At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global indirect tax compliance and advise on complex tax matters.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a pioneering travel company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tax strategy in a dynamic airline environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in customs and excise, CTA or ACA qualified preferred.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and supporting individual needs.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - 3 days at VHQ, Crawley
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 12th February 2025
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it’s our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we’re harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
At Virgin Atlantic, tax is not a back-office function – it’s a critical enabler of how we operate, grow and protect the business. As Indirect Tax Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring we remain compliant, commercially sharp and confident in how we manage indirect tax across a complex, global operation.
You’ll sit at the heart of the business, balancing technical depth with pragmatic judgement, advising on everything from passenger taxes and VAT to customs and international indirect tax matters. This is a role for someone who enjoys operating with autonomy, influencing senior stakeholders, and bringing clarity where things are complex or ambiguous – all while helping Virgin Atlantic fly further, smarter and responsibly.
An important aspect of this role will be strong technical experience in international customs and excise matters, ideally in the airline industry. The candidate should be capable of maintaining HMRC’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status requirements for Virgin Atlantic in the UK, thus a minimum of 3 years practical experience in customs-related activities is essential.
- Lead the Group’s worldwide indirect tax compliance, covering VAT, APD, passenger taxes, customs and overseas indirect taxes
- Own the technical review and sign-off of key returns, presenting risks, judgements and recommendations clearly to senior leaders
- Partner closely with Finance, Engineering, Commercial, Cargo and Country teams to embed compliant and tax-efficient decision making
- Identify, assess and manage indirect tax risks, ensuring robust controls, governance and documentation are in place
- Drive advisory projects from identification through to delivery, including engagement with HMRC and overseas tax authorities
- Proactively spot opportunities to improve processes, automate compliance and optimise cash and tax outcomes
- Act as a trusted international customs and excise tax subject-matter expert, translating complex tax matters into clear, actionable advice, in addition to supporting the business with wider international indirect tax challenges
- Coach and support Tax Analysts, building capability and confidence across the wider tax team
You will bring deep expertise in UK indirect taxes, with a solid understanding of international indirect tax issues in a large, complex organisation, with a particular focus on customs and excise duty challenges.
In addition to the above, you will also:
- Be comfortable operating as a subject-matter expert, influencing senior stakeholders with confidence, credibility and pragmatism
- Thrive in fast-moving, commercial environments and can balance technical rigour with practical delivery
- Enjoy problem-solving, cutting through ambiguity and making sound, well-judged recommendations
- Take a proactive approach, self-motivated and take genuine ownership of outcomes rather than waiting for direction
- Communicate complex issues clearly to non-specialists and build strong, collaborative relationships across functions
Qualified as a CTA or ACA (or equivalent), with relevant post-qualification experience (Big 4 background welcomed). It would be great if you also have experience with Oracle and strong Excel capability.
If this sounds like you, and you would like to unlock your potential with us, we would love to hear from you!
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.
So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong. To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team.
At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Indirect Tax Manager in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
Contact Detail:
Virgin holidays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Tax Manager in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Virgin Atlantic on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on indirect tax regulations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable explaining complex tax issues in simple terms, as you’ll need to communicate clearly with non-specialists at Virgin Atlantic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Virgin Atlantic family.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Tax Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Indirect Tax Manager role. Highlight your expertise in indirect taxes, customs, and any relevant experience in the airline industry to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Virgin Atlantic. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex tax issues and influenced stakeholders in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love candidates who can cut through ambiguity! In your application, mention instances where you've identified tax risks or improved processes. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced environment.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨Know Your Tax Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK indirect taxes, customs, and excise duties. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your technical expertise and how you've navigated complex tax issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've tackled ambiguous situations or made sound recommendations under pressure. Virgin Atlantic values proactive problem solvers, so highlight your ability to cut through complexity and deliver practical solutions.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can partner with Finance, Engineering, and other departments to ensure compliant and tax-efficient decision-making at Virgin Atlantic.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex tax matters in simple terms. You’ll need to convey your insights to non-specialists, so focus on how you can make intricate topics accessible and actionable for various stakeholders.