VAT Compliance & Advisory Manager

Reporting into the Head of Tax Compliance & Statutory Accounting for EMEA & APAC, this is a key operational role which is accountable for the efficient day to day running of the VAT team. The Global Tax & Financial Accounting team is responsible for the preparation and filing of indirect and direct tax filings, statutory account filings and treasury back office functions. The VAT Compliance & Advisory Manager will provide strong leadership and guide the team to contribute to the success of the organisation. Developing high performing teams is a must and being able to demonstrate the ability to implement / drive robust change management controls and enhance processes. The individual will be responsible for ensuring the team delivers high value, consistent accounting service. The VAT Compliance & Advisory Manager is expected to assume the following key responsibilities plus any other reasonable duties as required: - Oversight of EMEA VAT compliance for all legal entities and liaising with advisors as required. - Provision of complex VAT advice to SSC teams and the operating divisions including new VAT requirements, legislative changes and the impact of business developments on VAT requirements - Identification and delivery of process and systems improvements / automation by leading special projects including key process testing, new processes & systems. - Oversight of setting up new VAT registrations - Liaising with UK and overseas Tax Authorities on issues or audits - Manage VAT due diligence and provide advice on new acquisitions, divestments, business product changes and other adhoc projects - Ensure systems are up to date for VAT rate changes, liaising with relevant system teams - Maintaining a risk review register and attending risk review meetings with the business. Identification of new VAT compliance requirements through discussions with the business and review of event plans and relevant reports. - Preparation and delivery of VAT training where necessary to Tax & Financial Accounting Team or other business teams - Oversight of EMEA VAT balance sheet reconciliations - Ensure compliance with internal controls framework and support internal & external audits as required - Oversee, motivate and manage your team - People development to ensure the effectiveness of all staff within the department concentrating on both performance and soft skill development - Planning and prioritising the work within the department ensuring resource management is considered - Preparation and reporting of specific performance metrics within agreed deadlines - Ensure a robust communication structure is in place across the team to ensure all key messages are communicated. - Participate in Recruitment & Selection processes - Provide assistance in identifying career development opportunities for direct reports - Actively support a culture of team engagement - Act as a role model to others - Work closely with HR to ensure all people management processes and policies are being adhered to - Professional tax qualification (e.g. CTA) and/or accounting qualification e.g. (ACA/ACCA). - Excellent knowledge and understanding of all Tax processes including best practice in Tax, people, processes and technology - Significant knowledge of SAP, Oracle and relevant sales order processing systems - Excellent knowledge of leadership, coaching and people development • A track record of continuous professional and management development - Knowledge of dealing with acquisitions and disposals - 6 years relevant VAT experience Skills & Abilities - Ability to lead, oversee, motivate and manage people in a Tax environment - Excellent communication skills at all levels including a wide range of senior stakeholders within the business - Improves processes & systems - Problem solves within tight deadlines - Be pro-active and take initiative and encourage teams to do the same - Knowledge and ability to use relevant internal systems - Act with integrity - Excellent influencing skills - Highly organised, diligent with attention to detail and the ability to maintain these skills whilst working under pressure - Strong presentation skills - Advanced skills in Excel, Word and Outlook are essential - Proven ability to work to stringent deadlines - Demonstrable success in improving Tax service levels