About the role
Pearson operates across five business divisions in more than 50 countries, with key markets in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. This newly created role brings together UK and International Corporate Tax Compliance and business support into a single team, ensuring a consistent, efficient, and future-focused approach.
Reporting to the VP of UK, International Tax and Transfer Pricing, you will lead a team of three with responsibility for UK corporate tax compliance (including Pillar 2 and global strategy) and selected International markets. The role will shape a sustainable strategy for delivering compliance and advisory services, harnessing Pearson’s global outsource model, single ERP system, and emerging technologies to streamline processes, manage risk, and support transformation.
In addition to corporate tax compliance, you will lead on tax risk management, business support, and project activity across International markets, while contributing to Pearson’s broader tax agenda, including year-end reporting, ETR and cash tax forecasting. The role also offers opportunities to support special projects, such as M&A, and play a key part in shaping Pearson’s global tax strategy.
You can read more about Pearson’s tax landscape and tax principles in our annually published Tax Report available on our website.
Location - Based anywhere in the UK, role may be remote with occasional travel to Pearson offices.
Group Tax are based throughout the UK and US, with particular presence at our Corporate Head office in London (including the Head of Tax) and Belfast.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide tax support and advice to Pearson’s businesses in all International markets (including those where tax compliance is managed outside Group Tax), including supporting financial controllers in all tax matters, including new business initiatives, supply chain and contracting models and managing local tax audits.
Oversee a team responsible for corporate tax and transfer pricing compliance (supported by Global TP Director) in the UK and selected International markets.
Oversee the continued transition of local compliance activity in International markets to Group Tax, with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
Build relationships with regional business and finance leaders, and other non-tax stakeholders as a trusted business partner.
Work effectively with other sub-teams in the tax function including the US, transfer pricing, and indirect tax.
Identify and drive/implement regional value adding tax opportunities.
Advise on tax efficient financing and repatriations for the regions, including implementation of in-house bank initiative.
Proactively identify, manage and mitigate regional and group tax risks.
Monitor legislative developments, evaluate implications and application to Pearson.
Sign off UK & International year-end tax reporting matters.
Input into global group tax planning initiatives, forecasting and projects which support Pearson’s overall tax strategy.
What we are looking for:
Experienced UK corporate tax professional, with experience at Tax Senior Manager level or above.
University degree or other higher education equivalent, and relevant professional qualification (Accounting, Tax or Legal).
Proficient in tax accounting, with a strong understanding of ETR and cash tax implications of transactions and decisions.
Broad up to date knowledge of international tax, and of relevant UK tax law.
Ability to interact with all levels and parts of an organisation including Treasury, Legal, Finance and Business and to manage advisers.
Ability to provide clear direction, anticipate future trends, and align team efforts to achieve long-term strategic goals.
Builds credibility and trust, influences stakeholders at all levels, and gains buy-in for initiatives and change.
Builds, motivates, and develops high-performing teams. Sets clear expectations, gives feedback, and coaches others.
Drives accountability and delivers outcomes.
Good project management experience and expertise.
Strong organisational skills and documentation skills.
Ability to manage external advisors to time and on budget.
Your Reward & Benefits
We know you’ll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We understand that one size doesn’t fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams and their families too. There are a range of options, too many to list here, but when you join our Pearson family you can look forward to:
Starting holiday of 25 days plus UK public holidays and you’ll earn 1 additional day’s holiday per year you work with us;
A generous pension scheme where we match and double what you contribute;
Maternity, paternity, and family care leave as well as flexible work policies;
Stock/share purchase options;
Healthcare and dental plans, and an employee well-being assistance program for you and your family to help balance work, family, and personal life;
Cycle to Work Scheme, gym membership concessions in selected office locations, along with retail and leisure discounts.
#LI-CM1
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Job: Finance
Job Family: ENTERPRISE
#LI-REMOTE