VAT Compliance & Advisory Manager

This role is based 2 days a week in our Howick Place office with a requirement for 1 day in our Colchester office. 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 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 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) preferred. - 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