Senior Specialist, Tax

AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

London

The roleholder’s primary responsibility is to take ownership and responsibility for timely and accurate completion of all direct tax matters for a small portfolio of entities and branches, located in the UK and abroad. In doing so they will act as the primary tax team contact for internal stakeholders in relation to their portfolio.

In addition, the role will involve supporting more senior members of the tax team to manage the tax affairs of more complex entities, and have opportunities for involvement in tax advisory/project work and engaging with tax authorities. In doing so, the roleholder will help improve the overall efficiency of the tax department and assist in the management of operational risk.

What you’ll be doing

Responsibilities

What will your essential responsibilities include? As part of the direct tax team responsible for the UK & Lloyd’s, Asia Pacific & Europe, and Latam regions, you will be responsible for:

Tax compliance

• The preparation of timely and accurate completion of corporate tax compliance for a small portfolio of entities/branches in these regions.
• Where the work is prepared outside of the tax team, being the primary reviewer for internally prepared work and primary interface with outsource providers and other AXA tax teams, including furnishing information required by In/Outsource providers to enable the timely and accurate preparation of all tax compliance work.
• For the portfolio of entities, the administration and management of tax compliance deliverables ensuring that all direct tax compliance requirements are met.
• Calculation and monitoring CIT prepayments and refunds, including the calculation of quarterly instalment payments for the UK and managing the Group Payment Arrangement.
• Identifying opportunities and recommending steps to improve the processes and systems to streamline the compliance process.
• Monitor changes in tax law and communicate estimated impacts from a tax return / tax payments perspective.
• For the portfolio of entities, working with other AXA tax teams to ensure timely and accurate input into Pillar 2 filing obligations.
  
  

Tax Reporting

• The preparation of timely and accurate completion of tax provisions for a small portfolio of entities/branches in these regions.
• In liaison with the local finance teams, the preparation of timely and accurate tax disclosures as included in the legal entity statutory accounts.
• Booking tax provisions under IFRS, including but not limited to, ensuring all financial tax implications of the tax compliance processes are correctly reflected in the accounts of the business.
• Identification and consideration of uncertain tax positions including ensuring appropriate provisions are included in the legal entity and Group accounts and communication with senior management as appropriate.
• Identify opportunities and recommend steps to improve the processes and systems to streamline reporting processes.
• Monitor changes in tax law and communicate estimated impacts from a tax accounting perspective.
• Assisting with the communication with our outside auditors (EY); responding to all questions and requests for information.
• Input to Pillar 2 calculations for the portfolio of entities, as required.
  
  

Other Responsibilities

• Working with the Transfer Pricing team to ensure transfer pricing policies are implemented and accounted for in the tax returns and legal entity and Group financial statements.
• Working on ad hoc projects as required, and preparation of tax advice to internal stakeholders.
• Acting as primary contact for internal stakeholders in relation to your portfolio.
• Supporting relationships with tax authorities (both during the course of formal tax audits, and in real time working).
  
  

You will report to the Senior Managers responsible for Direct Tax matters, based in London and Paris.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• London based qualified Chartered Tax Advisor or Chartered Accountant (ACCA, ICAS, or ICAEW) or non-UK equivalent.
• Good working knowledge of UK corporate tax and experience of both UK GAAP and IFRS accounting standards.
• Robust interpersonal communication, presentation, facilitation and influence skills to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization in the UK and abroad.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formula creation, and data validation.
• Ability to work with colleagues in other countries, understand cultural differences, and tailor your communication style appropriately.
• Project Management skills to manage a portfolio of entities; proactively engaging with stakeholders and ensuring a disciplined approach to timeframes and resources.
• Highly organised to manage business as usual as activity efficiently as well as ad hoc queries and longer-term project work.
  
  

What we offer

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter
  
  

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society - are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature - from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard - by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day - the Global Day of Giving.
  
  

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.

Who we are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com