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IFF certificate course

The Mechanics of Tax Risk Management

The Tax Risk Management programme is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of tax risk and dispute resolution in a global business environment.

Next intake
02 Sept 2026
Apply by
01 Sept 2026
Duration
16 weeks, part-time
Commitment
6–10 hrs/week average (student dependent)
Delivery
Online – recorded lectures, prescribed reading, live Q&A…
Fees from
GBP 2,299.00 (course only, excl. VAT)
Validation
Optional PG-Certificate issued by Middlesex University
Overview

The postgraduate certificate in The Mechanics of Tax Risk Management equips business leaders and tax professionals to design, implement, and monitor end-to-end tax risk frameworks.

The Tax Risk Management programme is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of tax risk and dispute resolution in a global business environment.

This programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves deep into the identification, assessment, and mitigation of tax risks while providing practical skills for effective tax governance. Participants will explore key areas such as tax risk assessment, transfer pricing challenges for multinational enterprises, and strategies for managing tax audits and disputes.

What you will learn

Skills you’ll take back to the job

How you will learn

The learning experience

  • A new module is released every two weeks

  • Read the units online, save them to your computer or print them out

  • Study at your own pace

  • Efficient and cost effective – no need to travel or take time off work

  • Apply new skills and expertise to your work straight away

Why choose A/T/L & IFF?

What sets this course apart

  • TRACK RECORD – we have over 30 years of experience in providing training to the banking, finance and energy sectors

  • KNOWLEDGE – all of our trainers are highly experienced practitioners and leading subject matter experts

  • VALUE – we provide a practical training experience with skills that can be used immediately

Full course agenda

Week by week

01 Unit 1: Introduction to Tax Risk Management
Aim

This unit provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and principles of managing tax-related risks within an organisation. It covers the identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential tax risks, emphasising the importance of compliance, strategic planning, and the role of tax governance in safeguarding an organisation's financial health.

This unit lays the groundwork for understanding how effective tax risk management contributes to overall corporate risk management and sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Implement the basic principles and concepts of tax risk management – including the identification and classification of tax risks
  • Develop the ability to assess and evaluate tax risks within an organisational context
  • Apply various strategies and approaches for mitigating and managing tax risks effectively
  • Recognise the importance of tax compliance and governance in the broader framework of corporate risk management
  • Highlight insights into the role of tax risk management in strategic business planning and decision-making
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, enhancing practical understanding and problem-solving skills
  • Improve the ability to communicate tax risk issues and strategies to stakeholders effectively
02 Unit 2: Tax Risk Assessment
Aim

This unit focuses on the methodologies and tools used to identify, evaluate, and prioritise tax risks within an organisation. It emphasises the importance of understanding the financial, operational, and reputational impacts of tax risks, and provides practical techniques for conducting comprehensive tax risk assessments.

This unit aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively assess tax risks and integrate these assessments into broader risk management and strategic planning processes.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Identify various types of tax risks – including financial, operational, and reputational risks.
  • Apply the methodologies and tools used to evaluate and measure the impact of tax risks.
  • Learn to prioritise tax risks based on their potential impact and likelihood, ensuring effective resource allocation.
  • Understand how to assess the financial, operational, and reputational consequences of identified tax risks.
  • Integrate tax risk assessments into broader organisational risk management and strategic planning processes.
  • Apply assessment techniques through case studies to enhance practical understanding and problem-solving abilities.
  • Improve the ability to communicate the findings of tax risk assessments to stakeholders clearly and effectively.
03 Unit 3: Transfer Pricing as a Risk for MNEs
Aim

This unit examines the complexities and challenges multinational enterprises (MNEs) face regarding transfer pricing regulations. It explores how transfer pricing can pose significant tax risks, including compliance issues, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

This unit aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of transfer pricing mechanisms, regulatory requirements, and strategies for managing related risks effectively.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Understand transfer pricing principles and regulations affecting multinational enterprises (MNEs).
  • Identify and evaluate the specific tax risks associated with transfer pricing in an international context.
  • Apply compliance requirements for transfer pricing and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
  • Develop strategies to manage and mitigate transfer pricing risks effectively.
  • Understand the financial implications of transfer pricing on an MNE’s overall tax burden.
  • Implement proper documentation and reporting practices to support transfer pricing policies and defend against tax authority challenges.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies – enhancing practical understanding of managing transfer pricing risks.
  • Improve the ability to communicate transfer pricing issues and risk management strategies to relevant stakeholders.
04 Unit 4: Working with Tax Authorities
Aim

This unit focuses on the dynamics of the interaction between organisations and tax authorities. It covers best practices for maintaining positive relationships, navigating audits, and resolving disputes.

