About us
Avencia Talent Solutions are exclusively recruiting on behalf of a leading Specialty Insurer based in The City, who are looking to hire an Interim Head of Tax on a 6 month basis.
The role
Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), the role will act as a key adviser to the CAO, Group CFO, and senior management team, influencing strategic decisions across underwriting, capital deployment and organizational expansion.
Key accountabilities
- Tax Strategy & Leadership
Develop and implement a Group-wide corporate tax strategy aligned with business objectives and risk appetite
Advise the CAO, CFO and senior leadership on the tax implications of strategic initiatives, including new markets, products, capital deployment and the impacts of changing tax legislation
Lead tax planning activities to support commercial growth while ensuring alignment with regulatory and legislative frameworks
- Compliance & Reporting
Ensure accurate and timely compliance with all corporate tax obligations across relevant jurisdictions (UK, Bermuda, EU and others)
Oversee the preparation and submission of:
Corporation tax returns
VAT and indirect tax filings
Transfer pricing documentation and reporting
Manage tax accounting for Group and legal entity financial reporting, including effective tax rate, provisions and disclosures
Ensure compliance with UK Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements and equivalent global regulations
- Governance & Risk Management
Establish and maintain a robust tax governance and control framework
Manage the Group’s tax risk register, ensuring early identification and mitigation of tax risks
Lead interactions with tax authorities (e.g. HMRC) and manage audits, enquiries and disputes
Ensure alignment with OECD principles, including transfer pricing and substance requirements
- Advisory & Business Partnering
Provide technical tax advice across the Group, including:
Underwriting structures
Reinsurance arrangements
Strategic investments
Partner closely with the CAO, Finance, Legal, Underwriting and Operations to ensure tax considerations are embedded in decision-making
Evaluate tax implications of cross-border transactions and global structuring initiatives
- International Tax & Structuring
Oversee transfer pricing frameworks and intercompany arrangements
Advise on international expansion and jurisdictional structuring to optimise tax outcomes
Monitor global tax developments (e.g. OECD Pillar Two, BEPS) and assess impact on the Group
- Team Leadership & External Advisors
Lead a high-performing global tax function
Manage relationships with external advisors across jurisdictions where specialist expertise is required
Drive continuous improvement in tax processes, systems and reporting capabilities
Skills & experience
- Qualified tax professional (CTA, ACA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a senior tax leadership role, ideally within financial services, insurance or reinsurance but open to other industries
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP
- Strong knowledge of UK corporate tax, international tax and tax accounting principles
- Experience operating across multi-jurisdictional environments
