Vacancies

Direct Tax Manager

Brackley, UK

At the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, a group of passionate and determined people work to design, develop, manufacture and race the cars with the aim of fighting for world championships each and every year.

Whether working in our Operations, Technical, Race or Business Support functions, we are all in and aspire to build the greatest team in the history of our sport.

Every individual plays their part. No stone is left unturned in the chase for every tenth of a second. The history of our sport is long and rich, and we are continuing our journey with renewed effort year on year. Record books remember the names of a few, but history is written by the many.

About the Role:

The Direct Tax Manager is responsible for managing the direct tax compliance and advisory across corporation tax, R&D tax credits, employment taxes, and other direct taxes for the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd group companies. Reporting to the Finance PMO Director – Projects, Internal Audit & Tax, this role ensures optimisation and compliance across UK and international operations, managing day-to-day activities, minimising liabilities, and advising the business on the direct tax implications of its operations in a cost-cap environment.

Key Accountabilities:

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of corporation tax returns, R&D tax claims, PAYE Settlement Agreement, ensuring full compliance with UK and international obligations.

• Oversee the direct tax compliance process, ensuring all returns are filed on time, including quarterly instalment payments and other statutory filings.

• Manage the tax return payment obligations, ensuring they are accurate and processed promptly, including the preparation of payments for corporation tax and the PAYE Settlement Agreement.

• Oversee the management of direct tax compliance in countries where the company operates, liaising with local tax advisors when necessary.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Ensure accurate tax reporting for the group's forecasting, management accounts, shareholder reporting, and financial statements.

• Manage and accurately report the effective tax rate, providing insights and analysis to senior management.

Tax Planning & Strategy:

• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimise corporate tax liabilities, including the optimisation of capital allowance claims and R&D tax credits.

• Provide strategic tax advice to senior management, particularly in relation to business transactions, operational changes, and expansion into new jurisdictions.

• Monitor changes in direct tax legislation and regulations, assessing their impact on the company's operations and tax strategy.

• Advise on structuring business activities and transactions in a tax-efficient manner while complying with UK and international tax laws.

International Taxation:

• Manage the tax implications of the company’s international operations, ensuring compliance with transfer pricing rules, permanent establishment risks, and cross-border taxation.

• Advise on the structuring of cross-border transactions to ensure optimal tax treatment and the minimisation of withholding taxes and double taxation.

• Oversee international tax compliance, including filing of tax returns in jurisdictions with a presence and ensuring compliance with OECD guidelines and local tax laws.

• Provide strategic input on international tax matters, including US state filings and overseas payroll.

Employment Taxes:

• Advise on the tax implications of employee remuneration, employee benefits, and share option plans, ensuring compliance with employment tax laws.

• Provide guidance on expatriate tax issues and manage shadow payroll arrangements for employees working in foreign jurisdictions.

• Provide guidance to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with global payroll tax obligations.

• Tax Risk Management & Advisory:

• Identify, assess, and manage direct tax risks, ensuring appropriate controls and procedures are in place to mitigate tax exposure.

• Ensure the company’s direct tax governance framework is robust, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

• Provide strategic advice on tax risk matters, including the impact of changes in direct tax legislation and regulations.

• Develop and maintain tax risk management processes to monitor ongoing tax developments and ensure compliance.

• Liaise with external tax advisors, auditors, and tax authorities as required.

• Technology and Process Improvement:

• Leverage tax technology and data analytics to streamline tax reporting, improve forecasting, and optimise R&D tax credit claims.

• Implement process improvements and automation (e.g., RPA tools) to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across corporation tax, employment taxes, and other direct tax areas.

Candidate profile:

• CTA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification.

• Strong knowledge of UK corporation tax and international tax frameworks.

• Experience in transfer pricing and cross-border tax issues.

• Experience in R&D tax claims in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to manage complex tax issues in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, advisory, and communication skills.

• Experience in managing relationships with tax authorities and external advisors.

Benefits:

Our riverside campus is powered by 100% renewably sourced energy and features an on-site gym and exercise studio, subsidised restaurant and on-site parking with EV chargers available.

We offer a competitive and attractive package of benefits including a generous bonus scheme, Mercedes car lease scheme, private medical cover, life assurance and 25 days holiday. We pride ourselves on our family-friendly environment and employee well-being programmes.

Why us:

At the heart of our performance are our people. Every member of our team has a voice and plays their part in contributing to our successes on and off the racetrack. We take pride in creating an innovative, collaborative and high-performance culture where all of our team members are respected, empowered and valued.

Through our Accelerate 25 programme, we are continuously working to make our team even more diverse and inclusive. Whatever your background, we believe that you will find working with us rewarding and enriching.

Your Application:

We will ask you to complete a questionnaire as well as submitting a cover letter and CV. Please upload your cover letter and CV as one single PDF file.