AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Lead Tax Manager - Inside IR35 for a 6 month contract working on a Hybrid basis (3 days per week in any Defra office and remaining WFH)

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

About the Role:

DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding the natural environment, supporting the food and farming sector, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Its work impacts everyday life—from the food we eat, to the water we drink, to the air we breathe.

The Defra group delivers corporate services centrally to Core Defra and four of its Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs):

• Environment Agency (EA)
• Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
• Natural England (NE)
• Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

The Tax Team provides tax services across all these bodies, covering VAT, taxable benefits, corporation tax, and IR35. The team sits within the wider Compliance and Financial Accounting function, which is responsible for preparing accounts for Defra’s ALBs, Core Defra and the group’s Annual Report and Accounts.

Primary Purpose of the Role:

Lead and support the Defra Tax Team by providing expert tax guidance across the Defra group. Act as the primary specialist for taxable benefits, IR35 and corporation tax, while also contributing to VAT compliance.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Lead Tax Manager would be to:

• Lead IR35 compliance activity across the Defra group, ensuring clear, robust processes and guidance.
• Oversee data collection and review for PAYE Settlement Agreement returns for EA, NE and Core Defra.
• Ensure full compliance on all taxable benefits across the group.
• Manage corporation tax obligations for Natural England, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
• Maintain up to date tax guidance and identify training needs across the organisation.
• Provide expert advice on complex or high risk tax issues.
• Collaborate with the wider tax team and support ALBs across all areas of tax responsibility.
• Engage with HMRC and the cross government Tax Centre of Excellence when required.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and communicate clearly with senior leaders.
• Represent Defra’s tax needs in finance system developments and upgrades.

Essential:

• Strong technical tax background, particularly in IR35 and taxable benefits, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation effectively.
• Confident using digital tools and IT systems to deliver high quality work.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Clear communicator, able to simplify and explain complex tax issues.
• Experience leading or supporting a geographically dispersed team.
• Highly organised, with strong project management capability.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Able to work effectively in a changing environment and think strategically about wider business impact.
• Experienced tax professional and/or qualified (CTA, CCAB or ATT).

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".