Role: Head of Indirect Tax

Salary: Depending on experience

Location: Southampton (hybrid - min 4 days in the office)

We are seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Head of Indirect Tax to lead our indirect tax function across a global landscape. This is a high-impact role that combines strategic vision with operational excellence, offering the opportunity to influence business-critical decisions and drive measurable value for both our organisation and clients. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in indirect tax management, coupled with strong leadership skills and a commitment to innovation.

This role offers competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape a high-performing indirect tax team within a dynamic and growth-oriented organisation.

Head of Indirect Tax, the role

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a global indirect tax strategy that aligns with business objectives and supports international growth.

• Provide strategic advisory services to senior management and the board on indirect tax implications of significant business initiatives, including acquisitions, expansions, and restructures.

• Act as a key partner in driving the company’s tax optimisation initiatives to deliver long-term client value.

Compliance and Governance

• Oversee Global Compliance: Manage indirect tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including VAT, GST, and Sales Tax, ensuring all filings are accurate and submitted within deadlines.

• Client Advisory and Representation: Provide expert advisory services to high-value clients, showcasing the company’s expertise and commitment to excellence in indirect tax management.

• Platform Demonstration and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrate the capabilities of the company’s VAT platform to external stakeholders, enhancing confidence and supporting enterprise and strategic client needs.

• Proactive Legislative Monitoring: Stay ahead of global legislative changes, updating policies and procedures to ensure seamless compliance with evolving tax laws.

• Audit Leadership: Lead both internal and external audits, building credibility and trust with tax authorities and external advisors while mitigating risks for the organisation and for clients.

• Advocacy and Audit Defence: Challenge tax authority decisions during VAT audits, effectively defending client interests and delivering favourable outcomes.

Advisory and Optimisation

• Provide expert, solution-oriented advice to internal stakeholders on complex indirect tax issues, ensuring risks are minimised and opportunities are maximised.

• Identify and execute tax-efficient structures to support business expansion and optimise tax positions globally.

Innovation and Technology

• Champion the integration of technology to streamline indirect tax processes, improve accuracy, and enhance reporting.

• Support product development and technology teams

• Collaborate / support with the Software, product development and IT teams to implement automation tools for VAT, GST, and Sales Tax compliance.

Risk Management

• Develop and enforce robust controls and procedures to mitigate tax risks.

• Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure adherence to global and local regulations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with finance, legal, and operational teams to embed tax considerations into business strategies.

• Lead indirect tax input in cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance while driving efficiencies.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing indirect tax teams.

• Support / Deliver training programs to enhance knowledge and professional development within the tax function.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.

Performance Metrics

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the indirect tax function.

Head of Indirect Tax, the person

• ACA/CTA/CPA qualified or equivalent, with a strong focus on indirect tax.

• Big4 background highly desirable.

• Extensive experience in indirect tax management within a global context minimum 10 years.

• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and the board.

• Demonstrated expertise in leveraging technology to drive efficiency in tax operations.

• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organisation.

About AVASK

AVASK Global Compliance are a rapidly expanding international firm that specialise in VAT, tax and accounting for e-commerce businesses. 

AVASK assist hundreds of Amazon FBA sellers as well as entrepreneurs across eBay, Shopify and many other platforms. Providing clients with a comprehensive range of expertise - from practical guidance on cross-border transactions, to ensuring they are fully compliant.