Head of Tax

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for excellence in research, teaching and innovation. Operating within a unique collegiate structure and a globally recognised academic community, the University manages a diverse portfolio of activities across teaching, research, publishing, assessment, commercial ventures and international operations.

The Finance Division plays a critical role in supporting the University's strategic and operational objectives. With around 290 staff, the Division promotes good practice in accounting, financial reporting, planning, procurement, taxation, insurance and pensions, while ensuring compliance with the requirements of key regulatory and funding bodies.

The Role

As the University's lead tax professional, you will oversee complex direct and indirect tax matters across a diverse and globally connected organisation. You will be responsible for developing and implementing tax strategy, managing tax risk, ensuring compliance with significant tax obligations and providing expert advice on major projects, international activities and commercial initiatives.

You will lead the Academic University's Tax Team while working collaboratively with tax colleagues across Cambridge University Press & Assessment and other University Group entities to promote a consistent and effective approach to tax management.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading the development and implementation of the University's tax strategy, policies and procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with UK and international tax legislation across a broad range of tax regimes.
• Managing relationships with HMRC, overseas tax authorities and other regulatory bodies.
• Providing strategic tax advice on major capital projects, international activities and commercial ventures.
• Supporting significant development programmes and transactions through tax planning and risk assessment.
• Leading the management of tax disputes, investigations and litigation where required.
• Identifying opportunities to optimise tax efficiency while maintaining a non-aggressive compliance approach.
• Managing external tax advisers and legal specialists.

About You

You will be an experienced and highly credible tax professional with substantial expertise in managing the tax affairs of a large and complex organisation, either in-house or within a professional services environment.

You will combine exceptional technical tax knowledge with strong leadership capability, commercial awareness and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across a highly devolved organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have

• An ACCA with CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor), ACCA with tax specialism, or CIOT (Chartered Institute of Taxation) qualification
• Significant experience managing the tax affairs of a large corporate, charitable or similarly complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of VAT and indirect taxes, with experience in education, charity or property sectors advantageous.
• A broad understanding of corporation tax, employment taxes and international tax frameworks.
• Experience of developing tax strategy, governance frameworks and compliance processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The credibility to act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and governance bodies.

Why Join the Finance Division?

As Head of Tax, you will join a respected leadership team at the heart of one of the world's leading universities. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, shape tax policy and governance across a complex organisation, and contribute to the long-term success of an institution renowned for excellence, innovation and global impact.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications must include a CV and a covering letter.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 10 December 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place in early January 2027.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to: Lucy Harney, Head of Director's Office (Lucy.Harney@admin.cam.ac.uk)

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Rachel Hughes, Recruitment Adviser, Senior Professional Appointments (Rachel.Hughes@admin.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference AG51677 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.