Jisc is looking for a Director of tax, payroll and pensions - Finance to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis. This role is Hybrid with the flexibility to work from home and at any of our main hubs (London, Bristol and Milton Park). In return, you will receive a competitive salary up to £75,000 per annum negotiable depending on experience.

Jisc is the UK higher, further education and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions. We believe education and research improves lives, and technology improves education and research.

Our vision is for the UK to be a world leader in technology for education and research and our mission is to power and empower our members with the technology and data they need to succeed. We know that digital technology has the ability to transform the student experience. We have the experience, expertise and know-how to drive that transformation.

About the Director of tax, payroll and pensions role:

In finance and procurement we're responsible for contracts, expenses, payroll, pensions and procurement. In this exciting and varied role you will be responsible for ensuring the group stays compliant with all areas of tax, payroll and pension regulations.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead, develop, agree and implement a strategy and operational plan to improve Jisc’s tax efficiency.
• Use technical expertise and up to date knowledge of the external market to suggest improvements, inform senior level decision-making and play a proactive role in ensuring the achieve of Jisc’s strategic priorities.
• Keeping abreast of changing taxation laws and requirements, particularly in relation to changes as a result of Brexit, to develop proposals for ensuring Jisc remains tax efficient and compliant.
• Calculate and file annual Corporation Tax returns, oversee quarterly and annual VAT computations.
• Respond to HMRC queries.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to finance business partners on taxation matters.
• Giving general advice on Jisc’s taxation position, including structural considerations in relation to mergers.
• Liaise with Jisc’s external auditors and tax advisors, reviewing outcomes to develop and implement improvements and remedial actions.
• Proactively contributing to a culture of continuous improvement; reviewing processes to identify weaknesses as well as driving and adopting changes that improve processes, financial control and management information.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Significant experience of tax planning at a senior manager / director level
• Significant experience of delivering insightful and impactful analysis to senior management
• Indepth knowledge and experience of complex payroll, defined contribution and/or USS pension schemes
• Experience of working in a charity-oriented role, or in higher education in or out of practice is preferred
• Experience of the following: Microsoft D365, PowerBI, Dayforce, Alphavat, Alphatax will be advantageous
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to rapidly interpret, concisely explain and act on complex information.
• A strategic thinker with ability to recognise and balance interdependencies to achieve the desired outcome
• Excellent problem-solving skills with evidence of successfully applying creative solutions
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate complex tax issues in a simple and impactful way
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills with the ability to resolve conflicting priorities when dealing with stakeholders’ needs
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to new situations and issues to exploit potential opportunities
• Qualified ACA is essential,  CTA or ADIT advantageous

Our benefits:

• Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes an additional three closure days over Christmas plus the opportunity to buy up to an additional 5 days
• Generous flexible pension schemes
• Protection benefit – life cover
• Annual Jisc performance award
• A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, employee assistance programme, mental health first aiders and support
• A generous budget to support you with external learning and Continuous professional development
• Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
• Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money
• Electric Car Lease Scheme and option to purchase SmartTech – spreading the cost of your everyday white goods and technology

If you have the skills and experience, we require for this role and are looking for a new challenge then please click ‘apply’ today to be forwarded to our online recruitment portal and become our new Director of tax, payroll and pensions - Finance.

Thank you for your interest in Jisc.