This unit aims to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively manage communications and negotiations with tax authorities, ensuring compliance and minimising risks.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Gain insights into the structure, function, and expectations of tax authorities.
  • Develop effective communication strategies for interacting with tax authorities.
  • Apply techniques for navigating tax audits and managing the audit process.
  • Resolve disputes with tax authorities through negotiation and legal avenues.
  • Understand the importance of maintaining compliance and how to demonstrate it to tax authorities.
  • Deliver best practices for building and maintaining positive relationships with tax authorities.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, enhancing practical understanding of managing interactions with tax authorities.
  • Improve skills in preparing and presenting documentation and reports required by tax authorities.
05 Unit 5: Preparing for Tax Disputes
Aim

This unit focuses on the strategies and best practices for anticipating, preparing for, and managing tax disputes. It covers the procedural and substantive aspects of tax litigation, including evidence gathering, legal frameworks, and effective negotiation techniques.

This unit aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of tax disputes and achieve favourable outcomes.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the legal frameworks governing tax disputes.
  • Apply their skills in gathering and organising evidence to support a position in a tax dispute.
  • Implement various techniques and strategies for effectively managing and resolving tax disputes.
  • Acquire knowledge of the procedural aspects of tax litigation, including timelines, filings, and court procedures.
  • Understand how to assess the risks and potential outcomes associated with tax disputes.
  • Improve negotiation skills to achieve favourable settlements in tax disputes.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, enhancing practical understanding of managing tax disputes.
  • Enhance the ability to communicate effectively with legal advisors, tax authorities, and other stakeholders during a tax dispute.
06 Unit 6: Tax Dispute Engagement
Aim

This unit delves into the proactive and reactive strategies involved in managing tax disputes with authorities. It covers the entire dispute resolution process, from initial engagement and communication with tax authorities, through to negotiation, mediation, and litigation.

This unit aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively handle tax disputes, while minimising risks and achieving favourable resolutions.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the processes involved in tax dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
  • Develop strategies for effective engagement with tax authorities during disputes.
  • Improve communication skills to clearly and effectively present arguments and positions to tax authorities and other stakeholders.
  • Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with tax disputes.
  • Acquire advanced negotiation techniques to achieve favourable outcomes in tax disputes.
  • Apply knowledge through case studies to understand practical aspects of managing tax disputes.
  • Understand the legal and procedural frameworks governing tax dispute resolution.
  • Enhance skills in preparing documentation and gathering evidence to support dispute resolution efforts.
07 Unit 7: Dispute Options
Aim

This unit explores the various pathways available for resolving tax disputes, including administrative appeals, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. It provides an in-depth analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and strategic considerations of each option.

This unit aims to equip participants with the knowledge to choose the most effective dispute resolution method tailored to specific situations and organisational needs.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Implement the different tax dispute resolution methods, including administrative appeals, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
  • Develop the ability to evaluate and choose the most appropriate dispute resolution option, based on specific circumstances and organisational needs.
  • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each tax dispute resolution method.
  • Apply their knowledge of the procedural requirements and processes involved in each dispute resolution option.
  • Learn to assess the risks, costs, and potential outcomes associated with various dispute resolution methods.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world case studies to enhance practical understanding of choosing and managing dispute resolution options.
  • Improve skills in communicating the chosen dispute resolution strategy and its rationale to stakeholders.
  • Understand how different dispute resolution options can be integrated into broader tax risk management and corporate strategies.
08 Unit 8: Going to Trial and Thereafter
Aim

This unit focuses on the final stages of the tax dispute resolution process – including preparing for trial, conducting trial proceedings, and post-trial activities. It covers trial strategies, the role of legal representation, and the steps taken after a court decision.

