M&A Tax Manager / Associate Director

City, Manchester
RSM
As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions – we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.
About the department

When you become part of our Tax team, you’ll discover a culture celebrating individuality, fresh thinking, flexibility and collaboration, whilst not only embracing change but impacting it. We’re simply not a one-size-fits-all firm and work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference – to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of RSM and our clients. As Ali Sapsford (our Head of Tax) states, “personality and fun are as big a part of our culture as is our passion for delivering a premium service to our clients That sense of team is what attracts clients and staff alike to RSM, and it’s one of the things I love about RSM!”

Our Corporate Tax Team is growing and services clients across a great variety of industries, such as retail, technology and construction to name a few. We work with owner managed businesses, private equity backed enterprises and global companies, managing their tax affairs both on the compliance side and in relation to additional advisory matters. The latter includes Mergers and Acquisitions as well as and Research and Development taxes.

Indeed, as a result of consistent growth, increased client demand and high-profile M&A Tax appointments, we are looking to make an addition to our National Transactions Tax faculty in the Central Region. Our Transaction Tax specialists provide a variety of services, such a tax due diligence reviews (buy-side and sell-side), advice relating to private equity and similar structures, vendor assistance, and management tax planning.

About the role

As part of the Central Region Corporate Tax Team as well as RSM’s national faculty of M&A Tax specialists, you will work closely with a local Transaction Tax Partner and make a significant contribution towards the overall future development and success of the Transaction Tax offering. You will have high levels of responsibility alongside the satisfaction of managing a variety of interesting and challenging projects across different industries. Operating closely with our brilliant Corporate Finance Department and utilising RSM’s international network, you will be at the forefront of Transaction Tax advisory work.

• Acting as the main point of contact and respond quickly to clients and internal teams.
• Managing projects in accordance with the firm’s standard procedures and confirm arrangements with the client, including costs and billing arrangements.
• Overseeing due diligence projects, leading on corporate tax and liaising with other specialist teams to deliver tax due diligence reports.
• Delivering tax structuring advice pre and post transaction in order to provide tax efficient solutions for clients.
• Researching and preparing proposals for new work, as well as taking part in presentations to prospective clients.
• Supporting in strategic targeting and business development activity, particularly in the private equity space, with the Transaction Tax Partner.
• Maintaining an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and courses, and fulfilling professional bodies’ CPD requirements.
• Taking an active role in the development of junior colleagues.
• Briefing junior staff on the client’s business and the pre-assignment instructions, supervising and controlling the completion of work, and undertaking ‘on the job’ training and appraisals where necessary.
• Ensuring tax quality always by adhering to the firm’s quality standards.
• Carrying out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, the title of the role and its grading, as requested by the line manager, Head of Department or a Partner.

About the ideal candidate

• CTA / ATII qualified is preferred or equivalent (along with an accounting qualification such as ACA or ACCA).
• Significant previous experience operating at Manager or a similar role is required, or can demonstrate the skill set required to undertake the role.
• Good knowledge of Transaction Tax, in a specialist capacity or as a Corporate Tax professional.
• Proven experience in client handling and project management, building and sustaining relationships.
• Proven tax experience in producing high quality work within budget.
• Business development experience and/or interest in this aspect is advantageous, with the capability of raising own and RSM’s profile through networking.
• Ability to identify opportunities to generate value for clients and potential risks, developing commercial solutions and recommendations to the customer’s circumstances.
• Embraces an inclusive approach to team development, providing opportunities to demonstrate capability and managing performances in an active and supportive manner.
• Practical knowledge of preparing client proposal, liaising with other teams when appropriate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, building and sustaining relationships with senior client staff.
• Good organisation sills, dealing with client queries both professionally and promptly.

Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the role. As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment in consultation with the individual.

About the Service Line Head

James Morris, Head of Corporate Tax:

“I joined RSM in 2014 as a Tax Director. From the guidance and training I received in my own career development to the huge opportunities to help others in their development, I could not ask for a more supportive place to work. The people work as a team and towards a common goal. RSM is an exciting place to work too; the work is challenging and interesting, and the ability to shape the firm is there for everyone. I am proud to lead RSM’s Corporate Tax Practice and to support the RSM team as it continues to grow. I’ve personally benefitted from the opportunities at RSM and look forward to supporting others as they also build their careers in our business.”

Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client’s needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That’s why we’re working together to ensure our firm’s principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference – to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.