Director of Tax and International Finance

Overview

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global not-for-profit organisation, operating in more than 40 countries across five continents. Our teams include political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages and are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the Director of Tax and International Finance will provide senior leadership and strategic direction across TBI’s Tax, International Finance and Travel teams. The role will develop the direction for these areas, strengthen governance and controls, and ensure high-quality delivery through the teams it leads.

TBI has a complex international tax and finance footprint arising from the breadth of its operations, the number of jurisdictions in which it works and the range of tax, statutory and compliance obligations that follow. The Director will ensure that TBI has a sustainable, well-controlled and proactive approach to managing these obligations and the associated financial risks.

A key priority will be to continue maturing the operating model: moving beyond core compliance and reactive issue management towards stronger risk management, clearer accountability, better use of data and systems, more resilient regional support and greater value to the wider organisation.

The role will also provide senior finance leadership during periods of Finance change, working closely with the Financial Controller and other Finance leaders to ensure clear ownership, effective hand-offs and appropriate segregation of duties across Tax, International Finance and related processes.

The role is expected to evolve with TBI’s needs. The principal responsibilities are set out below.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver TBI’s overall tax strategy, governance and risk management framework, ensuring tax implications are considered appropriately as TBI’s geographic footprint and activities evolve.
• Provide senior oversight of UK and international tax matters, including corporation tax, VAT and other indirect taxes, employment taxes, withholding tax and transfer pricing, working closely with HR, Legal, Payroll and Finance colleagues where responsibilities intersect.
• Ensure proportionate tax controls, review processes, documentation and segregation of duties are embedded across key tax processes.
• Oversee the preparation, review and timely submission of key tax filings and tax accounting outputs, with clear accountability between Tax and Financial Control for preparation, review and approval.
• Manage relationships and risks with HMRC and overseas tax authorities, including audit readiness, enquiries and responses.
• Provide strategic advice on tax implications of new country entry, organisational change, cross-border arrangements and other significant business decisions.
• Reduce reliance on external advisers where appropriate by building internal capability, ownership and institutional knowledge, while using specialist advice where it adds value or mitigates material risk.
• Lead the International Finance team, providing strategic direction, technical support, escalation, people leadership and a strong connection into the wider Finance function.
• Own the control environment and risk oversight for regional finance activity across MENACA, APAC, the Americas and Africa, setting clear standards and expectations for regional teams.
• Oversee key International Finance outputs, including balance sheet reconciliations, bank payments, month-end deliverables and other material control activities, with review and approval calibrated to risk.
• Be accountable for the effective coordination of local statutory accounts, audits, direct and indirect tax compliance, withholding and payroll taxes, transfer pricing disclosures and new-country finance requirements, working through regional

Tax

International Finance