Harvey John
Unit 2 Ferry Wharf
Hove Enterprise Centre
Basin Road North
Portslade, East Sussex
BN41 1BD
Direct Tax teams built for complexity
Direct Tax specialists play an increasingly important role in helping organisations and professional services firms navigate complex legislation, manage risk and support long-term growth.
From corporate tax and transfer pricing to private client, employment taxes and Pillar Two, organisations need professionals who combine technical excellence with commercial judgement and the ability to deliver practical, strategic advice.
Harvey John specialises in Direct Tax recruitment and consultancy, combining deep market knowledge with long-standing relationships to help organisations build high-performing teams, access specialist talent and make informed hiring decisions.
Market overview
Direct Tax continues to evolve as organisations respond to international tax reform, changing legislation and increasing expectations around governance, transparency and strategic tax planning. As highlighted in Harvey John’s 2026 Tax Salary Guide, this has been reflected in a marked rise in PE-backed and portfolio companies appointing their first “greenfield” Head of Tax, building direct tax capability from the ground up rather than inheriting legacy structures.
At the same time, organisations and professional services firms are looking beyond technical expertise, placing greater value on professionals who can communicate effectively, influence stakeholders and deliver commercially focused advice. Our research points to a “skills-first” hiring model taking hold, where the most in-demand Direct Tax professionals combine deep technical knowledge with genuine commercial judgement and a working understanding of the technology reshaping the function.
Successful hiring increasingly depends on understanding both the technical demands of the role and the wider business objectives it supports. Organisations that clearly articulate career development, flexibility and long-term opportunity are better placed to attract and retain experienced Direct Tax professionals in an increasingly competitive market.
How we support Direct Tax teams
Building capability across the Direct Tax landscape.
Specialist recruitment and consultancy across Direct Tax, helping organisations build the capability needed to manage complexity, navigate change and support long-term growth.
- Corporate Tax
- International Tax
- Transfer Pricing
- Private Client
- Employment Taxes
- Expatriate Tax & Global Mobility
- M&A Tax
- Pillar Two & International Tax Reform
Supporting critical Direct Tax appointments.
From specialist managers to senior leadership appointments, we’ve helped organisations secure the expertise needed to strengthen their Direct Tax capability.
- Chief Financial Officer | PE-backed technology business
- Finance Director | International services group
- Head of Finance | High-growth consumer business
- FP&A Manager | SaaS organisation
- Financial Controller | Manufacturing group
- Commercial Finance Manager | Retail business
- Finance Systems Accountant | International organisation
- Management Accountant | Professional services firm
Working with organisations across the Direct Tax market.
We partner with in-house tax functions and selected professional services firms, helping build Direct Tax capability through growth, change and increasing regulatory complexity.
- FTSE & Listed Businesses
- Private Equity-backed Businesses
- International Groups
- Technology & SaaS Businesses
- High-growth Businesses
- Consumer & Retail
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Professional Services Firms
- International Advisory Firms
Meet our Direct Tax specialists
Meet the consultants behind Harvey John’s Direct Tax practice. Each combines deep technical knowledge with commercial insight across corporate tax, transfer pricing, private client and employment taxes, helping organisations build high-performing teams and professionals find the right ro
Direct Tax opportunities
Explore roles across corporate tax, transfer pricing, private client and employment taxes – connecting organisations with the specialist talent they need to navigate complexity and support long-term growth.
Tax Newsletter
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Our team of specialist tax recruiters speak with employers and candidates daily, giving them a unique insight into the intricacies of the job market. No-one knows their specialist markets better. They are the outsiders with the inside knowledge.
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