This unit aims to equip participants with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of tax litigation and manage the aftermath effectively.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

  • Develop skills in preparing for tax litigation, including evidence compilation, witness preparation, and crafting legal arguments.
  • Apply the procedures and strategies involved in conducting a tax trial.
  • Understand the importance of, and how to effectively work with, legal representation during trial.
  • Learn the action-steps following a court decision, including compliance with judgments, filing appeals, and managing outcomes.
  • Acquire the ability to assess and manage risks associated with going to trial and post-trial scenarios.
  • Improve the ability to communicate trial strategies and outcomes to stakeholders clearly and effectively.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, enhancing practical understanding of trial and post-trial processes.
  • Understand how trial and post-trial activities integrate into broader tax risk management and corporate strategies.
Fees · May 2026 Intake

Programme fees

Early-bird deadline: Save GBP 229.90 if you book by 29 April 2026

Early birdStandard
Course OnlyGBP 2,299.00 less GBP 229.90 early-booking saving (book by 29 April 2026)GBP 2,299.00
Course with Postgraduate Certificate (issued by Middlesex University)GBP 2,706.00 less GBP 229.90 early-booking saving (book by 29 April 2026)GBP 2,706.00

Upgrades: Add the Postgraduate Certificate option (certification issued by Middlesex University) — GBP 2,706.00 total instead of GBP 2,299.00 course-only · Progress to the PG Certificate in International Taxation or Transfer Pricing —

All fees listed are exclusive of VAT, GST, sales tax, or any other applicable taxes; relevant taxes will be added at the point of invoicing. If you have a VAT ID, include it during registration as it may affect the tax rate applied.

Pay securely online via credit card or request an invoice with bank transfer details included.

If you wish to pay in EUR, select the GBP price – an invoice reflecting the EUR equivalent will be sent.

This course is also available as a customised in-house training solution for organisations.

Group discounts are available.

Entry requirements
  • General tax experience helpful
  • Assessment: end-of-module progress assessments; one 5000-word final assignment if the PG-Cert option is elected
Programme leaders

Taught by the people who argue the cases

Dr Daniel N Erasmus

Dr Daniel N Erasmus

Course Leader; Chairman of Faculty

Dr Erasmus's primary role on the academic panel is to ensure every programme is designed and delivered to a professional standard…

Programme leader

FAQs

Questions, answered

Who should attend this course?

This programme is ideal for C-Suite executives (especially CFOs), tax professionals and managers, in-house advisors, emerging tax leaders, and members of organisational tax teams. The study of tax risk management is vital to a global audience within business operations, accountancy, finance, audit, and economic development, and suits professionals seeking to advance their careers and ensure their organisation's compliance and success when navigating the challenges and complexities of tax management.

What will you be able to accomplish after graduation?

Participants will be able to identify tax risks and evaluate their impact on their organisation, develop strategies to manage and mitigate identified risks, understand the principles and practices of transfer pricing and its implications, gain insights into effective communication and negotiation with tax authorities, and master the processes involved in resolving tax disputes – from initial engagement to litigation and settlement. Businesses gain compliance and financial stability; individuals gain career advancement and Middlesex University accreditation.

What are some additional benefits of attending this programme?

The programme emphasises real-world application through case studies, simulations, and interactive sessions, and covers the latest developments in tax regulations and compliance, preparing participants to respond proactively to changes in the tax landscape. A unique aspect is its focus on international tax issues, providing insights into regional and jurisdiction-specific challenges, complemented by the extensive expertise of course director Prof. Dr Daniel N. Erasmus, a renowned authority in tax risk management.

What are the benefits of studying online with A/T/L / IFF?

Cost effective – study around your busy schedule with no need to travel. 100% online – units released fortnightly via the Virtual Learning Environment. Real-life application – apply your new knowledge and skills to your work as the course progresses. Explore a variety of course materials including videos, case studies, and written units. Access and study when and where convenient for you, meet like-minded participants on the online forum, and check your understanding with online quizzes.

Download the brochure

Everything about The Mechanics of Tax Risk Management, in one document

Register your interest, download the course brochure, or book a 15-minute consult. All attendees have the option to earn a Postgraduate Certificate from Middlesex University upon successful completion.

Prefer to talk? Book a 15-minute consult · Mon–Fri, 08h00–17h00 (GMT+2) · connect@academyoftaxlaw.com

Book a 15-minute consult
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