FS VAT Senior Manager - 6-12 month Contract

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a VAT Senior Manager to join a highly respected financial services group on a fixed-term contract, based in Canary Wharf with flexible hybrid working arrangements. This pivotal role sits within the EMEA and APAC Tax team, where you will play a crucial part in managing indirect tax affairs across multiple jurisdictions.

VAT Senior Manager

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Location: London

Keywords: VAT compliance, indirect tax advisory, international tax, hybrid working, EMEA and APAC, tax technology, process improvement, stakeholder engagement, training opportunities, supportive leadership

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a VAT Senior Manager to join a highly respected financial services group on a fixed-term contract, based in Canary Wharf with flexible hybrid working arrangements. This pivotal role sits within the EMEA and APAC Tax team, where you will play a crucial part in managing indirect tax affairs across multiple jurisdictions. You will be responsible for leading the VAT function, ensuring robust compliance for group VAT returns both in the UK and internationally, while also providing expert indirect tax advisory services. The organisation is renowned for its collaborative culture, commitment to professional development, and supportive leadership, making it an ideal environment for those seeking to further their career in a global context. With exposure to complex international tax matters and the chance to work closely with senior stakeholders, this position offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.

• Take ownership of the indirect tax function across EMEA and APAC regions, ensuring accurate and timely VAT compliance for a diverse portfolio of entities.
• Enjoy flexible hybrid working from a Central London base, collaborating with knowledgeable colleagues in a supportive and inclusive environment that values your expertise.
• Benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to influence process improvements using advanced tax technology resources, all while building strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

What you'll do:

As a VAT Senior Manager, you will be entrusted with significant responsibility for steering the indirect tax agenda across EMEA and APAC regions. Your day-to-day activities will involve reviewing complex VAT returns, ensuring meticulous compliance standards are met throughout the group’s operations. You will collaborate closely with both internal teams—such as finance system owners—and external partners like HMRC or auditors. By conducting thorough systems reviews, you will proactively identify potential risks or inefficiencies in current processes, then work collaboratively to implement robust solutions. Your expertise will be called upon regularly for technical queries, while your advisory skills will help guide business decisions around new products or transactions. Training colleagues on best practices forms another important aspect of your remit, helping foster a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout your tenure, you will have ample opportunity to shape how indirect taxes are managed within a truly international context.

• Review VAT group returns to ensure accuracy and compliance, including overseeing the journaling process and liaising with business units as well as external advisors to provide clear dashboarding to senior stakeholders.
• Conduct systems and process assurance reviews to identify gaps or risks related to indirect taxes, collaborating with system owners to rectify issues and define effective governance controls.
• Respond promptly to ad hoc technical queries from internal teams and external bodies such as HMRC, delivering high-quality written advice when required.
• Deliver comprehensive indirect tax advisory services across all business areas, ensuring clarity on complex issues such as intercompany recharges and new product offerings.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with HMRC, monitoring the partial exemption position of the group and advising on implications of acquisitions or disposals.
• Manage and support indirect tax audits and enquiries, coordinating responses and documentation as needed to facilitate smooth processes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of VAT activities by initiating process improvements leveraging the latest tax technology tools available within the group.
• Document processes and controls thoroughly, monitoring implementation across relevant departments to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Provide targeted training sessions to improve employee performance within specific functional areas such as brokerage receivable and accounts payable teams.
• Liaise effectively with external auditors during quarterly and year-end processes to ensure seamless reporting cycles.

What you bring:

To excel as a VAT Senior Manager in this setting, your background should reflect substantial hands-on experience managing indirect taxes within large multinational organisations. Your technical acumen must extend beyond UK borders into international territories where differing regulations apply. A history of successfully navigating partially exempt environments will serve you well here. In addition to your qualifications, your interpersonal skills should enable you to build trust-based relationships at all levels—from junior team members needing guidance through to senior stakeholders requiring strategic input. Your analytical mindset ensures that no detail goes unchecked when reviewing financial data or identifying process improvements. Familiarity with modern finance systems empowers you to leverage technology for better outcomes. Above all else, your commitment to collaboration means you thrive when sharing knowledge or supporting others’ development—qualities that align perfectly with this organisation’s values.

• A recognised CTA/ACA qualification or equivalent VAT-related certification is essential for this role, demonstrating your technical proficiency in UK VAT legislation.
• Proven experience completing VAT returns with a deep understanding of HMRC compliance requirements and VAT accounting principles is required.
• A solid grasp of international VAT issues is necessary given the cross-border nature of this position’s responsibilities.
• Previous exposure to partially exempt businesses would be advantageous as it enables you to navigate complex scenarios more effectively.
• Demonstrated management experience overseeing staff such as VAT Accountants or other supporting tax professionals is highly valued.
• Advanced Excel skills coupled with familiarity using finance systems like Oracle are important for handling data analysis tasks efficiently.
• The ability to investigate reported financials thoroughly and amend inaccuracies ensures integrity in all reporting activities undertaken by you.
• A genuine drive to understand intricate details combined with a methodical approach helps resolve issues accurately every time.
• Comfort working autonomously under pressure allows you to deliver results even when faced with tight deadlines or competing priorities.
• A proactive attitude towards automating or refining existing processes contributes significantly towards increasing overall efficiency within the team.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual’s contribution is valued. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance without compromising on professional growth opportunities. The company invests heavily in training initiatives designed not only to enhance technical skills but also nurture personal development—ensuring everyone can reach their full potential regardless of background or experience level. Supportive leadership is at the heart of its culture; managers are approachable mentors who encourage open communication while championing diversity across all teams. The business operates at the forefront of global financial services yet maintains a close-knit community feel where collaboration is second nature. By joining this team, you become part of an environment that prizes knowledge-sharing, mutual respect, and continuous improvement—making it an exceptional place for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful impact alongside personal fulfilment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on an influential role shaping indirect tax strategy across international markets while enjoying genuine flexibility and support, this could be your next career move.

Apply today by clicking on the link—your expertise could make all the difference!

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