In a nutshell
The Senior Tax Manager specialising in HMRC Investigations is a pivotal role within our Tax team. This position demands a high degree of technical tax expertise, strategic thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills. The role’s primary focus is to manage, advise on, and resolve complex tax investigations initiated by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), ensuring our clients remain compliant while achieving the best possible outcomes.
What you'll be doing day to day
Managing HMRC Enquiries: Take ownership of all stages of HMRC investigations, including Code of Practice 8 and 9 (COP8/COP9) cases, voluntary disclosures, and full or aspect enquiries. Oversee the preparation of robust responses to HMRC queries and ensure all deadlines are met
Client Advisory: Advise clients or internal stakeholders on the management and implications of ongoing and potential HMRC investigations. Provide strategic guidance to minimise exposure and risk, and recommend the most effective approach to resolution
Technical Analysis: Carry out in-depth technical analysis of tax matters under investigation, identifying strengths and weaknesses in clients’ positions, and developing solutions that comply with UK tax law and HMRC guidelines
Negotiation and Representation: Act as the main point of contact with HMRC, representing clients in meetings, correspondence, and negotiations. Strive to secure fair outcomes, leveraging technical and commercial arguments whilst maintaining positive relationships with HMRC officers
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Proactively identify risk areas within clients’ tax affairs. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and prepare for potential HMRC scrutiny
Voluntary Disclosures: Lead the preparation and submission of voluntary disclosures to HMRC, ensuring full and accurate reporting and effective management of any resulting investigation
Internal Training and Knowledge Sharing: Mentor junior team members, deliver internal training, and disseminate up-to-date knowledge on HMRC investigative processes, changes in tax legislation, and best practices in managing disputes.
Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, legal advisors, and HMRC personnel
Reporting and Documentation: Oversee the preparation of clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and documentation to support investigation cases, both for HMRC and clients or colleagues
Continuous Professional Development: Stay abreast of developments in UK tax law, HMRC operational practices, and trends in tax dispute resolution
About you
CTA qualified (ACA, CA or ACCA an advantage) or equivalent with significant post-qualification experience
Experience of providing the advice in respect of tax investigations detailed above
In depth tax technical knowledge of UK tax legislation and HMRC practices
Adept at interpreting tax legislation and communicating complex advice in plain English
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills
Strong interest in business development activities and opportunities for growth, through networking and building lasting client relationships
Experienced in and passionate about coaching and developing others, including and fostering an inclusive team and learning environment
Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications
Why work at PKF Francis Clark
As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.
Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.
We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.
For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.
We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services. These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people. In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance. We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.
We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms. Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.
Your core benefits
Financial wellbeing
Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions
Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary
Group income protection available after six months’ service
Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse
Mental wellbeing
Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family
Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support
Physical wellbeing
Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000*
Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK
Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan
Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support
Additional benefits
Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network
The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) *
One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations
Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) *
Gifts to mark key career and family milestones
Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing
Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship
- These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage
Additional information
Job title used internally may not align exactly with the title displayed in this advert
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