Tax Senior Associate

TAX SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to

the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very

widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data

science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's

leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many

sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with

1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet

two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world,

to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a Tax Senior Associate, reporting to the CFO. This role covers

multiple Canonical corporate entities in several countries. We have a preference

for candidates in EMEA time zones.

This is a unique opportunity for an astute and forward-thinking tax professional

to build a tax function from the ground up at a profitable, fast-growing

technology company. We're looking for someone with a keen interest in technology

and how technology is changing the tax profession, who can translate that

insight into a modern, effective strategy and hands-on execution.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will design and own the tax processes that

support our global expansion. Your primary challenge will be navigating the

complexity of the evolving global environment in which we operate, where tax

rules are constantly evolving. You will work with the CFO to establish a

scalable and efficient framework fit for a dynamic, global software

business—tackling everything from digital services taxes to leveraging new tax

technologies.

In our selection process, we prioritize intellect and strategic thinking over

years of experience. We are looking for someone with a strong academic

background, a professional qualification in accounting and tax and demonstrable

exposure to global tax considerations in a multinational context.

Location: This role will be based remotely in the EMEA region, or may be office

based in London, UK

THE ROLE ENTAILS

• Manage and coordinate the preparation and review of corporate tax, VAT, and

other relevant tax returns for our entities, ensuring timely and accurate

filings

• Work with external advisers to develop transfer pricing documentation and tax

planning initiatives and lead their implementation

• Act as a key point of contact for tax authority audits and enquiries,

preparing responses and supporting documentation in collaboration with

external advisors.

• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve tax processes, controls, and

data management to enhance efficiency and accuracy particularly using

technology and automation

• Manage and run tax provisioning and reporting under IFRS, including

calculating effective tax rates and preparing tax-related disclosures for

financial statements

• Work closely with the wider finance team, legal, and business operations to

provide tax support and ensure cross-functional alignment

• Monitor changes in tax legislation across the regions in which we operate and

assess their potential impact on the company.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

• Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics, technology or other

quantitative field

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and tax advisor (CTA, ADIT or

equivalent)

• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant tax experience, gained within a Big 4/Top

10 accounting firm or a multinational in-house tax team.

• Confidence to respectfully speak up, exchange feedback, and share ideas

without hesitation

• Track record of going above-and-beyond expectations to achieve outstanding

results

• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain

complex tax concepts to non-tax stakeholders

• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two

weeks long

NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS

• Leadership ability
• Software or tech industry experience
• Public company finance and reporting experience

WHAT WE OFFER COLLEAGUES

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping

compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for

graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In

addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission.

We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values

and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness

globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

ABOUT CANONICAL

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open

source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important

open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are

changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high

standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to

succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have

worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the

future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new

skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of

experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and

better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair

consideration. [https://canonical.com/careers/diversity/identity]

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