About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's most popular open source operating system. We provide enterprise-grade open source software solutions powering public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry giants across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration. Most roles are remote-first, with teams meeting in person 2-4 times yearly in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. As a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing tech company, Canonical offers a unique environment for professionals passionate about technology and open source.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Tax Senior Associate to report directly to the CFO and build Canonical's tax function from the ground up. This role supports multiple corporate entities across countries, with a preference for EMEA time zones. Based remotely in the EMEA region or office-based in London, UK, you will design and own tax processes for our global expansion. Tackle evolving challenges like digital services taxes and leverage tax technologies in a dynamic software business. We prioritize intellect and strategic thinking, valuing strong academics and qualifications over extensive years of experience. Ideal for astute tax professionals excited by technology's transformation of the tax profession.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance and Filings

Manage and coordinate preparation and review of corporate tax, VAT, and other tax returns for Canonical entities, ensuring timely and accurate filings across jurisdictions.

Transfer Pricing and Planning

Collaborate with external advisers to develop transfer pricing documentation and tax planning initiatives, leading their implementation to support global operations.

Tax Audits and Enquiries

Serve as key contact for tax authority audits, preparing responses and documentation in partnership with advisors.

Process Optimization

Identify opportunities to streamline tax processes, controls, and data management using technology and automation for enhanced efficiency.

Financial Reporting

Handle tax provisioning and reporting under IFRS, calculating effective tax rates and preparing disclosures for financial statements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work with finance, legal, and business operations teams for tax support and alignment. Monitor tax legislation changes and assess impacts.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, you need an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, plus an undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics, technology, or another quantitative field. You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and tax advisor (CTA, ADIT or equivalent), with 3-5 years of relevant experience from a Big 4/Top 10 firm or multinational in-house tax team. Strong exposure to global tax in a multinational context is essential.

Beyond technical skills, we seek professionals with confidence to speak up, a track record of exceeding expectations, excellent work ethic, professional English communication, interpersonal skills to explain complex tax to non-experts, thoughtfulness, self-motivation, and result-orientation. Ability to travel internationally twice yearly for up to two-week company events is required.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Leadership ability, software/tech industry experience, and public company finance/reporting experience are advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a remote-first culture enabling work from anywhere in EMEA, with optional London office base. Enjoy direct CFO access, ownership of global tax strategy, and involvement in a profitable growth story. Participate in worldwide team offsites in inspiring locations. Benefit from collaboration in a high-caliber, motivated global team focused on open source innovation like Ubuntu.

Career Growth

This role offers unparalleled ownership in building a tax function for a scaling tech leader. Gain exposure to cutting-edge tax tech, international expansion, and strategic finance. With Canonical's growth, advance in a founder-led environment valuing intellect and results. Develop leadership in global tax while contributing to Ubuntu's ecosystem powering AI, cloud, and IoT.

Why Join Canonical

Join a pioneer in open source and distributed work, shaping the future of enterprise tech. Work on Ubuntu, the platform driving breakthrough initiatives worldwide. Thrive in a profitable, growing company with minimal hierarchy, emphasizing strategy, execution, and innovation. Your tax expertise will directly impact global operations in an exciting, technology-driven field.

Role FAQs

Is this role remote?

Yes, primarily remote in EMEA time zones, with option for London office.

What qualifications are required?

Qualified accountant and tax advisor with 3-5 years experience, strong academics.

Does it involve travel?

International travel twice yearly for company events, up to two weeks.

What is the reporting structure?

Direct report to the CFO.

Is Canonical profitable?

Yes, founder-led and growing profitably.