Hiring trends in Tax: What employers and jobseekers need to

The tax recruitment market is entering an exciting phase as 2025 unfolds, with firms actively seeking top talent across various specialisms. Here's a roundup of what's happening in the world of tax this month.

Personal Tax

January was extremely busy for personal tax professionals due to self-assessment deadlines, leading to a slowdown in hiring. However, top 30 clients plan to expand their teams from February, especially seeking ATT qualified candidates.
The Big 4 have a high demand for seniors within the private client financial services sector.
Senior-level Directors with expertise in Trust and non-dom work are in demand at firms just outside the top 10, driven by the evolving non-dom landscape and the need to support clients through these changes.

Corporate Tax

Candidates have been starting to explore new opportunities since the new year, though they remain somewhat passive.
However, firms are eager to hire, focusing on Assistant Managers, Managers, and Senior Managers in specialisms like International Tax, Real Estate Tax, and Financial Services, especially in London.
Growth hubs in Corporate Tax are also emerging in Northern regions such as Manchester and Leeds.

M&A Tax

The M&A tax market, particularly in the FS sector, saw rapid growth in 2024, and this trend is expected to continue this year.
Firms across the Big 4 and Top 10 are expanding their M&A tax teams, creating more opportunities for talented individuals.

Transfer Pricing

There is a strong focus on recruiting candidates within the FS space, especially at the junior level, as firms aim to expand their offerings.
With more businesses falling under transfer pricing regulations, demand is likely to increase.
There is a shift from compliance-heavy roles to more advisory models, with compliance being outsourced to hubs outside the UK.

Senior-Level Directors

Directors with experience in growing businesses and seeking new challenges are in demand, particularly in the Real Estate and PE/VC sectors. Firms are flexible on specific responsibilities and focus areas, provided candidates have sector knowledge and a proven track record.

The corporate tax recruitment sector is dynamic, with firms actively seeking to fill key positions and expand their teams to meet growing demands.

VAT

Many professionals are actively seeking career advancement, aiming for managerial roles or specialisation in sectors like financial services and not-for-profit.
In London, there's high demand within the top 20 for Managers with advisory experience, including those with a mix of compliance and advisory backgrounds.
The Big 4 accounting firms are expanding in the West Midlands, looking to recruit Senior Managers and Associate Directors to meet growing service demands, reflecting their commitment to the region.
A significant number of professionals are looking to step up into managerial roles or specialise in specific sectors. Clients are particularly interested in candidates with experience in financial services and the not-for-profit sector. There is a high demand within top 20 firms in London for Managers with advisory experience. Firms are open to candidates with a mixed background of compliance and advisory.
Additionally, the VAT tax recruitment sector is seeing significant changes in 2025. New VAT rules are being implemented, affecting various aspects of tax compliance and advisory services. These changes are likely to influence recruitment trends, with firms seeking professionals who can navigate the evolving VAT landscape effectively.

US Tax

Private Client Tax

There is a high demand for dual handlers where firms are actively seeking private client US-UK dual handlers, particularly at the manager level. EA and ATT qualifications are highly valued.
There is a need for junior candidates in London and Oxford, with firms offering training and coaching to develop their skills.

Corporate Tax

There is consistent demand for Managers and Senior Managers in the corporate tax space, particularly within the PE/asset management sector, across the Big 4 and boutique US tax firms. This trend is expected to continue in the coming months as the US tax market gains momentum.
The US tax recruitment market in the UK is expected to see increased activity in 2025, driven by anticipated tax policy changes and a rise in mergers and acquisitions.
In the UK, the recruitment market is positioned for an upturn despite recent challenges, with a focus on leveraging advanced analytics and digital advancements. This dynamic environment presents numerous opportunities for professionals looking to advance their careers in the tax sector.

As the tax recruitment landscape continues to evolve, firms are prioritising strategic hires to address growing market demands and regulatory shifts. While early-year trends indicate a cautious yet optimistic approach from candidates, firms remain eager to secure top talent across various tax specialisms. From corporate and personal tax to M&A, VAT, and US tax, the demand for skilled professionals is evident, with firms offering competitive packages and career development opportunities.

With tax regulations and business landscapes continuously adapting, professionals who stay ahead of industry trends and upskill accordingly will find themselves well-positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.

For more tailored market information, please get in touch: taxrequest@ambition.co.uk

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