VAT Compliance Specialist

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a complex portfolio of international VAT compliance clients, acting as the primary senior contact.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships, demonstrating a deep understanding of clients’ business models and VAT risk areas.
• Provide proactive VAT compliance guidance to clients, including advising on technical or operational issues impacting filings.
• Liaise directly with overseas agents and tax authorities, managing queries, audits, and escalations as required.
• Review and sign off VAT workings and returns prepared by other team members, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with local legislation.
• Analyse financial data, invoices, and import/export documentation to identify risks, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Calculate VAT liabilities and refunds for complex filing periods and clearly communicate outcomes to clients.
• Ensure all filings are submitted accurately and on time in line with statutory deadlines and contractual obligations.
• Keep abreast of international VAT developments and assess their impact on client portfolios and team processes.
• Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior and mid‑level team members.
• Review work performed by others, providing constructive feedback to support development and maintain quality standards.
• Act as a point of escalation for technical or operational issues within the team.
• Monitor deadlines, scope, and workflow using internal trackers, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date reporting for management.
• Contribute to process improvements, standardisation initiatives, and internal projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality.
• Support Client Managers and senior leadership with ad‑hoc projects, complex client matters, and strategic initiatives.
• Draft high‑quality client communications, including technical explanations and responses to complex queries.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in a client‑facing VAT compliance role.
• Strong experience of international VAT compliance (UK and EU essential; wider jurisdictions advantageous).
• Proven ability to manage complex client portfolios and competing deadlines.
• Strong technical VAT knowledge with the ability to apply legislation pragmatically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence dealing with senior client stakeholders and tax authorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and professional judgement.
• Experience reviewing work prepared by others and supporting team development.
• Competent use of the MS Office suite, with intermediate skills in Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Proficiency in a second European language (desirable).

What You’ll Bring

• Strong team player who is organised, flexible and able to work well under pressure.
• Acts as a role model within the team, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgement.
• Highly organised, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure.
• Approachable and collaborative, fostering trust with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive and self‑motivated, with the confidence to take ownership and use initiative.
• Adaptable, with the ability to understand and respond to a range of client needs and cultural perspectives.
• Committed to continuous learning and actively contributes to a culture of knowledge sharing, openness, and constructive feedback.