VAT Accountant in Chester

This role sits within the Tax COE Europe team. The 2 main aspects of the role are:

• To take responsibility for and to manage VAT reporting compliance requirements for a group of markets within Europe region and other international markets, as required, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met.
• To provide advice on VAT compliance related queries, coordinating with external and internal stakeholders where necessary.
• In addition, the person is expected to maintain a constant awareness of local VAT legislation and act as a real internal consultant to satisfy stakeholder expectations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation of monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annual VAT returns and other indirect tax returns (sales listings, domestic listings, purchase listings, Intrastat, SAF-T) using Excel and/or indirect tax return preparation tool technology
• Preparing and requesting necessary VAT submission approvals from internal stakeholders and following up on VAT payment requests and archiving documentation after submissions are completed
• Preparation of VAT General Ledger reconciliation and follow up on issues and open items
• Reconciliation of GL sales to reported VAT sales and follow up on issues and open items
• Manage and assist with VAT compliance queries from the business as necessary
• Support preparing VAT requirements documents and other documents as needed
• Support Tax Technology team to test and implement requirements on a timely basis, as necessary
• Continuous monitor of VAT legislation to identify relevant changes
• Assistance in maintenance of VAT codes tables and VAT codes in accounting system
• Assistance with VAT audits and liaison with tax authorities as necessary
• Support strategy of standardisation and automation, continuous improvement and risk management

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Education/Experience

• 2+ years’ experience of VAT compliance in at least one jurisdiction in a multi-national tax environment or equivalent.
• Experience with SAP or Oracle is advantageous.
• Fluency in English

Functional/Technical

• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work with a range of technically and culturally diverse people.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience, at multiple levels within the company.
• Autonomous working.
• Ability to establish formal relationships with internal customers.
• Demonstrates a team orientated approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication to facilitate relationships with peers and senior management.