Tax Senior Associate

Canonical

Canonical is seeking a Tax Senior Associate to help shape and scale a modern global tax function in a fast-growing, profitable technology business. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role offers the chance to take ownership, influence strategy, and build processes that support international expansion across multiple jurisdictions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a tax professional who combines strong technical knowledge with strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in how technology is transforming the tax landscape.

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About Canonical

Canonical is a global leader in open-source software and operating systems, best known as the publisher of Ubuntu. Our technology powers some of the world’s most innovative initiatives across public cloud, AI, data science, engineering, and IoT.

We work with leading public cloud providers, silicon companies, and major enterprises across a wide range of industries. As a pioneer of distributed work, Canonical operates with more than 1,200 colleagues across 75+ countries, with most roles fully remote. Teams come together in person several times each year in inspiring locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and continuing to grow.

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The Opportunity

As Tax Senior Associate, you will play a key role in designing and managing the tax framework for Canonical’s international business. This position spans multiple corporate entities and countries, requiring a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can thrive in a constantly changing global tax environment.

You will work closely with the CFO to establish scalable tax processes, strengthen compliance, and support business growth. From corporate tax and VAT to transfer pricing, IFRS reporting, and tax technology, this role offers broad exposure and meaningful impact.

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Location

• Remote within the EMEA region, or

• Office-based in London, UK

Canonical has a preference for candidates based in EMEA time zones.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Overseeing tax compliance

• Manage and coordinate the preparation and review of:

• Corporate tax returns

• VAT returns

• Other relevant tax filings

• Ensure submissions are accurate and completed on time across multiple entities

• Supporting transfer pricing and tax planning

• Partner with external advisers to develop transfer pricing documentation

• Help define and implement tax planning initiatives across jurisdictions

• Managing audits and authority enquiries

• Serve as a key contact for tax audits and enquiries

• Prepare responses and supporting documentation with external advisors

• Improving tax processes and controls

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows

• Enhance controls, data management, and reporting accuracy

• Drive better use of technology and automation within the tax function

• Handling tax reporting under IFRS

• Manage tax provisioning and reporting

• Calculate effective tax rates

• Prepare tax-related disclosures for financial statements

• Partnering across the business

• Work closely with:

• Finance

• Legal

• Business operations

• Provide tax guidance and ensure strong cross-functional alignment

• Monitoring legislative change

• Track developments in tax law across relevant regions

• Assess risks, implications, and opportunities for the business

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What We’re Looking For

We are interested in individuals who bring sharp thinking, strong academic foundations, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully in a global business environment. At Canonical, we value intellect, initiative, and strategic capability as much as direct experience.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Exceptional academic record at both high school and university level

• Undergraduate degree in:

• Business

• Finance

• Economics

• Technology

• Or another quantitative discipline

• Fully qualified accountant:

• ACA

• ACCA

• CIMA

• Or equivalent

• Fully qualified tax advisor:

• CTA

• ADIT

• Or equivalent

• 3–5 years of relevant tax experience in either:

• A Big 4 / Top 10 accounting firm, or

• A multinational in-house tax team

• Exposure to global tax matters within a multinational environment

Key Skills & Attributes

• Ability to communicate complex tax matters clearly to non-tax stakeholders

• Strong written and spoken English

• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills

• Confidence to speak up, share ideas, and exchange feedback constructively

• High level of accountability, flexibility, and curiosity

• Self-motivation and thoughtful decision-making

• A results-driven mindset with a strong commitment to delivery

• A track record of exceeding expectations and achieving outstanding outcomes

• The confidence and work ethic to thrive among ambitious, high-performing colleagues

• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for company events, for up to two weeks at a time

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Nice to Have

• Leadership capability

• Experience in the software or technology sector

• Public company finance and reporting experience

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Why Join Canonical?

This role offers more than tax compliance and reporting. It is an opportunity to help build a modern tax function inside one of the world’s most influential open-source technology companies.

You will join a business that encourages independent thinking, values excellence, and gives talented professionals the autonomy to make a genuine impact.

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What Canonical Offers

• Distributed work environment

• Twice-yearly in-person team sprints

• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget

• Annual compensation review

• Performance-driven annual bonus or commission

• Recognition rewards

• Annual holiday leave

• Maternity and paternity leave

• Team Member Assistance Program

• Wellness Platform

• Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues in new locations

• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

Compensation is shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance, and is reviewed regularly to ensure fairness and recognition of strong contribution.

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Life at Canonical

Canonical has been remote-first since its inception in 2004. Joining the company means stepping into a forward-thinking environment where you’ll be challenged to work smarter, think differently, and continue developing your skills.

We recruit globally and maintain a high bar for excellence. Our people are trusted to deliver, collaborate across borders, and contribute to work that influences the future of software.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Canonical is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace free from discrimination, where diversity of background, perspective, and experience strengthens both our teams and our products.

Whatever your identity or background, your application will be given fair and respectful consideration.