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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK VAT strategy and governance for a major financial services platform.
- Company: A leading international financial services institution with a significant global presence.
- Benefits: Highly competitive package, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Shape VAT policy and influence key stakeholders in a high-profile leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior VAT leader with deep expertise in financial services and strong governance skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to impact VAT at an enterprise level in a complex environment.
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.
The Opportunity
- 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
- 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 - Financial Services employer: Gresham Hunt
Contact Detail:
Gresham Hunt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of VAT - Financial Services
✨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 senior 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 interviews by brushing up on your technical VAT knowledge and current trends in financial services. Be ready to discuss how you can influence VAT strategy and governance, as this is what will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When speaking with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and advising senior stakeholders. They want to see that you can not only handle the technical side but also lead and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team and making a real impact in the VAT landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of VAT - Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the UK Head of VAT role. Highlight your expertise in VAT strategy and governance, especially in complex financial services environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this leadership position. Share your vision for VAT strategy and how you can influence stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical knowledge on VAT issues like exemptions and recovery models. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex VAT challenges in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 oversight capabilities during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to navigate complex VAT issues or lead a team through a challenging situation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves advising senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully influenced decision-making in previous roles, as this will highlight your advisory skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
