Personal Tax Director (Private Client)

Salary: c.£75,000–£85,000 + bonus

Location: Edinburgh (hybrid)

Lead advisory work and shape a growing team

If you’re an experienced private client tax adviser who enjoys solving complex issues, building trusted client relationships, and leading people well, this is a genuinely senior opportunity with our client in Scotland. You’ll take ownership of a high-quality portfolio, drive advisory work (not just compliance), and play a key role in developing a strong Private Client Tax team.

The Opportunity

This is a leadership role within a well-established UK accountancy practice, offering the chance to influence service delivery, mentor and develop talent, and act as a senior point of contact for private client tax matters. The role is ideally based in Edinburgh, with hybrid working available.

Key Responsibilities

Private Client Portfolio Leadership

• Manage a varied private client portfolio, covering personal tax compliance and advisory
• Identify and advise on tax-sensitive expenditure, planning opportunities and wider tax issues
• Act as a senior escalation point for technical queries and complex client matters
• Liaise directly with clients to resolve queries efficiently and professionally

Technical Delivery and Risk Management

• Ensure HMRC deadlines are met across your portfolio, with strong attention to detail and quality
• Coordinate with internal teams to keep work on track and deliver to agreed timelines
• Undertake and oversee research into complex tax legislation, translating it into practical advice

Team Leadership and Development

• Support the management of the Private Client Tax team through:Appraisals and performance conversations
• Coaching and technical guidance
• Delegation and review to improve quality and consistency
• Contribute to a positive culture where the team’s voice is heard and development is prioritised

Commercial and Operational Focus

• Monitor and manage utilisation, productivity and WIP
• Provide clear guidance and feedback to colleagues to keep standards high and outcomes consistent

What We’re Looking For

To be considered, you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• CTA qualified (or ACA / ACCA / CA with strong personal tax focus)
• Significant UK practice experience in Personal Tax / Private Client Tax (or Mixed Tax with a strong private client bias)
• Minimum 7+ years’ UK practice experience in tax, with proven delivery at Senior Manager / Associate Director / Director level (or ready to step up)
• Strong advisory capability, including the confidence to handle:Complex personal tax planning
• HMRC enquiries and correspondence
• Technical research and interpretation of legislation
• Evidence of leadership: coaching, reviewing work, developing juniors, and helping teams perform well
• Comfortable managing deadlines, client expectations, and portfolio delivery in a structured way

Salary, Benefits and Working Arrangements

Package

• £75,000–£85,000 basic salary (depending on experience)
• Performance-related bonus (where applicable)

Benefits (typical for senior practice roles)

You can expect a comprehensive package, which is likely to include:

• Hybrid working and flexible approach to office attendance
• Enhanced pension and employer contributions
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to buy/sell in some packages)
• Private medical cover (often available at senior level)
• Life assurance and income protection
• Professional subscription support and ongoing CPD
• Clear progression pathways and scope to grow with the team as it develops

Interested? Let’s talk

If you’re a private client tax leader looking for a senior role in Scotland, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.

Contact: Diane Shaw

Email: d.shaw@h-fts.com

Please send your CV or a brief overview of your current situation, and we will take it from there.

Confidentiality: All applications and discussions will be treated in the strictest confidence.