Head of Tax & Partner Matters (In-House Tax Senior Manager / Director Role) 15-month Maternity Cover FTC (ex-April/May 2026)
Application Deadline: 20 February 2026
Department: Accounts
Employment Type: Contract / Temp
Location: 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380
Description
Background
Our business services teams are a critical part of our firm. Business services is the engine that keeps the firm running and ensures our legal teams can deliver a high-quality service to our clients.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this Tax & Partner Matters role (maternity cover) will assume responsibility for:
* Oversight of all tax compliance, planning and tax risk management activities of the firm
* Management of all finance related partner matters, including partner capital, drawings, distributions, reporting, admissions and retirement.
* Ensuring continuity and stability across all processes during the cover period, maintaining established frameworks and escalation channels
The role sits within the Finance function (30 people), is a member of the Finance Leadership Team, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The firm uses Elite 3E as its core financial system, supported by Iridium business intelligence software.
A detailed and structured handover will be provided at the start and end of the contract to ensure smooth transition and continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Compliance, Risk & Governance
* Maintain and oversee the firm‑wide tax filing calendar across all tax heads and jurisdictions.
* Manage the preparation and filing of Irish tax returns (Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT), including validation of underlying data. Coordinate with external advisors for UK, US and international tax filings.
* Prepare annual Partner Tax Packs to support completion of partner personal tax returns. (Note: The Partners' individual tax returns are prepared by their personal tax advisors.)
* Steward the firm's tax‑risk management framework in line with the firm's zero‑to‑low risk appetite.
* Operate preventative and detective tax controls already in place and ensure issues are escalated where appropriate.
* Provide employer‑tax guidance on secondments, business travellers, recognition programmes and remote‑working arrangements.
* Manage day‑to‑day interactions with external tax advisors (primarily PwC and EY).
* Support firm representation in Revenue interventions and audits, in alignment with guidance from the CFO/FC. (Note: Firm has recently concluded a full Revenue Audit.)
* Monitor relevant tax legislation and regulatory changes, communicating impacts and recommended responses.
* Drive continuity in tax processes, identifying incremental efficiency improvements where directed.
* Contribute to VAT billing training and procedure updates as required.
Partner Matters
* Serve as the primary operational contact for partner queries, maintaining established communication channels and protocols.
* Manage the partner payment cycle, including monthly drawings, quarterly distributions and capital repayments.
* Deliver partner onboarding: briefing sessions, materials and ongoing support.
* Prepare financial modelling and projections for retiring partners to support internal decision‑making.
* Manage relationships with pension advisors, tax advisors and the firm's funding banks.
* Support implementation and communication of the firm's Partner capital initiatives.
* Operate the standardised partner withdrawal and retirement process.
* Escalate complex or sensitive partner matters to the FC/CFO as required.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
* Maintain strong working relationships with Finance, HR, the equity partner group and external advisors.
* Represent the firm professionally in tax and partner finance matters, with escalation and sign‑off for complex or strategic issues.
* Ensure continuity of communication to partners, including payment schedules, tax deadlines and relevant updates.
* Provide clear documentation and uphold strong governance to support seamless handovers at the start and end of the cover period.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* 5–7+ years' relevant experience in tax, finance or professional services
* Professional accounting or tax qualification (ACA, CTA, CTC or equivalent)
* Experience managing tax compliance and tax risk processes
* Prior experience in partnership or owner managed business environments desirable
* Familiarity with 3E and/or Iridium beneficial but not essential
Skills & Attributes
* Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills
* Strong communicator with the ability to influence and build trust
* Pragmatic, resilient and solutions focused
* Ability to work independently and manage sensitive issues with discretion
* Comfortable working across all tax heads and multiple jurisdictions
* Strong judgement with a continuity driven, steady state approach during the cover period
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Opportunity for completion bonus
* Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
* Professional development opportunities
* Hybrid working arrangements