How to become a Head of Tax 

For many tax professionals, reaching the position of Head of Tax is a long-term career goal. It is a role that combines technical expertise, commercial awareness, leadership skills and strategic decision-making.  

As businesses face increasingly complex tax regulations, evolving reporting requirements and growing scrutiny from stakeholders, the Head of Tax has become one of the most influential positions within a finance function. 

The journey to becoming a Head of Tax is not always straightforward. Some professionals begin their careers in public accounting before moving into industry, while others spend their entire careers in-house.  

Regardless of the route taken, there are common skills, experiences and qualifications that can help ambitious tax professionals progress into senior leadership positions. 

Understanding the Head of Tax role 

Before mapping out your career path, it is important to understand what the role involves. 

A Head of Tax is responsible for overseeing an organization’s entire tax function. This typically includes tax compliance, tax accounting, tax strategy, financial reporting, risk management and relationships with tax authorities. 

In larger organizations, the Head of Tax may lead a sizeable tax team covering multiple disciplines, including transfer pricing, indirect tax, state and local tax and international tax.  

They may also work closely with the CFO, board members and other senior financial managers to ensure tax considerations are incorporated into wider business decisions. 

The role extends far beyond preparing tax returns. Today’s tax leaders are expected to act as strategic advisors who can balance regulatory compliance with commercial objectives. 

Tax leaders are increasingly expected to contribute to business strategy and transformation initiatives, rather than operating solely as technical specialists. 

Building your technical foundation 

Every successful Head of Tax begins with a strong technical foundation. 

For most professionals, this starts with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related subject. A bachelor’s degree in accounting remains one of the most common educational pathways into the profession. 

Many employers also look for professional certifications. The CPA credential remains one of the most respected qualifications in the US tax market. Earning the Certified Public Accountant designation demonstrates a strong understanding of accounting principles, tax laws and financial reporting requirements. 

Becoming a CPA requires passing the CPA exam, meeting state licensing requirements and maintaining continuing education throughout your career. 

Some tax professionals also pursue additional certifications such as the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or Enrolled Agent designation to broaden their expertise. 

Early-career roles often include positions such as Tax Analyst, Tax Associate or Tax Accountant. These positions provide valuable exposure to tax preparation, tax returns, financial statements and tax compliance processes. 

Developing technical expertise at this stage is essential. Future tax leaders need a strong understanding of tax regulations, reporting requirements and the practical application of tax laws across different business environments. 

Gaining experience in public accounting and industry 

Many successful Heads of Tax begin their careers in public accounting. 

Large accounting firms offer exposure to a wide range of clients, industries and tax challenges. Tax professionals working in public accounting often gain experience across corporate tax, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, audits and international tax matters early in their careers. 

This broad exposure can accelerate technical development. 

However, public accounting is not the only path. 

Many tax professionals build highly successful careers within corporate tax departments. Working in-house provides valuable insight into how tax functions support broader business objectives. 

Whether you start in public accounting or industry, it is important to seek opportunities that expand your experience beyond routine tax compliance work. 

Exposure to transfer pricing projects, indirect tax matters, tax technology implementations and business restructuring initiatives can strengthen your long-term career prospects. 

For professionals considering their next move, Brewer Morris regularly shares insights on career progression and opportunities within the tax market through tax insights.

Progressing from Tax Manager to tax leadership 

For many professionals, the first significant leadership step comes when securing a Tax Manager position. 

Tax Manager roles typically involve supervising staff, reviewing work, managing deadlines and overseeing tax compliance processes. 

At this stage, technical expertise remains important. However, leadership skills begin to play a much larger role. 

Employers increasingly look for professionals who can lead projects, manage stakeholder relationships and support junior team members through mentorship. 

Senior Tax Managers often take on broader responsibilities, including managing audits, supporting mergers and acquisitions activity and contributing to organizational tax strategy. 

These experiences develop the commercial skills required for future leadership roles. 

As professionals continue progressing, many move into Tax Director positions. A Tax Director often oversees multiple areas of taxation while working closely with senior finance leaders. This position provides critical preparation for becoming a Head of Tax. 

Developing leadership skills

Technical excellence alone will not secure a Head of Tax position. 

