At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage VAT compliance, oversee tax operations, and support business projects.
- Company: Wickes, a leading home improvement retailer with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive bonus, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace focused on colleague wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in tax compliance and operations.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification (CTA, ACA, ACCA) and 3+ years of VAT management experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Tax Manager supports the Head of Tax in overseeing all direct and indirect tax compliance and operations for Wickes Group Plc. The principal focus of this role is ensuring the accurate, timely reporting of indirect tax compliance while serving as a trusted internal advisor across the group. The remit covers operational aspects of both direct and indirect taxes (including VAT, CIS, and Corporation Tax) and provides robust technical support on cross‑functional business queries.
Key Responsibilities
- VAT Compliance: Manage end-to-end data extraction, reconciliation, and preparation of quarterly VAT returns. Responsibilities include posting monthly VAT corrections, maintaining control account reconciliations, managing Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance, and filing via Alpha VAT returns.
- Systems Transformation (New Till System): Act as the dedicated tax lead for the implementation of the new till system. Deliver thorough, robust UAT to the IT project team and lead hyper‑care support from the pilot phase through to full rollout to guarantee fully tax‑compliant delivery.
- Corporation Tax Quarterly Instalments Payments: Prepare quarterly corporation tax forecasts, execute timely instalment payments, and maintain balance sheet and Government Gateway account reconciliations.
- Tax Accounting & Provisioning: Partner with the Head of Tax to prepare comprehensive, audit‑ready tax notes and supporting working papers for annual and half‑year statutory accounts.
- Operational & Non‑Corporate Tax Compliance: Oversee compliance for non‑corporate taxes. Review Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) returns, advise on payroll taxes and benefits‑in‑kind (BIK), support the Import Team, and provide agile, ad‑hoc VAT advice across the wider business.
- HMRC Relationship Management: Support the Head of Tax in managing HMRC business risk reviews, enquiries, and audits.
- General Ledger Reconciliations: Own month‑end and year‑end reconciliations for all tax accounts in the general ledger. Ensure tax paid, owed, and deferred tax balances align with HMRC liabilities and financial records, proactively investigating any variances.
- Project Support: Provide proactive tax advisory support for other business change and IT projects—from initial requirements gathering through to UAT—to ensure tax‑compliant delivery.
Qualifications and Experience
- Professional qualification: CTA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent
- 3+ years of experience managing VAT and compliance within a large, listed business environment
- Commercial mindset with strong technical VAT knowledge
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and collaborative approach
- Well organised with the ability to prioritise work
- Proactive and hardworking
- Strong problem‑solving skills
- Proficiency in MS Office with good Excel/Google Sheets skills
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the VAT legislative environment
- Demonstrable VAT knowledge within a fast‑paced retail sector
- Practical experience working with corporate tax and compliance workflows
- Proficiency in understanding and analysing financial statements
- Experience with Alpha VAT
- Working knowledge of current financial accounting standards
- Solid understanding of the corporation tax legislative environment
- Familiarity with UK Customs regulations and compliance requirements
- Proactive, flexible and able to operate in a fast‑paced environment
- Capable of providing drive and passion for the role
Benefits
- Support with learning and development and the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us
- Benefits package includes:
- Competitive bonus
- Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
- Private Medical and Life Assurance
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform with savings and cashback at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
- Well‑being strategy with Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, access to parental, menopause and fertility support
About Wickes
Wickes is a multi‑channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With over 50 years in industry, it generates revenue in excess of £1.6 bn across 230 stores delivered by over 8,000 colleagues.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know.
Tax Manager - Interim in Watford employer: Wickes
Wickes Group Plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and inclusivity thrive. With a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, a competitive bonus scheme, and a commitment to learning and development, Wickes empowers its employees to excel in their careers while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance in the dynamic home improvement retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Manager - Interim in Watford
✨Tap into Professional Networks
In the world of tax advisory consulting, connections can make all the difference. Get active in professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Join relevant LinkedIn groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about reaching out for advice from seasoned pros!
✨Utilise Recruitment Agencies
For temporary roles in tax advisory, recruitment agencies can be your best mate. They often have access to opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Find out which agencies specialise in finance and tax, and get on their radar—they can help match you with placements that suit your skills.
✨Stay Ahead with Tax Trends
Keeping up-to-date with tax legislation and trends can give you a fab edge. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and industry news. This knowledge could come in handy during interviews, showing that you’re not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Apply Directly at Wickes
Don’t forget to check out the careers page for Wickes! Applying directly through their website often makes you more visible to their hiring managers. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills in tax advisory, and don't hesitate to emphasise your eagerness to learn in a temporary role!
We think you need these skills to ace Tax Manager - Interim in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Tax advisory in consulting is all about understanding the nitty-gritty of tax regulations and how they apply to different scenarios. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, internships, or certifications in tax law. Don't be shy about mentioning specific regulations or areas you're keen to dive deeper into with this role at Wickes.
Quantify Your Contributions:When detailing your past experiences, especially in tax, don't just list tasks – quantify your contributions. Did you help save clients a certain percentage in tax? Did you streamline a process that boosted accuracy? Numbers grab attention and show that you have real-world impact, which is crucial for a temporary role like this at Wickes.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, focus on why you're excited about this temporary position at Wickes. Share what you hope to learn and why this role is a stepping stone for you. We like to see enthusiasm and willingness to absorb as much as possible – we all learn faster that way!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Given that this is a temporary role in tax advisory, your application needs to be sharp and to the point. Cut any fluff and really focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant. We want to see that you know what you're getting into and can hit the ground running!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨Brush Up on Tax Legislation
Since you’re looking at a temporary role in tax advisory consulting, make sure you’re up to speed with the latest tax laws and regulations. Be prepared for technical questions that assess your understanding of recent changes in tax legislation, as this will show you’re ready to dive in without much hand-holding.
✨Demonstrate Client-Facing Skills
In a consulting role, especially with a temporary position, you'll likely deal directly with clients. Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills during the interview. Maybe share past experiences where you successfully managed client expectations or resolved queries—this will showcase your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
Even for a temporary role, the interviewer might want to see some examples of your previous work. Prepare a portfolio that includes case studies of tax planning strategies or advisory services you've provided. This can be a great way to visually demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to Wickes quickly.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability to new teams and projects. Be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to new tasks or environments in the past. This will reassure Wickes that you can effectively handle the often fast-paced and changing nature of consulting work.
