Group Tax Transformation Lead

Key Objectives 

This is a newly created position established to accelerate and expand our tax technology and transformation agenda.  

This 12–18 month fixed-term position focusses this activity into a dedicated expert role, which will work closely with all functions within Group Tax, and the broader organisation.  

Critical to success will be partnering with the Technology Team and the Global Transformation team (including Global Process Owners) to integrate tax requirements into, and align them with, broader business transformation and commercial initiatives.  

Focus areas will include solutioning systems and operational pain points related to existing tax requirements, as well as driving strategy, engagement and delivery for changing and emerging tax requirements.  

These requirements could be externally (e.g. e-invoicing, real time reporting, AI-powered tax audits) or internally (e.g. business changes, legacy manual processes) driven. 

Current initiatives include a focus on global indirect tax engine strategy, Pearson’s e-invoicing roadmap, and year-end reporting and transfer pricing / intercompany process improvements. 

By providing strategic direction and hands-on solutioning, the Tax Transformation Lead will ensure that Pearson can efficiently and effectively meet increasing compliance obligations, while supporting evolving business needs. 

A successful candidate will have an up to date understanding of emerging technologies, and the ability to apply this insight within a large multinational organisation, to a wide range of tax processes & functions. 

You can read more about Pearson’s tax landscape and tax principles in our annually published Tax Report available on our website.  

Key responsibilities 

Develop and execute a roadmap for tax technology and process transformation, building on existing initiatives.  

Identify and deliver solutions for current system and operational pain points related to tax processes. Work closely with functional tax teams to understand their challenges and implement technologies or process changes accordingly.  

Act as the key point of contact between Group Tax and other functions, partnering with Technology teams, and the Global Transformation team to ensure tax considerations are integrated in end-to-end process improvements (such as order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, and intercompany processes).  

Monitor global regulatory trends and support to ensure Pearson is prepared for compliance.  

Streamline legacy processes to eliminate complexity and reduce manual effort, thereby improving accuracy and insight into tax risk.  

Evaluate opportunities to deploy emerging technologies (e.g. data analytics, RPA, or AI tools). 

Oversee the end-to-end delivery of tax transformation projects. This includes coordinating testing and deployment of new systems or process changes and resolving roadblocks.  

Where new tools or resources are required, prepare compelling business cases to secure necessary budget and approvals, prioritising high-impact solutions.  

 Essential Qualifications and Skills 

University degree or other higher education equivalent, and relevant professional qualification (accounting, tax or legal).  

Significant experience (ideally 8-10+ years) in tax functions or consulting, with a sufficiently strong understanding of corporate income tax, transfer pricing, and indirect tax/VAT processes. 

Proven track record of driving tax technology projects from inception to implementation.  

Experience with major ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and tax automation tools (tax engine, reporting software, workflow automation, data analytics tools).  

Practical experience with tax compliance tools and emerging technologies like RPA or AI in finance. 

Strong project management and organizational skills.  

The role requires a self-driven individual who can prioritize effectively and adapt plans as needed to deliver results within the fixed-term period. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across Tax, Finance, Technology, and business units.  

Up-to-date awareness of trends in tax administration and technology.  

Location 

Based anywhere in the UK. Role may be remote, with occasional travel to Pearson offices.  

Group Tax are based throughout the UK and US, with particular presence at our Corporate Head office in London (including the Head of Tax) and Belfast.