Role: Interim Lead Tax Manager - Public Sector

Rate: £600 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35)

Location: Hybrid and York, Cambridge, Manchester, or Carlisle

Duration: 6 months

Client: Major, central government client

A major UK government department is seeking an experienced Lead Tax Manager to provide senior tax leadership across a large and complex public sector group. This is a high-impact role supporting multiple organisations and delivering specialist expertise across IR35, taxable benefits, and corporation tax.

If you enjoy combining technical tax expertise with strategic advisory work, and want to influence tax compliance across a large public body, this role is an excellent opportunity.

Role:

As the Lead Tax Specialist, within the Finance function, you will support a network of organisations and working closely with senior stakeholders. The position covers tax compliance, advisory support, process improvement and governance, with regular engagement with central government tax specialists.

You'll also play a key role in strengthening IR35 processes and tax governance frameworks across the organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead IR35 compliance processes and guidance across the organisation.
• Provide senior advice on complex tax queries and risk areas.
• Oversee PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA) data collection and review.
• Ensure compliance for taxable benefits.
• Manage the corporation tax function for a key public body.
• Maintain and improve tax policies, processes, and training materials.
• Support finance system changes and tax process improvements.
• Work closely with internal finance teams and external bodies including HMRC.

Requirements:

• Strong technical expertise in:
• IR35
• Taxable benefits
• Corporation tax
• Proven ability to interpret and apply tax legislation.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience simplifying complex technical issues for non-tax audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively in large, multi-organisation environments.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills
• CTA, CCAB, ATT qualified, or equivalent demonstrable experience.

This is an urgent need - if interested, apply asap and any questions, email claire.shipman@1st-executive.com