UK Group Tax Manager - Contract
Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineering parts for the global aerospace and defence industries, is recruiting for an experienced and commercially minded UK Group Tax Manager to join our Group Finance team.
This is a contract role expected to run until March 2027 , with the possibility of extension.
We are more than just a business; we are a community of innovators. At Ontic, talent thrives, ideas flourish, and careers are built. We are committed to excellence, continuous improvement, and staying at the forefront of our industry.
The Role
As UK Group Tax Manager, you will lead and support the Group’s tax reporting activities, with significant involvement across tax compliance, advisory and planning work.
You will work closely with the UK and US Tax Managers, the Group Finance team, external advisers, auditors and senior stakeholders across the business. You will support strategic business initiatives, help manage tax risk, and contribute to the optimisation of the Group’s tax position in a compliant and commercially appropriate way.
This is a key role for someone who combines strong technical tax expertise with sound judgement, excellent stakeholder management skills and a proactive approach to solving complex tax issues in a fast-paced, multinational environment.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Compliance and Reporting
- Oversee the UK and US tax compliance process, working collaboratively with the UK and US Tax Managers.
- Manage outsourced quarterly and annual tax reporting under UK GAAP, IFRS and/or US GAAP, as applicable.
- Review tax provisions, deferred tax calculations and effective tax rate analyses.
- Support the preparation and review of group tax accounting outputs.
- Coordinate with external advisers and auditors during tax audits, statutory reviews and year-end reporting.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, filing deadlines and relevant statutory obligations.
- Assist the UK and US Tax teams where required as part of the wider tax compliance process.
Advisory and Planning
- Provide tax advice on business transactions, restructurings, acquisitions and cross-border activities.
- Support transfer pricing initiatives and international tax matters impacting UK operations.
- Identify tax planning opportunities while maintaining compliance and managing risk.
- Advise Finance, Legal and Commercial stakeholders on the tax implications of business decisions and transactions.
- Monitor changes in tax legislation, regulatory developments and industry trends, assessing the impact on the Group.
Risk Management and Governance
- Maintain and improve tax governance frameworks, controls and processes.
- Manage HMRC enquiries, audits and correspondence.
- Support relationships with external tax authorities, including representing the company in audits and discussions where appropriate.
- Ensure appropriate documentation, audit trails and evidence are maintained.
- Advise leadership on emerging tax risks and appropriate mitigation strategies.
Business Partnership
- Partner with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Payroll, HR and operational teams on tax-related matters.
- Support budgeting and forecasting activities relating to tax.
- Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on tax implications and compliance obligations.
- Work cross-functionally to ensure the Group’s tax position remains aligned with wider business objectives.
About You
- You will have significant experience in UK corporate tax, ideally gained within a multinational organisation or public accounting firm.
- You will be confident managing complex tax compliance, reporting and advisory work, and comfortable operating in a business where commercial judgement, strong controls and clear communication are essential.
- You will bring a proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to explain complex tax matters clearly to non-tax audiences and build trusted relationships across Finance, Legal, Commercial and operational teams.
- At Ontic, our culture is integral to how we work and deliver for our customers. We are looking for someone who has the right technical expertise and will thrive in our recognition and empowerment culture.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent professional qualification.
- Significant experience in UK corporate tax.
- Strong exposure to group tax accounting and tax reporting.
- Experience managing complex tax compliance, reporting and advisory projects.
- Strong understanding of UK tax compliance requirements and HMRC processes.
- Experience working with external advisers, auditors and tax authorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capability.
- Ability to explain complex tax concepts clearly to non-tax audiences.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and collaborate across functions.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to balance compliance, risk and business objectives.
Essential Requirements
- ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent professional qualification.
- Significant UK corporate tax experience.
- Strong experience in tax reporting and group tax accounting.
- Experience managing tax compliance processes and working with HMRC requirements.
- Ability to manage tax risk, governance, controls and documentation.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to partner effectively across Finance, Legal, Commercial and operational teams.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multinational environment.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with international tax and transfer pricing matters.
- Experience in a publicly traded or global organisation.
- Exposure to International Tax Reform, Pillar Two and/or BEPS.
- Familiarity with US GAAP reporting and ASC 740.
- Experience with UK VAT processes.
- Experience supporting acquisitions, restructurings or cross-border business transactions.
Benefits
At Ontic, we care about your financial, physical and mental wellbeing. We offer a range of benefits that support what matters to you, alongside a culture of recognition, empowerment and work-life balance.
Our benefits package highlights include:
- Up to 29 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- 10 hours paid volunteering time
- Annual goal share bonus scheme for all employees
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
- Discounts and offers from a range of retailers
Best Place to Work
We are more than the sum of our parts, and we have been recognised internally and externally for this.
We were ranked #9 in Best Companies’ Q3 leaderboard for Best Manufacturing Company, based on employee feedback. In our 2023 employee satisfaction survey, 72.5% of employees who took part said they are proud to work at Ontic.
No day is the same at Ontic. We have doubled in size over recent years and continue to grow rapidly. We attribute our success to empowering colleagues, creating opportunity and fostering an environment of autonomy.
Our Values
Our values are intrinsic to everything we do:
- We share a common sense — we are a global family of specialists with a shared passion for precision.
- We have the freedom to choose — we are challengers and innovators with the freedom to think differently and challenge the status quo.
- We create the opportunity — we are change-makers with a clear direction and can-do spirit.
We are a fast-paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you'll enjoy a career with us!
