As tax functions become more strategic and technology-driven, securing exceptional tax leadership is crucial. Modern Tax Directors and Global Heads of Tax don't just manage compliance — they align tax strategy with broader business goals, drive transformation, and protect profitability.
At The Consultancy Group, we specialise in executive tax search, connecting businesses with proven tax leaders who bring the right mix of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and strategic insight to navigate today's complex tax landscape.
Tax Executive Search Key Challenges
- Strategic Tax Leadership: Finding executives who go beyond compliance to drive tax as a value-creation function.
- Regulatory Complexity & Global Risk Management: Identifying leaders who can anticipate regulatory shifts, manage cross-border tax, and optimise structures.
- Tax Digitisation & Automation: Hiring tax executives who understand automation and digital tax transformation.
- Transfer Pricing & M&A Readiness: Sourcing experts who can align tax policies with global expansion, investment, and transaction strategies.
- Building High-Performing Tax Teams: Appointing leaders who develop, mentor, and scale world-class tax functions.
Our Expertise in Executive Tax Search & Selection
We partner with businesses across Media & Tech, Retail & E-commerce, Real Estate, and Business Services to place high-impact tax executives. Our recruitment philosophy involves meeting every candidate and client face-to-face, allowing us to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and technical skills.
Whether you need a strategic tax leader to build a tax function from the ground up or a proven expert to refine and optimise an established team, we can connect you with exceptional talent.
Recent Senior Tax Appointments
| Sector | Role | Mandate | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Group Tax Director | Oversee tax compliance during global expansion | Streamlined international tax reporting and compliance processes |
| Retail | Head of Tax | Lead corporate tax strategy during business restructuring | Developed tax-efficient strategies and optimised the groups tax structure |
| FMCG | Transfer Pricing Director | Establish a global transfer pricing policy | Created transfer pricing strategy and ensured compliance across jurisdictions |
The Expanding Role of Tax Leadership
The role of tax executives has evolved beyond compliance, with businesses demanding leaders who can integrate tax into overall business strategy. Key areas where tax leadership is driving change:
- Digital Tax Transformation: Leveraging ERP systems, AI-driven tax automation, and e-invoicing.
- Global Compliance & Risk Management: Aligning corporate tax, transfer pricing, and indirect tax policies with evolving regulations.
- Tax as a Business Partner: Shaping board-level decisions by aligning tax with finance, legal, and operations.
- Sustainability & Green Taxes: Managing ESG-driven tax policies, carbon taxes, and sustainability-linked incentives.
Speak to our Executive Tax Team
Our specialist team is here to help you secure the right talent to drive your company's tax strategy and financial success.
Bethany leads the Tax practice. FTSE-listed businesses, PE-backed firms and multinationals — senior tax appointments across corporate tax, international tax, transfer pricing, VAT and tax technology, both interim and permanent.
Phil co-founded The Consultancy Group and leads the firm's executive search practice at the most senior level. Two decades of relationships across the CFO and Finance Director community — appointing into FTSE-listed businesses, PE-backed companies and high-growth SMEs across Media, Technology, Consumer and Retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Tax Directors in modern businesses?
Tax Directors are crucial strategic partners in their organisations, overseeing complex compliance issues and leading tax transformation initiatives. They must manage both direct and indirect tax strategies, ensure compliance with global tax regulations including transfer pricing and reporting, and lead the implementation of Tax Control Frameworks to maintain transparency and accuracy in tax operations.
How does tax executive search differ from other types of executive search?
Tax executive search requires specialised knowledge of tax laws, regulations, and financial expertise. Tax executives need a deep understanding of tax planning, compliance, and risk management, making the search process more focused on candidates with specific tax backgrounds and qualifications. This is distinct from broader CFO or finance leadership searches.
What qualifications should a modern tax leader possess?
A modern tax leader should have extensive experience in tax compliance, along with relevant qualifications such as CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor), ACA/ACCA, or equivalent certifications. They must have a deep understanding of global tax regulations and the ability to lead tax transformation projects. Strong communication and leadership skills are also essential for effectively collaborating with senior stakeholders and aligning tax strategies with broader business objectives.
How can businesses adapt to digital transformation in tax compliance?
Businesses must invest in the right technology and develop Tax Control Frameworks that integrate automation and real-time data. Training tax professionals to manage these digital tools is key to successful transformation. We identify tax executives who understand ERP integration, AI-driven tax automation, and e-invoicing — leaders who can own the digitisation agenda.