The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director, Tax Technology & Transformation (L6)
3-5 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Mastering multi-year strategic vision setting, driving large-scale transformation across a business unit, and building strong relationships with C-suite peers. You'd also need to demonstrate excellent P&L management for a significant budget.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major tax technology programme from inception to global deployment, with demonstrable ROI.
- Consistently delivered on strategic objectives for a significant business unit's tax technology roadmap.
- Built and retained a high-performing team of 25+ tax technology professionals.
- Regularly presented on tax technology strategy to the CFO and other executive leaders.
- 2
Head of Finance Digital Transformation (from another large enterprise)
5-7 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Translating broad finance digital transformation experience into specific tax technology challenges. This means rapidly acquiring deep global tax domain knowledge and understanding its unique regulatory and compliance complexities. You'd also need to demonstrate a track record of driving change across multiple finance functions.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives within a large finance function.
- Proven ability to quickly grasp complex regulatory domains and translate them into technology strategy.
- Demonstrated experience in managing large, diverse teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
- Strong external network within the finance technology and consulting communities.
- 3
Consulting Partner (Specialising in Tax Technology)
7-10 years as a PartnerSkills to master
- Moving from an advisory role to an operational leadership position. This involves taking full accountability for execution, managing internal politics, and building a permanent in-house team. You'd need to adapt to a single corporate culture after working across many clients.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple large-scale tax technology implementation projects for diverse clients.
- Built and managed a significant book of business and a team of consultants.
- Demonstrated ability to influence C-suite clients and drive strategic change.
- A clear desire to move into an operational leadership role with long-term accountability.