VAT Lead

Location: Slough - 2 Days in the office per week

Contract length: 12 month contract potential to extend

Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday 09.00am - 17.00pm (Flexibility)

Randstad Sourceright, a leading provider of RPO & MSP Recruitment Services, is currently recruiting for a VAT Lead on behalf of a global manufacturing company. This is an initial 12 Month contract starting asap, with the potential to extend. This position is Hybrid with 2 days in the office per week.

The UK&I VAT Lead supports the UK&I VAT Manager in delivering VAT compliance across The UK and Irish entities. The role is responsible for day-to-day execution, oversight of compliance processes, and driving continuous improvement in VAT controls, systems, and processes. The role partners closely with business units, shared service centres, and external stakeholders to ensure VAT obligations are met efficiently and accurately while identifying opportunities for optimisation and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

• VAT Compliance & Operations
  • Support the UK&I VAT Manager in overseeing VAT compliance for all UK and Irish entities.
  • Lead preparation, review, submission, and settlement of VAT returns.
  • Ensure VAT record keeping, ledgers, and documentation meet statutory requirements.
  • Monitor VAT accounting to ensure compliance with Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements.
  • Support integration of VAT compliance for new entities, acquisitions, and system implementations into ICTC.
• Business Partnering & Advisory
  • Act as a key point of contact for VAT queries across the business, including tax authorities, customers, and suppliers.
  • Provide clear and practical advice on VAT treatment to ensure compliance and efficiency.
  • Support delivery of training to S&F, MGFS, and wider business associates to improve VAT awareness and accuracy.
  • Communicate changes in VAT legislation and assess business impact.
• Team Support
  • Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists.
  • Deputise for the VAT Manager when required.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance within the team.
• Process Improvement & Digitalisation
  • Drive digital and process efficiency improvements across VAT reporting and controls.
• Risk Management & Controls
  • Perform regular reviews of VAT processes and controls to identify and mitigate risk.
  • Support internal and external audits.
  • Maintain and update VAT technical documentation and guidance.
• Cross-Tax & Project Support
  • Support compliance and governance of other taxes (e.g. Plastic Packaging Tax, IR35).
  • Lead or contribute to ad hoc business projects including system transformations, acquisitions, and process redesign.
  • Support broader UK tax initiatives and strategic projects as required.

Key Skills/Qualifications & Essentials

• Professional qualification (ACA/ACCA/CTA or equivalent) or demonstrable relevant experience in VAT.
• Experience of UK VAT is essential.
• The job holder will become involved with associates across all zones and all departments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and enjoy learning about new areas.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. While the hiring process may not be expedited, we urge all interested candidates to submit their applications promptly to ensure their consideration. To apply, please follow the instructions on our application portal. We look forward to receiving your application.