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- Tasks: Lead VAT strategy and compliance for a major UK organisation.
- Company: Join Royal Mail, an iconic brand with a strong commitment to inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, family healthcare, and 18% annual bonus potential.
- Why this job: Shape financial decisions and drive transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified VAT specialist with leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Job reference: 335321
Competitive salary plus £5,500 car allowance, full family healthcare, 18% annual bonus potential, 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with service and a company pension scheme with highly competitive contribution rates.
Permanent, Full time. This role operates on a hybrid basis, with two days per week based at our London office (185 Farringdon Road).
Join the Group Finance team at International Distribution Services (IDS). This is a pivotal function that partners with Royal Mail’s Finance team to drive performance and deliver strategic financial insights. Be part of a team that shapes decisions and supports the success of one of the UK’s most iconic organisations.
Are you an experienced qualified VAT specialist with outstanding leadership skills and extensive compliance expertise? If so, we’d love to hear from you. We’re recruiting a Head of VAT to join our Group Tax function at Royal Mail. Royal Mail is an iconic and trusted brand, and with significant new investment from EP Group, this is an exciting time to join the business. The role offers the opportunity to operate within a complex and evolving tax landscape, shaped by our unique operating model and regulatory environment. This is a high-profile position, providing the chance to lead VAT strategy and compliance across the UK Group while influencing key stakeholders and supporting the business through a period of transformation and growth.
About The Role
Reporting to the Director of Indirect Tax, you will lead all UK VAT activities, covering compliance, planning and advisory matters. You will also:
- Lead the preparation, review and submission of UK VAT returns, including partial exemption special method calculations.
- Provide technical VAT advice across the UK Group, including new products, income streams, transactions and regulatory developments.
- Support business projects, including IT and ERP initiatives, to ensure compliance and deliver VAT efficiencies.
- Identify and implement tax technology solutions to enhance VAT compliance and reporting.
- Manage relationships with tax authorities, advisers and business partners.
- Lead and develop the VAT team, providing clear direction and working closely with UK business partners involved in VAT reporting.
About You
You will bring:
- Strong technical VAT and analytical skills, with the ability to lead compliance and reporting in a partial exemption environment.
- ACA, CTA or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of seven years’ senior VAT experience.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to influence, drive change and improve processes, systems and ways of working.
Extra Benefits
- Family friendly support - enhanced maternity pay, paternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave.
- Discounts and offers - there are more than 800 offers to help you save on things like groceries, days out, holidays and your household bills.
- Supportive and generous company sick pay.
- Your Wellbeing - you and your family have 24/7 access to services and tools to help you get the most out of life. From your physical and mental health to financial and social support and advice. It’s free, and it’s for everyone. Available only to perm employees.
Next Steps
The next stage of the selection process will be an initial call then a face-to-face interview consisting of competency-based and role-specific questions. Trust is the foundation of Royal Mail. We aim to be transparent about the qualities we seek and what a career with us entails, building trust from the start of your journey with us. Your interview is the first step, and we want you to shine. To help you prepare, we’ll provide your interview questions in advance, so you can have your best examples ready.
At Royal Mail Group, we value trust and our people. We understand that candidates may not meet all the criteria for the role. If your experience is different, but you have relevant skills we’d love to hear from you. Royal Mail Group is committed to inclusion and representing the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals. As a proud Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we especially encourage applications from the Armed Forces community, including cadet instructors and spouses/partners. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to support you during the hiring process, please discuss these with your recruiter when contacted. We are Forces family friendly and a Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
For more information on Royal Mail Group and our values please click here: https://www.internationaldistributionsservices.com/en/about-us/
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February. Please note, this advert may close early if the appropriate number of applications has been reached.
Head of VAT employer: Royal Mail
Contact Detail:
Royal Mail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of VAT
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Royal Mail and its values, especially their approach to VAT compliance. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for competency-based questions by thinking of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical VAT knowledge. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers until they feel natural.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and the role. They might share tips that could give you an edge in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Royal Mail. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of VAT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of VAT role. Highlight your VAT expertise, leadership skills, and any relevant experience that aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in VAT compliance and strategy that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with stakeholders at all levels, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can convey complex VAT concepts clearly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Royal Mail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mail
✨Know Your VAT Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical VAT knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss compliance, planning, and advisory matters in detail, as this role requires a strong grasp of VAT regulations and practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of VAT, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, influenced stakeholders, and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative style and how it has positively impacted your team.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Since the interview will include competency-based questions, think about specific situations where you've excelled in managing competing priorities or provided innovative solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Royal Mail's current projects and strategic goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their transformation and growth during the interview.