The benefits of hiring a Head of Tax and Treasury

Author Michael Johnson
January 13, 2025

We’ve already discussed the benefits of hiring a Head of Tax for your start-up, but when should you hire a Head of Tax and Treasury?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of sound financial management to ensure long-term success and stability. One of the critical roles that have emerged to meet these demands is that of the Head of Tax and Treasury.

We often find that this role arises in a few circumstances. Primarily this role often arises as part of a succession plan and generally in larger corporations. Essentially, the Head of Tax and Treasury roles combines two vital financial functions: tax strategy and treasury management. By hiring a Head of Tax and Treasury, businesses can achieve enhanced financial control, compliance, and efficiency, all of which contribute to their overall growth and sustainability.

Optimised tax strategy and compliance

Tax management is one of the most complex and dynamic aspects of corporate finance. With constantly changing regulations, tax laws, and international agreements, companies must ensure compliance while minimising their tax liabilities. A Head of Tax and Treasury is crucial in steering the organisation through this maze, offering several key benefits:

Effective treasury management

Treasury management is another essential area where a Head of Tax and Treasury can provide tremendous value. Treasury functions encompass managing cash flow, funding, investments, and financial risks, which are pivotal to the organisation’s financial health. The expertise of a Head of Tax and Treasury in this area ensures:

Liquidity management: the professional ensures that the business maintains adequate liquidity, enabling it to meet its short-term obligations while investing in opportunities for growth. They oversee cash management systems to optimize working capital and avoid cash shortages.

Cash flow forecasting: accurate forecasting is critical to avoid potential financial difficulties. A Head of Tax and Treasury manages cash flow projections, helping the company plan and allocate resources efficiently.

Debt management and financing: a key responsibility in treasury management is determining how to finance operations and expansion. The Head of Tax and Treasury evaluates the best mix of debt and equity financing, managing relationships with investors, and ensuring access to capital at the most favourable terms.

Foreign exchange and hedging: in global operations, currency risk is a significant concern. The Head of Tax and Treasury can implement effective hedging strategies to protect against fluctuations in currency values, safeguarding the company from potential losses.

Integration of tax and treasury functions

By combining the expertise of tax and treasury functions into one role, the Head of Tax and Treasury can create greater synergy across the organisation. The integration of these two areas helps to streamline financial decision-making and minimize gaps between financial strategy and execution. Key benefits include:

Coordinated financial strategy: decisions around capital structure, funding, and international operations are more effectively aligned with tax strategies, reducing redundancies and ensuring that tax implications are factored into treasury decisions.

Improved financial risk management: tax planning and treasury management are both critical to risk mitigation. By working together, these functions can ensure that tax-related risks (such as exposure to tax audits) and financial risks (such as liquidity concerns) are both effectively addressed.

Increased operational efficiency: having a dedicated Head of Tax and Treasury ensures that both departments operate smoothly and efficiently. With their expertise, they can implement best practices, integrate new financial technologies, and streamline processes for greater operational efficiency.

Technology integration: with advancements in financial technologies, such as AI-driven tax software or cash management systems, the Head of Tax and Treasury can introduce solutions that automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and save time.

Cost savings: a more efficient tax strategy and optimized cash management can lead to substantial cost savings. From avoiding penalties and fines to reducing excess inventory or interest payments, the Head of Tax and Treasury can drive significant savings across the organization.

Strategic insight and decision-making

A Head of Tax and Treasury is not just an administrator; they are a strategic advisor to the leadership team. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights on corporate decisions related to expansion, investments, acquisitions, and more. By understanding both the tax implications and the financial risks of each decision, they contribute to more informed, data-driven strategic planning.

Mergers and acquisitions: in cases of mergers or acquisitions, the Head of Tax and Treasury provides guidance on tax-efficient deal structures and financing arrangements that enhance value for shareholders.

Long-term value creation: with their knowledge of financial and tax environments, the Head of Tax and Treasury can help create strategies that drive sustainable value, ensuring the company remains competitive in the long run.

Attracting investors and stakeholders

An organisation with a robust tax and treasury management strategy is more likely to attract investors and maintain strong relationships with financial stakeholders. Investors are increasingly looking for companies that manage their financial risks effectively and demonstrate operational efficiency. A strong Head of Tax and Treasury can build investor confidence by providing clear reporting, transparency, and a commitment to prudent fiscal management.

Adapting to changing business environments

As global markets become increasingly complex, businesses must be adaptable. A Head of Tax and Treasury plays a crucial role in helping the organisation navigate these complexities. Whether it’s adjusting to changes in global tax policies, managing financial volatility, or responding to shifting investor expectations, they are well-equipped to guide the company through turbulent times and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

The challenges of hiring a combined Head of Tax and Treasury

Whilst the benefits of hiring a talented professional who can deliver results across both tax and treasury are vast, there are a couple of challenges which can arise:

  • Scope of responsibility: the complexity of overseeing such broad responsibilities can lead to burnout, particularly if the individual lacks strong support or if the organisation doesn’t provide the necessary resources.
  • Balancing priorities: The Head of Tax and Treasury will need to make decisions that satisfy both departments’ goals, requiring a deep understanding of how financial decisions will affect both cash flow and tax efficiency. We often see people in this role face challenges when one part of the job becomes bigger than the other. For example, if a business undertakes a transaction, there will be cash flow implications, and this will become a treasury priority. On the other side if a transfer pricing project needs to be undertaken, there is potential for tax implications.

    –Strategic vs operational focus: The Head of Tax is often focused on long-term strategies for reducing tax liability and managing tax risk, while the Treasurer is typically concerned with short-term liquidity and managing the company’s financial health. The different time horizons and strategic priorities for tax and treasury functions may lead to conflicting priorities. A dual Head of Tax and Treasury must be able to pivot between strategic, long-term planning and more tactical, operational concerns.
  • Cross disciplinary knowledge: To lead both functions successfully, a candidate needs to understand the intersection of tax and treasury, such as how tax impacts treasury decisions (e.g., repatriation strategies, tax-efficient financing structures) and vice versa (e.g., how liquidity impacts tax planning opportunities).

Finding a candidate who has sufficient expertise in both areas and understands how the two functions intersect can be very difficult. This may require a more senior, experienced individual, but it also increases the likelihood of finding a very niche skill set.

How Brewer Morris can help you find your next tax career opportunity in the U.S.

In a business landscape marked by complexity and change, hiring a Head of Tax and Treasury can provide your organisation with a strategic advantage. This dual role ensures that tax and treasury functions are aligned, compliance is maintained, and financial risks are mitigated. From optimising tax strategy and managing liquidity to providing strategic insight into long-term growth, the Head of Tax and Treasury is an indispensable asset to any company aiming for financial success and sustainability.

If you are looking to hire a Head of Tax and Treasury for your start-up, please don’t hesitate to submit a brief and a member of our team will be in touch.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a new Head of Tax and Treasury role, look at our latest opportunities.

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