Assistant VAT Manager (Maternity Cover - 9 Month Secondment) in Edinburgh

Responsibilities

• Interpret complex processes and manage the efficient and effective production of high quality output and analysis, anticipating stakeholder needs.
• Use of tools such as Excel, Power Apps, Copilot and Alteryx to manage and transform data.
• Reviewing VAT Returns, reconciliations and supporting analysis.
• Analysing large and complex data sets to support VAT reporting and issue resolutions.
• Apply VAT Rules to transactions and ensure the correct treatment across systems.
• Support VAT assurance reviews and audits.
• Identify process gaps, control weaknesses, and support practical improvements.
• Work with finance and business teams to gather data and resolve VAT queries.
• Prepare clear documentation to support compliance, controls, and audit requirements.
• Deliver work in line with established tax control frameworks and procedures.
• Support the VAT team in responding to advisory queries from the business.
• Apply working knowledge of UK VAT legislation and HMRC guidance to support decisions.

Qualifications

• Ability to apply VAT guidance to transactions and data.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Experience with Power Query or Alteryx is beneficial.
• Relevant qualification such as ATT, VAT Compliance Diploma, ACCA, or AAT preferred.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong VAT compliance experience, ideally in financial services or a large corporate.
• Good working knowledge of UK VAT law and its practical application.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Proven experience reviewing complex VAT returns and supporting audits.
• Experience with finance systems such as Oracle ERP and SAP Ariba.
• Confidence working with large datasets and translating data into clear outputs.

Benefits

• A generous holiday allowance: You'll be eligible for a minimum of 22 days holiday (excluding bank holidays), rising to 30 days based on length of service and grade.
• A flexible way of working: Whether you want flexibility over your location or when you log on, together we can create an approach that works for you and for the business.
• Family leave: Up to 63 weeks of maternity or adoption leave. Statutory maternity or adoption pay is available for 39 weeks, and 20 weeks will be enhanced to the equivalent of full pay. Partners can have six weeks of fully paid paternity leave.
• Flex cash: This is 4% of your basic salary and can be used to spend on the benefits of your choice, or you can choose to take it as a cash top up in your monthly salary.
• Health insurance: Our company funded Private Medical Benefit provides all colleagues with access to good quality medical care, including accommodation, nursing care and specialist advice.
• Colleague Offers: Get discounts on everything from electrical items to cinema tickets and weekly food shopping. You can share this benefit with up to ten family members or friends.
• Financial products: Take advantage of our great financial products, some at a discounted rate, including current accounts, home and car insurance and loans.
• Share plans: Participate in Sharematch and receive matching shares of up to £45 a month from the company, and you can choose to participate in Sharesave, our combined savings and share option plan.
• Pension: We offer a generous pension plan, with all joiners being automatically enrolled in our 'Your Tomorrow' scheme. You can decide how much you save and get a say in where your contributions are invested.