Senior VAT Compliance Specialist

The Fiscal Solutions team comprises over 25 indirect tax compliance specialists with expertise across a wide range of international jurisdictions. We currently provide VAT return filing and supplementary reporting services in 39 countries. Senior team members play a key role in shaping service delivery, maintaining technical standards, and supporting the development of junior colleagues, while acting as trusted advisors to clients navigating complex cross‑border VAT requirements.

Role Overview

The Senior VAT Compliance Specialist provides expert oversight and leadership in the preparation, review, and submission of cross‑border VAT returns for a portfolio of international clients. The role is responsible for ensuring technical accuracy, managing complex compliance obligations, and acting as a key point of escalation for both clients and internal stakeholders. The position also contributes to team development, process improvement, and the delivery of high‑quality client service across the wider Fiscal Solutions team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Take ownership of a complex portfolio of international VAT compliance clients, acting as the primary senior contact.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships, demonstrating a deep understanding of clients’ business models and VAT risk areas.
• Provide proactive VAT compliance guidance to clients, including advising on technical or operational issues impacting filings.
• Liaise directly with overseas agents and tax authorities, managing queries, audits, and escalations as required.
• Review and sign off VAT workings and returns prepared by other team members, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with local legislation.
• Analyse financial data, invoices, and import/export documentation to identify risks, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Calculate VAT liabilities and refunds for complex filing periods and clearly communicate outcomes to clients.
• Ensure all filings are submitted accurately and on time in line with statutory deadlines and contractual obligations.
• Keep abreast of international VAT developments and assess their impact on client portfolios and team processes.
• Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior and mid‑level team members.
• Review work performed by others, providing constructive feedback to support development and maintain quality standards.
• Act as a point of escalation for technical or operational issues within the team.
• Monitor deadlines, scope, and workflow using internal trackers, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date reporting for management.
• Contribute to process improvements, standardisation initiatives, and internal projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality.
• Support Client Managers and senior leadership with ad‑hoc projects, complex client matters, and strategic initiatives.
• Draft high‑quality client communications, including technical explanations and responses to complex queries.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in a client‑facing VAT compliance role.
• Strong experience of international VAT compliance (UK and EU essential; wider jurisdictions advantageous).
• Proven ability to manage complex client portfolios and competing deadlines.
• Strong technical VAT knowledge with the ability to apply legislation pragmatically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence dealing with senior client stakeholders and tax authorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and professional judgement.
• Experience reviewing work prepared by others and supporting team development.
• Competent use of the MS Office suite, with intermediate skills in Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Proficiency in a second European language (desirable).

What You’ll Bring

• Strong team player who is organised, flexible and able to work well under pressure.
• Acts as a role model within the team, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgement.
• Highly organised, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure.
• Approachable and collaborative, fostering trust with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive and self‑motivated, with the confidence to take ownership and use initiative.
• Adaptable, with the ability to understand and respond to a range of client needs and cultural perspectives.
• Committed to continuous learning and actively contributes to a culture of knowledge sharing, openness, and constructive feedback.

Why Buzzacott?

At Buzzacott, senior team members play a crucial role in creating a supportive learning environment where individuals feel empowered to ask for help, reflect honestly on their development, and continuously enhance their expertise. We’re big enough to provide deep expertise across a wide range of specialisms, but small enough to value meaningful personal connections — with clients and colleagues alike. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals who will support your continued development, while you contribute to shaping the growth of both our team and our clients. At Buzzacott, we’re committed to equal opportunities and ensuring all employment decisions are fair, objective, and based on merit.