Senior VAT Specialist (EMEA), London

HH Global are the leader in tech-enabled creative production and procurement. We amplify marketing campaigns through unrivaled production, procurement leadership and the most advanced sustainability capabilities available. All delivered at scale through industry-leading technology and the passionate expertise of our people. With more than 4,500 colleagues, 26 creative studios and over 5,800 strategic supplier partners across 64 countries, we work with the best talent across the world to partner with our clients to create big impact through big ideas.

Purpose of the Job

The role is within our global tax team as a Senior VAT Accountant across EMEA. You will support the VAT team on managing and reviewing returns prepared both in-house and through external advisors, advising the business on ad hoc queries, and supporting indirect tax projects such as mergers, business restructuring, and general process and system improvements. HH Global primarily sells goods to its customers and so a strong knowledge of VAT on the cross-border movement of goods is required to be able to support the business and the team from day one. You will operate on a blended basis between the local HH Global office and home as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the EMEA VAT team of 7 who are located locally and in Czechia.
• Manage and support both the team and external advisors with the review of monthly and quarterly VAT returns, to ensure timely and accurate submission of indirect tax returns.
• Review VAT account reconciliations and monitor the VAT General Ledger balances.
• Work with team leadership to respond to ad-hoc day-to-day queries, applying knowledge on the VAT implications of the movement of goods cross-border across the UK, Europe and the rest of EMEA, to give technical advice and find solutions on new transactions and contracts.
• Be part of project teams to support the VAT workstreams on mergers, the transfer of trade within the group, system improvements and integration.
• Input into SAO reviews and disclosures and management/improvement of any risk areas.
• Work with the team to document processes and controls and drive forward procedure and risk management improvements.
• Provide training, support and raise best practice and awareness of VAT requirements across the business.
• Keep up to date with legislative and case law changes to anticipate the impact of any changes to the business and to advise on any actions required.
• Support the wider business with the roll out of E-Invoicing mandates, specifically in respect of the indirect tax requirements.

Knowledge, Skills + Experience

• Fully or Part Qualified Tax professional or accountant specialized in VAT, with a sound knowledge of indirect tax rules across the EMEA region, with a particular requirement for strong experience and knowledge in the movement of goods.
• Very strong experience in European VAT, preferably working in and applying this in a commercial environment.
• Strong knowledge of excel and experience with accounting systems and the interaction with other systems. Experience of SAP Business One would be beneficial.
• Strong communication skills – both internally and externally to listen to and understand potentially complex VAT issues and explain those to lay persons, and communicate messages on tax improvements and changes.
• Experience of dealing with and resolving queries.
• Strong organizational/time management, people management and team-building skills.
• Driven to grow in the role, be proactive and seek improvements and solutions.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with us. HH Global are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all suitably qualified candidates from any background, regardless of any personal characteristic, especially those protected by law. We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability.

In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please reach out to HR.EMEA@hhglobal.com.

Please note that we carry out a variety of pre-employment background checks which are appropriate for the country that you are based in. These may include: employment history, right to work, identity, professional qualifications, criminal record, sanction file and/or CIFAS checks.