Interim VAT Manager in England
About the role
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hybrid (3 days office, 2 days remote each week)
Working hours: Monday - Friday 37.5hrs
Salary: £450 per day (inside IR35)
Contract: 3 month contract
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced VAT professional to join a large and well-established business as Interim VAT Manager, reporting directly to the Head of Tax. This is a specialist role offering significant exposure across the organisation, where you'll take ownership of all VAT-related matters, provide expert guidance to senior stakeholders, and ensure the business remains fully compliant whilst identifying opportunities to improve processes and controls.
Key Responsibilities of the VAT Manager:
- VAT Compliance & Reporting
- Lead the preparation and review of quarterly VAT returns, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
- Take ownership of VAT reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and VAT-related reporting across the business.
- Manage VAT provisions, residual VAT calculations, and Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM) reporting.
- Oversee Tour Operator Margin Scheme (TOMS) calculations and reporting requirements.
- Ensure the correct amount of VAT is paid to or recovered from HMRC.
- Technical VAT Advisory
- Act as the business's VAT subject matter expert, providing guidance on complex VAT matters.
- Support stakeholders across Finance and Operations with VAT advice and interpretation.
- Review new business activities and projects to assess VAT implications and compliance requirements.
- Maintain and develop VAT policies, procedures, and process documentation.
- Controls, Governance & Process Improvement
- Strengthen VAT controls and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Identify opportunities to improve VAT processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Work closely with finance and IT teams to ensure systems and processes support accurate VAT accounting.
- Support the development of accounting policies and finance manuals from a VAT perspective.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with HMRC, external advisors, and auditors.
- Act as the key contact for VAT-related audit queries and reviews.
- Provide clear and meaningful VAT reporting and analysis to management teams.
- Support wider tax activities across the department as required.
What we are looking for:
- Professionally qualified in Tax, Accounting, or a related discipline.
- Strong VAT experience gained within industry, practice, or a mixed environment.
- Excellent understanding of VAT compliance, reporting, controls, and risk management.
- Experience dealing with HMRC, auditors, and external advisors.
- Strong technical accounting and financial reporting knowledge.
- Ability to communicate complex VAT matters clearly to non-tax stakeholders.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take interim ownership of VAT within a large and complex organisation. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, influence business decisions, and play a key role in maintaining compliance whilst driving improvements across the wider finance function.
To be considered for this interim VAT Manager opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.
Your tasks
Lead VAT compliance, reporting, and advisory for a large consumer business.
Your profile
Professionally qualified in Tax or Accounting with strong VAT experience.
What's also included
Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and exposure to senior stakeholders.
Tech stack & ways of working
Interim VAT Manager in England employer: Morson Edge
Join a forward-thinking engineering firm in Manchester, where as a Senior Electrical Designer, you will thrive in a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior designers while working on significant projects across Water and Nuclear sectors, all within a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Enjoy competitive salary packages and the chance to contribute to impactful engineering solutions in a supportive environment.
Your perspectives
Become the VAT expert and influence key business decisions while driving improvements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Morson Edge.
Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Morson Edge might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements
In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience
If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Morson Edge will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully
When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Morson Edge. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References
For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Morson Edge confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Morson Edge.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Morson Edge that you’re a reliable team player.
Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
Locations
- England
