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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 stakeholder engagement.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to drive VAT strategy at an enterprise level.
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 employer: Gresham Hunt
Contact Detail:
Gresham Hunt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of VAT
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the financial services sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your deep technical VAT expertise. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex VAT issues in the past. We want to see that you can bring real value to the table!
✨Be Ready for the Spotlight
This role is all about influence and leadership, so prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully advised senior stakeholders before. We’re looking for candidates who can confidently present their ideas and strategies, so practice makes perfect!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of VAT
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 technical VAT expertise and any leadership experience in financial services to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership position. Share examples of how you've influenced VAT strategy and worked with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: We want to see your deep understanding of complex VAT issues, especially in financial services. Don’t shy away from discussing your experience with VAT recovery models or HMRC engagement in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
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 ready 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 questions that ask you to solve hypothetical VAT issues or advise on governance strategies. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, as this will showcase your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about influence and leadership. Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and advising senior stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex VAT challenges and built relationships with regulators and advisors.
