Head of Tax

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Bideford is seeking an experienced Head of Tax to lead private client advisory services. This role requires deep technical knowledge in inheritance and capital gains tax, complemented by strong client management skills. The ideal candidate will mentor junior staff and drive business development initiatives while navigating complex client relationships. Flexibility and a collaborative mindset are essential in this entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in private client tax advisory, ideally in an accountancy or wealth advisory firm.
• Proven ability to lead complex advisory projects and manage high-value client relationships.
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand the private client offering with strategic tax advice.
• Manage complex client relationships and deliver high-value advisory work.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level tax professionals.

Skills

Private client tax advisory

IHT and CGT planning

Trusts and estate planning

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CTA (or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Tax

Department: Corporate Tax

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Bideford

Reporting To: Neil Marke

Description

At R T Marke, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking accountancy firm, renowned for delivering high-quality audit, tax, and advisory services to a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals and owner‑managed businesses. We take a client‑centric approach, offering tailored solutions that build long‑term relationships based on trust, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of our clients’ personal and business needs.

With a strong regional presence and an entrepreneurial culture, we provide strategic support in areas including inheritance tax (IHT), capital gains tax (CGT), income tax, and estate planning. Our goal is to help clients protect and grow their wealth across generations.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced Head of Tax to lead and expand our private client offering. You will bring deep technical knowledge and commercial insight, enabling you to deliver strategic tax advice to high-net-worth individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and business owners.

As a senior leader within the firm, you will play a key role in managing complex client relationships, delivering high‑value advisory work, and driving growth in this crucial service line.

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners, acting as a primary advisor across personal tax matters.
• Advisory Expertise: Provide advanced tax planning and structuring advice, with particular expertise in inheritance tax (IHT), capital gains tax (CGT), trusts, estate planning, residence and domicile, and personal income tax.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure clients meet all relevant personal tax compliance obligations, mitigating risk while identifying planning opportunities.
• Project Leadership: Lead complex tax planning assignments from end to end, ensuring high‑quality delivery aligned with client objectives.
• Legislative Awareness: Stay ahead of UK tax legislation and regulatory changes, ensuring clients and colleagues are informed and equipped to respond.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level tax professionals, fostering a culture of learning and high performance.
• Business Development: Support the growth of the private client team by contributing to new business pitches, networking activities, and thought leadership initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Significant experience in private client tax advisory, ideally gained in a reputable accountancy or wealth advisory firm.
• Strong expertise in IHT and CGT planning, with a solid understanding of trusts, estate planning, and personal tax structures.
• Relevant qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CTA (or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead complex advisory projects and manage high‑value client relationships.
• Strong leadership skills and experience developing junior staff.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities for clients and the firm.

The Qualities You Bring

• Relationship-focused with a passion for delivering exceptional service.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a keen eye for new opportunities and practical solutions.
• A collaborative team player who leads by example.
• Analytical thinker who can simplify complex tax issues for clients.
• Committed to mentoring others and contributing to a positive team culture.

Why Us?

At R T Marke, you’ll join a firm that values innovation, collaboration, and long‑term client impact. As a Head of Tax, you’ll have the autonomy to shape and grow our offering while working alongside a supportive and driven leadership team.

We foster a flexible, inclusive workplace where everyone is supported to thrive and grow. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in a progressive and ambitious firm, we’d love to hear from you.