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- Tasks: Lead UK VAT strategy and governance for a major financial services platform.
- Company: A leading international financial services institution with a global presence.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Shape VAT policy and influence key stakeholders in a high-impact leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior VAT leader with deep expertise in financial services and strong governance skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with significant career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A leading international financial services institution is seeking a UK Head of VAT to take ownership of its VAT strategy, governance and delivery across a complex, multi-entity operating model. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with genuine influence — shaping VAT policy, advising executive stakeholders, and acting as the technical authority for indirect tax across UK operations within a globally significant platform.
You will lead all aspects of UK VAT, combining strategic oversight with hands-on technical leadership. The role sits at the intersection of tax, finance, risk, compliance and operations, giving the successful candidate real visibility and impact at group level.
This position offers:
- Strategic ownership of VAT for a major UK financial services platform
- Influence across product, structuring, transactions and change
- Exposure to international tax leadership and group tax governance
- A high-profile internal advisory role to senior stakeholders and the business
Key Responsibilities
- Full accountability for UK VAT strategy, compliance and governance
- Technical leadership on complex VAT issues (financial services exemption, partial exemption, VAT recovery models, outsourcing, transactions)
- Senior advisory support to finance, product, legal, operations and transformation teams
- Oversight of VAT risk management, controls and HMRC engagement
- Leading external advisor relationships
- Input into group tax policy and cross-border indirect tax matters
Profile Sought
- Senior VAT leader from financial services, banking, insurance, asset management or Big 4 FS tax advisory
- Deep technical VAT expertise in complex FS environments
- Proven experience operating at senior stakeholder / executive level
- Comfortable in both strategic leadership and technical delivery
- Strong governance, risk and regulatory mindset
- Credible authority in front of regulators, advisors and boards
Why This Role Stands Out
This is not a standard in-house VAT role. It’s a true leadership position with scale, complexity and influence — ideal for someone who wants to move into a top-tier institutional environment and shape VAT at enterprise level rather than simply manage compliance.
UK Head of VAT in London employer: Gresham Hunt
Contact Detail:
Gresham Hunt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of VAT in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of VAT role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your VAT knowledge and current trends in the financial services industry. Be ready to discuss how you can influence VAT strategy and governance, as well as share examples of your past successes in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your expertise in VAT. Tailor your approach to each company to show them why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their VAT strategy and governance.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of VAT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of VAT role. Highlight your strategic oversight and technical leadership in VAT, especially in financial services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership position. Share examples of how you've influenced VAT policy and engaged with executive stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your deep technical VAT knowledge. Discuss complex VAT issues you've tackled, particularly in financial services, to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gresham Hunt
✨Know Your VAT Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your VAT knowledge, especially in the context of financial services. Be prepared to discuss complex issues like financial services exemptions and VAT recovery models. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but can handle the intricacies of the role.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations and how VAT impacts their business model. Knowing how VAT interacts with finance, risk, and compliance will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you’ve tackled complex VAT issues or led a team through a challenging situation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so be ready to discuss your experience in guiding teams and influencing decision-making at a senior level. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully advised stakeholders or shaped policy, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
