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- Tasks: Lead VAT compliance and provide expert guidance across the Scottish Government.
- Company: The Scottish Government is dedicated to improving lives through effective public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be CCAB or CIMA qualified with experience in VAT compliance management.
- Other info: Apply by 15 June 2025; assessments include an interview and presentation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of VAT and CIS role at The Scottish Government 1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Head of VAT and CIS role at The Scottish Government Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Scottish Government provided pay range This range is provided by The Scottish Government. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Do you have strong technical knowledge of VAT and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and are able to support effective VAT compliance, reporting and advice? One of five divisions in Financial Management Directorate, Financial Operations delivers the crucial financial services that are relied on across the Scottish Government (SG), public services, and the wider economy every day. The VAT and CIS Branch is one of three branches within the Division. Led by the Head of VAT and CIS (this post), it comprises two areas: Operations, with an Operations Manager and a Business Administrator, and Compliance, with a Compliance Manager and an Assistant VAT Compliance Manager. This is a demand lead Branch dealing with 600 enquiries annually from various business areas and public sector bodies as well as HMRC themselves. As a Head of VAT and CIS, you will be responsible for ensuring VAT compliance and assurance across the SG and other bodies within the Scottish Administration, and for providing professional guidance to support this across the wider Scottish public sector. You will oversee four quarterly VAT returns annually – typically recovering over £180 million – and authorise monthly CIS returns. You will be a member of the business area’s senior management team, supporting the Deputy Head of Division and Deputy Director. The role may involve occasional business travel. Provide assurance to the CFO and DD in respect of VAT compliance. Oversee the preparation of the Scottish Administration statutory return on a quarterly basis. Co-ordinate the Scottish Government\’s response to VAT compliance checks ensuring that all enquiries are registered and that key milestones are met. Provide professional advice on HMRC rulings in respect of the Scottish Administration. Advise on VAT enquiries and compliance in respect of the wider Scottish public sector bodies. Advise Senior Managers and Accountable Officers in Scottish Public Sector bodies on VAT related issues, and where required liaise with their respective tax advisers and HMRC. Provide professional VAT and Construction Industry Tax advice to the SG stakeholders and Ministers. Manage the Scottish Administration working relationship with HM Revenue and Customs. Promote good practice across the SG and, the wider Scottish Public Sector via holding VAT training events and issuing VAT guidance updates, including VAT TV. To promote within the SG an improvement agenda with regards VAT and the setup of processes and procedures within accounting system. Provide effective leadership and support to the team, including direct line management of VAT team staff members. Qualifications You must be fully CCAB or CIMA qualified with up-to-date CPD and relevant post qualified experience managing VAT compliance. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills Application of Tax Legislation – Expert. Management of Tax Compliance and Risk – Expert. You can find out more about the Government Finance Function Career Framework, here Experience Experience of managing a VAT function, ideally within the public sector, providing expert advice on VAT and tax matters and liaising with tax authorities (e.g. HMRC). Behaviours Seeing the big picture – Level 4. Leadership – Level 4. Managing a quality service – Level 4. You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here How To Apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words ) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 June 2025 , however this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before: 15 June 2025 (23:59) Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Accounting/Auditing and Finance Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Scottish Government by 2x Get notified about new Head of Accounting jobs in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom . 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Head of VAT and CIS employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of VAT and CIS
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest VAT regulations and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) updates. Being well-versed in current legislation will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed, which is crucial for a leadership role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector who have experience in VAT compliance. Engaging with others in the field can provide you with valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the Scottish Government's values. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, as this will be key during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Scottish Government's recent initiatives related to VAT and CIS. Understanding their current challenges and priorities will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of VAT and CIS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of VAT and CIS position. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description, especially around VAT compliance and management.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in VAT and tax compliance, particularly within the public sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be no more than 1000 words and must clearly address how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the Success Profile. Use concrete examples from your past work to illustrate your qualifications.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and supporting statement. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to showcase your strong technical knowledge of VAT and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed VAT compliance or provided expert advice on tax matters.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Head of VAT and CIS role. Be ready to discuss how you would oversee VAT returns, manage compliance checks, and provide professional guidance to stakeholders within the Scottish Government.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the role requires strong leadership and management skills, prepare for behavioural questions that assess your ability to see the big picture and manage a quality service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Show enthusiasm and engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the Scottish Government's approach to VAT compliance and how the team collaborates with HMRC. This demonstrates your interest in the role and the organisation.