategy, and operating model for the Groups Client Accounting and Tax Compliance Services , ensuring they deliver measurable value and are aligned to the overall commercial and service objectives of the Group.
• Integrate client accounting and tax compliance services across all jurisdictions, embedding a unified culture of performance, accountability, and high-quality output.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Group Executive, contributing technical insight and commercial guidance on business development, client structuring, and market expansion.

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Take full responsibility for the end-to-end delivery of client accounting and tax compliance outputs across all client structures, ensuring they meet all jurisdictional, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of annual financial statements, management accounts, VAT/GST returns, annual filings, tax computations, and other financial outputs with a focus on quality, consistency, and timeliness.
• Implement and monitor standardised Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive performance, efficiency, and risk mitigation across the Group.
• Champion the use of technology and automation, including Acumen and related platforms, to streamline reporting, improve accuracy, and enhance the client experience.

Regulatory Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Lead the Groups response to evolving regulatory, accounting, and tax frameworks across all relevant jurisdictions, including UK, Guernsey, Jersey, BVI, and other international locations.
• Ensure robust oversight of all tax compliance matters for client entities, including the submission of annual returns, disclosure obligations, residency reviews, and regulatory reporting (e.g. CRS, FATCA).
• Provide authoritative guidance on complex tax issues, including cross-border structures, substance requirements, CFCs, transfer pricing, and withholding obligations.
• Manage relationships with regulators and tax authorities, leading on audits, enquiries, and reviews to safeguard the Groups reputation and compliance position.

People Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and inspire high-performing, cross-jurisdictional teams within Client Accounting and Tax Compliance , ensuring clear goals, structured development, and strong succession planning.
• Establish a culture of excellence, collaboration, and shared purpose, enabling teams to deliver consistent, proactive, and technically sound service to clients and colleagues.
• Build leadership capability within the function and oversee ongoing technical training and development aligned with regulatory change and business needs.

Internal & External Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key ambassador for the function, representing Client Accounting and Tax Compliance Services at leadership forums, client meetings, and external events as needed.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (including Compliance, Legal, Relationship Management, Risk, and Business Development) to provide joined-up support on client structures, operational planning, and commercial opportunities.
• Foster strong relationships with auditors, tax authorities, industry bodies, and external advisors to ensure seamless collaboration and positioning of Praxis as a market leader.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, ICAEW).
• Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) or equivalent tax qualification essential.
• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience, with at least 5 in a senior leadership role in a multi-jurisdictional fiduciary, corporate services, or financial services environment.
• Deep knowledge of financial reporting, international tax legislation, and fiduciary operations across multiple regulated jurisdictions.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead and inspire large, distributed teams across geographies and specialisms. Able to influence at Board level and guide cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical Mastery: Advanced expertise in IFRS, FRS and GAAP, financial reporting, and international tax compliance, with the ability to act as a trusted authority on complex regulatory matters.
• Strategic Delivery: Capable of translating business strategy into effective functional plans and consistently delivering results that improve efficiency, service, and value.
• Process Optimisation: Experience implementing Group-wide policy frameworks, governance structures, and digital tools to drive operational improvements and risk control.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong data and analytical skills, able to evaluate financial and compliance risk and make clear, evidence-based decisions.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commercial & Client Focus: Strong business acumen with a clear understanding of how tax and accounting functions support client relationships, revenue protection, and growth.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Acts as a role model for ethical conduct, regulatory compliance, and discretion.
• Resilience and Composure: Calm under pressure, adaptable to change, and able to lead confidently through uncertainty or complexity.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous and accurate, particularly in technical reviews and governance matters.
• Proactive and Self-Motivated: Drives outcomes and improvements without needing direction, and seizes opportunities to create value.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: Builds high-trust relationships, values diverse perspectives, and fosters a positive, team-oriented culture.
• Growth-Oriented: Embraces innovation, encourages learning, and is committed to continual personal and professional development