Senior Lead, Tax

Remote from: UK
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Finance & Accounting
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 22 May 2026
Apply before: 22 Jun 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 21 / 7

We add life to a lifetime of learning.

Education Management
1844

AI Summary

Pearson is seeking a Senior Lead (VP equivalent) in Tax for a 12-15 month maternity cover. This role oversees UK and International direct tax matters, including compliance, reporting, forecasting, and business support. The position leads a team and drives tax transformation initiatives, focusing on operating model improvement and technology adoption. The ideal candidate is an experienced UK corporate tax professional with Big Four and multinational exposure. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong stakeholder management and global tax expertise.

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

AI Insight This is a senior leadership role (VP equivalent) with global scope, requiring extensive experience in UK and international tax, transformation, and stakeholder management. The complexity of managing tax across 50+ countries and driving technology initiatives makes it extremely challenging.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The salary for this senior tax leadership role is not specified, but based on market data for a VP-level Tax Director or Head of Direct Tax in a large multinational, the median is approximately $250,000. This is competitive for a role requiring deep expertise and global oversight.

Key Skills

Corporate Tax International Tax Tax Compliance Tax Accounting Tax Transformation Stakeholder Management Leadership Process Improvement Tax Technology M&A Tax

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Lead, Tax position at Pearson. With over 15 years of experience in UK and international corporate tax, including leadership roles at Big Four firms and large multinationals, I am confident in my ability to drive Pearson's global tax strategy and transformation agenda. My expertise in tax accounting, compliance, and operating model improvement aligns well with the requirements of this role.

In my previous role as Head of Direct Tax at a global company, I led a team responsible for tax compliance and reporting across 30+ jurisdictions, successfully implemented a tax technology platform, and managed complex audits and disputes. I am passionate about leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and risk management, and I have a proven track record of delivering value-adding tax opportunities.

I am particularly drawn to Pearson's mission to help people make progress in their lives through learning. I am eager to bring my strategic and hands-on approach to support Pearson's global operations and contribute to its transformation initiatives. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

Possible Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with tax transformation initiatives and how you have leveraged technology to improve tax processes?

In my previous role, I led a project to implement a tax data management platform that automated data collection and reporting, reducing manual effort by 30%. I also worked on standardizing compliance processes across multiple jurisdictions, which improved accuracy and efficiency. I believe in continuously evaluating new technologies to enhance risk management and operational effectiveness.

How do you manage tax audits and disputes in multiple jurisdictions? Provide an example of a complex audit you handled.

I have managed audits in several countries, including a recent transfer pricing audit in Germany. I coordinated with local advisors, prepared robust documentation, and engaged with tax authorities proactively. By presenting a clear economic analysis, we resolved the audit with no adjustments. I ensure a 'no surprises' approach by maintaining open communication with all stakeholders.

How would you approach leading a team responsible for UK and International direct tax while also driving transformation?

I would prioritize clear communication of goals and expectations, ensuring the team understands how transformation initiatives align with day-to-day responsibilities. I would delegate operational tasks to trusted team members while focusing on strategic projects. Regular check-ins and training would help the team adapt to new processes and technologies.

Describe a time you influenced cross-functional stakeholders to adopt a tax-efficient strategy.

When our finance team was considering a new intercompany financing structure, I worked with Treasury and Legal to present a tax-efficient alternative that reduced withholding tax exposure. I provided clear analysis and addressed concerns, ultimately gaining buy-in from all parties. The structure saved the company $2M annually.

What are the key considerations when managing tax risk in a global organization like Pearson?

Key considerations include staying updated on legislative changes in all jurisdictions, ensuring robust transfer pricing policies, and maintaining strong internal controls. I also emphasize the importance of governance and escalation processes to avoid surprises. Regular training and collaboration with local teams are crucial for mitigating risk.

Job Title – Senior Lead (VP equivalent), Tax (12–15 month maternity cover)

This role aligns to the following roles in the market place – Tax Director, Head of Direct Tax

About the role
This role is a maternity leave cover for a defined portion of a senior leadership position within Group Tax, reporting to the Head of Tax. The role has responsibility for oversight of UK and International tax matters, including transformation initiatives, operating model continuous improvement, tax reporting, forecasting, compliance oversight, and business support.

Pearson operates in five main business divisions, with entities in over 50 countries, with its largest markets in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. This role sits on the Tax Leadership team and plays a key role in supporting the organisation’s global tax strategy and governance.

You will lead a team responsible for UK and International direct tax activities across multiple jurisdictions, working in partnership with advisors and collaborating closely with finance, legal, treasury, controllership and business stakeholders across Pearson’s global operations. You will also work closely with the heads of Indirect Tax, Transfer Pricing, US and Strategy.

Alongside overseeing business-as-usual tax activities and any special projects, you will play a key role in driving elements of Pearson’s tax transformation agenda. This includes continuous improvement of the tax operating model, governance frameworks, and the use of technology and data to enhance efficiency and risk management.

This is a senior leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, requiring strong judgement, stakeholder engagement and the ability to operate in a complex, global environment.

What you’ll do

Lead a team responsible for UK and International direct tax matters, including corporate tax compliance, reporting, forecasting, and business support activities
Oversee and manage tax audits, enquiries, and disputes across relevant jurisdictions, working in partnership with the Tax Controversy Lead where required
Ensure appropriate governance and escalation of tax risks and opportunities, maintaining a ‘no surprises’ approach to ETR, cash tax and forecasting
Identify, drive and implement value-adding tax opportunities across regions
Continuously develop and improve the tax operating model across people, processes and technology, working closely with the US tax team to ensure global alignment
Drive process simplification, standardisation, and improved governance across the tax function
Oversee the continued centralisation of local compliance activity within international markets, focusing on efficiency and scalable global processes
Champion the use of technology, including identifying and delivering data and automation opportunities aligned to broader finance transformation initiatives
Partner with finance and business stakeholders to provide practical tax support on commercial initiatives, contracting, restructuring, and operational matters
Monitor legislative developments and assess implications for the business
Contribute to broader tax projects and initiatives, including potential involvement in M&A and strategic activities

What we’re looking for

Experienced UK corporate tax professional with significant experience, ideally combining Big Four and large multinational organisation exposure
Relevant degree or equivalent higher education qualification, alongside a professional qualification in accounting, tax, or law
Strong expertise in tax accounting, with a clear understanding of ETR and cash tax implications
Broad and up-to-date knowledge of international tax and UK tax legislation
Proven experience managing external advisors and leading cross-functional projects
Experience or exposure to transformation, operating model redesign, process improvement, or tax technology initiatives
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across Finance, Treasury, Legal and business teams
Ability to build credibility and trust, gaining buy-in from senior stakeholders across the organisation
Comfortable balancing strategic priorities with operational delivery
Strong leadership capability, with experience motivating and developing high-performing teams
Excellent organisational and documentation skills
Awareness of AI, technology and data trends within tax, with understanding of available tools and their application (not requiring deep technical expertise)

Location & working pattern
This role can be based anywhere in the UK and may be fully remote, with occasional travel to Pearson offices. The Group Tax team is based across the UK and US, with key hubs in London (Head Office) and Belfast.

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