At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead VAT compliance and governance for a dynamic international insurance intermediary.
- Company: Join Howden, a fast-growing player in the insurance industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising on complex VAT matters in a global context.
- Qualifications: Significant VAT experience, especially in financial services or insurance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Howden is seeking an experienced Indirect Tax Manager to support the group's indirect tax agenda across a fast‑growing, international insurance intermediary business. This role will have responsibility for advising on VAT matters arising across the business, supporting compliance and governance, and partnering with finance and commercial stakeholders on the VAT treatment of complex transactions.
The successful candidate will bring strong practical VAT experience in financial services and/or insurance, including a solid understanding of insurance intermediary transactions, and must have hands‑on experience operating a Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM) in a large or complex organisation. This is a high‑impact role suited to someone who can combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness, an ability to work across jurisdictions, and a pragmatic approach to managing tax risk in a dynamic business environment.
What will you be doing?
- Oversee and support the UK outsourced VAT compliance processes, ensuring returns and related filings are accurate, timely and appropriately reviewed.
- Assist in establishing and maintaining robust indirect tax controls, documentation and governance.
- Support response to VAT audits, queries and information requests from tax authorities.
- Partner with finance, legal, operations and commercial teams to ensure VAT is considered early in decision‑making.
- Provide training and guidance to non‑tax stakeholders on key VAT issues relevant to the business.
- Work closely with external advisers where specialist or local country input is required.
- Identify process inefficiencies, data issues and control gaps, and recommend practical solutions.
- Contribute to the improvement of systems, reporting and documentation supporting indirect tax compliance and recovery.
- Take ownership of the operation, governance and ongoing review of the group's Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM).
- Provide clear, practical VAT advice to the business on a wide range of matters arising in an international insurance intermediary group.
- Advise on the VAT treatment of insurance intermediary revenue streams and related transactions, including broking, fee income, commissions, delegated authority arrangements and other insurance distribution activities.
- Support the business on the VAT implications of new products, business models, contractual arrangements, and operational changes.
- Advise stakeholders on cross‑border VAT issues, including place of supply, reverse charge, invoicing, and recovery implications.
- Support the business on ad‑hoc Insurance Premium Tax queries.
What are we looking for?
- Significant VAT / indirect tax experience, ideally gained in: an in‑house tax team within financial services, insurance or a large international group; and/or a professional services firm with substantial financial services / insurance client exposure.
- Demonstrable experience operating a Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM), including practical involvement in methodology application, input VAT recovery calculations, annual adjustments and governance.
- Strong knowledge of insurance intermediary transactions and the VAT issues arising in an insurance broking / insurance distribution environment.
- Experience of advising on exempt, taxable and outside-the-scope supplies in a complex partial exemption setting.
- Experience managing VAT risk in a commercially focused business environment.
Indirect Tax manager employer: Howden
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where employees are empowered to make impactful contributions in the fast-paced world of international insurance. With a strong focus on professional development, Howden offers ample opportunities for growth and learning, ensuring that team members can enhance their expertise in indirect tax while collaborating with diverse stakeholders across the globe. Located in a vibrant environment, the company promotes a healthy work-life balance and values innovative thinking, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Tax manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Howden. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Tax manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Howden.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Howden's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Howden.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Howden will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Howden employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