Strong leadership skills are equally important. 

The most successful tax leaders can inspire teams, communicate effectively and influence decision-makers across an organization. 

Leadership development often begins long before someone manages a large team. 

Volunteering to lead projects, mentoring junior colleagues and managing relationships with external advisors can all help build valuable management experience. 

As responsibilities increase, professionals must learn how to balance technical oversight with people management. 

A successful Head of Tax must often lead diverse teams across multiple jurisdictions. They need to motivate employees, resolve conflicts and build high-performing teams that deliver results. 

Mentorship can be particularly valuable during this stage of career development. 

Seeking guidance from experienced tax leaders can provide practical insights into navigating leadership challenges and preparing for senior roles. 

Expanding commercial and strategic knowledge 

Some of the defining characterists for a Head of Tax are:  

• Think beyond tax. Successful Heads of Tax understand how tax decisions impact broader business objectives and contribute to overall business performance

• Develop strong commercial awareness. Tax leaders need to balance technical requirements with the strategic goals of the organization

• Build relationships across the business. Heads of Tax regularly collaborate with the CFO, legal teams, treasury professionals and operational leaders to evaluate tax implications and identify opportunities for greater efficiency

• Participate in strategic decision-making. Many tax leaders are involved in forecasting, budgeting and long-term business planning discussions 

• Support growth and transformation initiatives. This can include reviewing forecasts, assessing expansion opportunities and advising on the tax implications of corporate transactions

• Strengthen your financial acumen. A deep understanding of financial statements, operational drivers and business performance metrics can help tax professionals build credibility with senior leadership teams

Staying ahead of regulatory change 

Tax laws and tax regulations continue to evolve. 

Global reporting requirements, digital transformation initiatives and increasing scrutiny from regulators are creating new challenges for tax departments. 

Future Heads of Tax must remain informed about changing regulations and emerging risks. 

This requires a commitment to continuing education and professional development throughout their careers. 

Many tax professionals participate in industry conferences, technical training programs and professional organizations to stay informed. 

Resources provided by organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants can help professionals maintain current knowledge of tax regulations and industry developments. 

Staying informed not only strengthens technical expertise but also demonstrates a commitment to professional growth.

Building expertise in risk management and technology

Today’s Heads of Tax are responsible for much more than tax compliance. As businesses become more complex and technology continues to reshape the profession, expertise in risk management and digital transformation is becoming increasingly important. 

• Lead risk management efforts by identifying, assessing and mitigating tax risks while maintaining regulatory compliance across the organization

• Develop a strong understanding of tax technology and how it can improve efficiency, accuracy and reporting processes

• Gain exposure to automation, data analytics and digital reporting tools that are increasingly being adopted by modern tax departments

• Participate in transformation projects involving tax technology platforms, process improvements and systems implementations

• Understand how technology can support wider tax strategy objectives and help drive operational improvements across the tax function

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices that are shaping the future of tax leadership

Creating your path to Head of Tax

There is no single roadmap to becoming a Head of Tax. 

Some professionals reach the position through public accounting. Others progress from Tax Analyst to Tax Manager, Tax Director and eventually Head of Tax within industry. 

What matters most is developing a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills and commercial understanding. 

Focus on gaining broad exposure across tax disciplines. Build experience in tax accounting, tax compliance, audits, transfer pricing and financial reporting. Strengthen your ability to communicate with senior stakeholders. Seek opportunities to lead projects and support others through mentorship. 

Most importantly, be intentional about your development. 

The professionals who successfully become Head of Tax rarely leave their career progression to chance. They actively seek experiences that prepare them for leadership responsibilities and position them as trusted advisors within their organizations. 

How Brewer Morris can help

At Brewer Morris, we specialize in tax recruitment and work with tax professionals at every stage of their careers, from Tax Analyst positions through to Tax Director and Head of Tax appointments. 

Whether you are exploring Tax Manager roles, preparing for your next leadership move or looking for insight into the evolving tax market, our specialist consultants can help. 

Explore the latest tax job opportunities, download the US tax salary guide or register your resume to connect with a Brewer Morris tax recruitment specialist.