Senior Tax Manager

M&A Transactions Tax Senior Manager

Location:
Reading, UK

Department:
Corporate Tax / Transactions Advisory

Reports to:
Tax Partner / Head of Transactions Tax

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced M&A Transactions Tax Senior Manager to join their deal advisory practice in Reading. You will lead tax workstreams on complex corporate transactions, providing strategic advice on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and restructurings for clients ranging from owner-managed businesses to private equity houses and multinational corporations.

This role offers significant client exposure, intellectual challenge, and a clear pathway to partnership for ambitious tax professionals passionate about deal advisory work.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Advisory

• Lead tax advisory on mid-market and large-cap M&A transactions including acquisitions, disposals, MBOs, and private equity deals
• Develop tax-efficient deal structures across corporate tax, VAT, SDLT, and employment tax
• Advise on leveraged buyouts, share vs. asset acquisitions, earn-outs, and management incentives
• Prepare transaction documentation including tax schedules and disclosure letters
• Coordinate with legal, corporate finance, and other advisers throughout transactions

Tax Due Diligence

• Lead vendor and purchaser due diligence across all tax heads
• Identify and quantify tax risks, exposures, and potential liabilities
• Prepare comprehensive reports with commercial recommendations
• Advise on deal pricing adjustments and warranty protection

Tax Structuring & Planning

• Design pre-sale restructurings to optimize vendor positions
• Advise on SSE, BADR, EMI schemes, and growth shares
• Structure cross-border acquisitions and international arrangements
• Develop tax-efficient exit strategies
• Manage HMRC clearance applications

Client & Team Leadership

• Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients and private equity houses
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers and junior team members
• Review deliverables for technical accuracy and commercial insight
• Identify business development opportunities and contribute to pitches
• Represent the firm at industry events and develop referral relationships

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• ACA/ACCA/CTA qualified (or equivalent)
• 7-10 years' post-qualified experience in corporate tax with substantial M&A exposure
• Proven track record leading tax due diligence and structuring on corporate transactions
• Strong technical knowledge of UK corporate tax, capital gains tax (including SSE and BADR), VAT, and SDLT
• Experience managing and developing team members
• Demonstrable client relationship management and business development success

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional technical ability with strong commercial acumen
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex tax matters clearly
• Strong project management with experience handling multiple concurrent deals
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player with client-focused mindset
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and entrepreneurial approach
• High attention to detail with commercial perspective

Desirable

• Private equity transaction experience
• Cross-border M&A and international tax structuring knowledge
• Transfer pricing and corporate restructuring experience
• HMRC clearances and dispute resolution exposure

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-related bonus
• Private medical insurance, pension, life assurance, and income protection
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Professional development and funding for further qualifications
• Exposure to high-quality deal flow across diverse sectors (£5m - £500m+)
• Modern Reading offices with excellent transport links (26 minutes to London Paddington)