When firms evaluate candidates for a Tax Director role, several key factors come into play. The focus shifts beyond technical expertise to your ability to drive business growth, lead teams, and build strong client relationships.
Here’s how to effectively position yourself for a director-level opportunity.
Demonstrating business growth and revenue impact
One of the primary considerations for tax director candidates is their ability to contribute to business growth.
Highlight your achievements in revenue generation, including:
Specific revenue targets that were set for you and how you met or exceeded them.
Strategies you implemented to drive business development.
Any new markets or client segments you helped unlock.
Networking and industry presence
Your ability to build connections and establish a presence in your industry is another crucial aspect.
Be sure to include:
Key networking events you’ve attended, led, or spoken at.
Professional groups or associations where you’ve played an active role.
Any significant relationships you’ve cultivated that have led to business opportunities.
Leadership and team management
Leadership is a cornerstone of a tax director’s role. Firms want to see evidence of your ability to inspire and manage teams effectively. Demonstrate this by including:
Instances where you’ve played a key role in growing a team.
Contributions to your firm’s overall growth strategy.
Mentorship or coaching roles you’ve taken on.
Client relationship management
Strong client relationships are invaluable at the tax director level. Showcase:
High-profile or particularly challenging clients you’ve successfully won over.
Competitive situations where you outperformed rivals to secure business.
Long-term relationships that have led to sustained business success.
Project experience and technical expertise
While project work is essential at the senior manager level, directors should be selective in showcasing their most impactful projects. Prioritise:
Complex projects with significant technical challenges.
Initiatives relevant to the current tax or business landscape.
High-stakes assignments that demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Supporting business growth strategy
Lastly, your role in shaping and executing the firm’s growth strategy should not be overlooked.
Highlight:
Your involvement in setting up new teams or business units.
Contributions to operational improvements and strategic planning.
Any initiatives you’ve led that had a measurable impact on business performance.
By structuring your CV to emphasise these key areas, you position yourself as a strong candidate for a tax director role - whether you’re preparing to step up or reinforcing your leadership in an existing position.
If you have any further questions on this topic, please feel free to contact the tax team.
About the author
Claire Cheung is an experienced Tax recruiter at Ambition, working closely with big 4, top 10, top 100 and boutique practices. Claire specialises in placing Director and Partner level candidates across all taxes, and US Tax and Global Mobility candidates at all levels .
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