Tax Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead Sumo’s VGEC and broader corporate tax activity, acting as the subject matter expert on VGEC and shaping tax strategy. You will collaborate with the parent group tax team to manage Pillar 2 and international reporting, while supporting commercial contracts and tax structuring in a dynamic, creative industry. You drive continuous improvement in tax processes and explore incentives for the studio. This role combines advisory, compliance, and hands-on execution with a cross-functional, stakeholder-focused approach.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible benefits package
• salary sacrifice pension
• private healthcare (BUPA)
• employee assistance programs (EAP)
• regular personal development and learning days
• flexible working and generous holiday allowance

Responsibilities

• Be the Sumo finance lead on VGEC, VGTR, R&D and corporate tax matters, providing insight to senior management and the group FC/FD
• Drive continuous improvement to identify operating efficiencies across tax processes
• Be the main contact on VGEC matters for development, commercial and support teams to influence contracts and outcomes
• Oversee end-to-end VGEC claims process, coordinating with development and support teams to ensure timely delivery
• Support and review VGEC claim documentation and month-end processing by the Assistant Finance Manager
• Develop deep knowledge of UK VGEC guidance and collaborate with external advisors to optimise claims
• Monitor VGEC strategy, maintain transfer pricing policies, and ensure legal/contracts structure optimises claims
• Manage SPV subsidiary accounts, audits, and tax returns with advisors/auditors
• Lead R&D claim processes with project teams to identify qualifying activities and prepare documentation
• Maintain corporate tax structuring, compliance, forecasting, and monthly tax reporting; liaise with auditors and the parent group on tax matters
• Keep strong relationships with tax advisors and manage transfer pricing documentation and compliance
• Serve as key contact for Tencent group tax reporting and Pillar two compliance
• Review and liaise with external advisors on VAT, WHT, and global mobility
• Contribute to ad-hoc analysis and project support as required
• Support year-end tax accruals and provide information for audits of tax

Key requirements

• ACA, ACCA, CTA or similar professional finance qualification
• Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) beneficial but not essential
• Strong technical tax background from practice or industry
• Corporate tax experience with R&D credits experience advantageous
• Strong presentation skills (written and oral) and ability to adapt to audiences
• Ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships across the business
• Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial drivers
• Enthusiastic, team-oriented, and collaborative with willingness to learn
• Autonomous, well-organised, able to prioritise under deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and drive for process improvements
• Strong Excel skills with data analysis and manipulation abilities
• Experience with VGEC/RDEC and transfer pricing considerations
• Experience with project-based tax structuring and contracting processes

• presentation and communication
• stakeholder management
• team collaboration
• tax compliance and forecasting
• VGEC and R&D tax credits
• transfer pricing

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