Indirect Tax Accountant (Manchester)

This is an exciting new role created to support the expansion of Global Education Group both in the UK and internationally. You will be a key part of the group tax team, reporting to and working closely with the Group Head of Tax. Your primary responsibility will be to lead VAT and indirect tax compliance for the group’s operations, and minimise exposure to costs and risks. VAT is complex in the business so specialist knowledge is required.

You will work closely with colleagues across the business on a diverse range of activities to ensure compliance with tax legislation. You will also provide specialist guidance and support on all aspects of business taxation including clear and helpful advice and training to non-tax staff. You will seek to identify process clarity and efficiency, and engage in system development in support of this where possible.

• Working closely with the Group Head of Tax and finance business partners, the focus of the role is to manage the worldwide VAT and indirect tax compliance of the group. You will be the key point of contact for all VAT and indirect tax issues.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly and annual VAT reporting, filing and payment requirements.
• Work with key stakeholders to facilitate continuous improvement of systems and processes to ensure compliance with legislation and deadlines in an efficient manner, and making sure tax is considered as part of any process change.
• Actively engage in system development and drive on-going improvements to aid VAT compliance and filing.
• Proactively manage the Group’s VAT exposure through regular review and use of VAT groupings as required.
• Provide project input to ensure VAT impact is managed and understood.
• Report on the VAT impact and potential recovery and risks as part of the Group’s financial forecasting and risk management processes.
• Monitor and manage compliance associated with overseas activities and online learning. Develop and implement processes as required.
• Provide support and guidance to the business on the indirect tax requirements of activities undertaken across the group including risk management processes and cross-border tax support.
• Assist the Group Head of Tax to train and develop wider finance staff to enable others to identify when specialist tax support is needed.
• Manage relationships with external advisors, HMRC and actively participate within the sector.
• Work with the Group Head of Tax as required on wider taxation issues affecting the Group.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade.

• Qualified accountant and/or tax advisor with significant relevant post qualification experience in indirect tax compliance.
• Considerable experience of identifying and implementing system and process improvements.
• Able to work effectively within a multi-cultural environment, both face to face and hybrid.
• Self-motivated and responsible individual with commercial awareness, experienced in managing conflicting workloads and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a real interest in finding solutions and helping others learn and develop.
• Strong communicator with attention to detail and the ability to express complex tax technical information in a straightforward way to non-specialists.
• Good IT skills, highly proficient in Excel and experience of working with a large ERP.
• Excellent management, planning and organisational skills.