At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead VAT compliance and drive digital improvements across a global consumer goods enterprise.
- Company: Join a market-leading consumer goods company with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Earn up to £280 per day, enjoy flexible work, and develop your professional skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on VAT processes while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 4-6+ years in VAT roles with relevant qualifications like ACA or ACCA.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 30960 £ per year.
We are partnering with a global, market-leading consumer goods enterprise in their search for a UK&I VAT Lead. This is a 12-month temporary role based in Slough, offering a hybrid working model (2 days per week in the office) and a day rate of up to £280 per day via PAYE for the right candidate.
The Role
Supporting the UK&I VAT Manager, you will play a key part in delivering end-to-end VAT compliance across approximately 15 UK and Irish trading entities. You will take responsibility for day-to-day execution, oversight of compliance processes, and driving continuous improvement across VAT controls, systems, and digital automation.
Key Responsibilities:
- VAT Compliance & Operations: Lead the preparation, review, submission, and settlement of net VAT returns (c. £300m), ensuring ledger accuracy and documentation meet statutory requirements.
- Business Partnering & Advisory: Act as a key point of contact for VAT queries across the business, tax authorities, customers, and suppliers, while delivering VAT training to internal stakeholders.
- Risk Management & Controls: Monitor VAT accounting to ensure compliance with Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements, perform regular control reviews, and support internal/external audits.
- Process Improvement & Digitalisation: Drive digital efficiencies, process automation, and system transformations across VAT reporting and controls.
- Cross-Tax & Project Support: Assist with compliance and governance for broader tax areas (e.g., Plastic Packaging Tax across 4 legal entities, IR35) and support ad-hoc business initiatives.
- Team Leadership: Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists, deputising for the VAT Manager when required.
This role could be right for you if you have:
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience in VAT reporting/broader VAT roles (typically 4-6+ years).
- Technical Experience: Essential experience in UK VAT compliance across complex business units and multi-ERP system environments.
- Control Frameworks: Strong understanding of Tax Risk Management, Internal Controls Frameworks, and SAO compliance.
- Systems & Automation: Strong tech-savvy mindset with a track record of driving process improvement and automation in reporting.
- Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills to train associates and build networks across cross-functional teams.
Randstad Financial & Professional encourage applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Randstad Financial & Professional acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003
VAT Lead in Slough employer: Randstad Perm Professionals
Join a forward-thinking finance team where your contributions as an Accounts Administrator will be valued and impactful. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering training and development opportunities to enhance your skills in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a dynamic workplace that encourages innovation and teamwork, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Randstad Perm Professionals Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT Lead in Slough
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We think you need these skills to ace VAT Lead in Slough
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