Manager VAT (m/f/d)

IFCO SYSTEMS; München; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Meal subsidies

LinkedIn Learning access

Employee Support Program

Modern office

Underground parking with charging

Job summary

IFCO SYSTEMS is seeking a VAT Compliance Manager to oversee German VAT reporting and cross-border tax matters. You will work with finance, operations, and external advisors to enhance the end-to-end VAT process and ensure robust governance. Fluent German and English are required, as is experience in an international tax environment.

You will drive cross-functional collaboration, support governance, and manage VAT-related projects in a dynamic, global setting with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Degree in tax, finance, accounting or business administration.
• Strong indirect tax knowledge in German and EU VAT rules.
• Experience in VAT compliance in international environments.
• Ability to optimize end-to-end VAT processes and governance.

Responsibilities

• VAT compliance management and timely VAT reporting for German IFCO entities.
• Collaborate with teams and external tax advisors to improve processes.
• Support development and implementation of the Tax Compliance System.
• Provide VAT advice to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Lead VAT-related projects with internal and external partners.

Skills

VAT expertise

Compliance & process improvement

Analytical mindset

Communication & stakeholder management

Digital & systems knowledge

German & English fluency

Education

University degree in Tax/Finance/Accounting/Business Admin

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products. We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint. “The future is circular”

Key responsibilities:

• VAT Compliance Management – Ensure compliant and timely VAT reporting for German IFCO-entities across all relevant countries and jurisdictions.
• Process Excellence – Collaborate with team members, owners of upstream-processes and external tax advisors to continuously improve end-to-end VAT processes in terms of efficiency, transparency and compliance.
• Tax Governance & Controls – Support the development and implementation of IFCO’s Tax Compliance Management System through standards, controls, monitoring activities, training and documentation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner closely with other business functions and provide VAT advice relevant to their tasks and business decisions.
• Projects – Support and lead VAT-related projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external tax advisors to deliver sustainable and compliant solutions.

We expect:

• Educational Background – University degree in Tax, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, complemented by a strong foundation in indirect taxation.
• VAT Expertise – Solid professional experience in VAT gained within an international tax advisory environment or an in-house tax function, with strong knowledge of German and EU VAT regulations and practices, combined with experience in cross-border VAT matters.
• Compliance & Process Improvement – Proven ability to manage complex VAT compliance requirements while identifying, implementing, and optimizing processes, controls, and governance frameworks.
• Analytical Mindset – Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks, and develop pragmatic, solution-oriented recommendations.
• Quality & Accuracy Focus – High attention to detail, ensuring reliable, accurate, and compliant outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to quality standards.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management – Clear and effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate confidently across functions and engage stakeholders at different levels.
• Digital & Systems Knowledge – Experience working with ERP and tax-related systems; knowledge of SAP is advantageous. Comfortable using digital tools to support compliance, reporting, and process efficiency.
• Ways of Working & Languages – Open-minded, proactive, and results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic international environment. Fluency in German and English is required.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change.
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Delicious & healthy meals – Weekly changing menus from our online canteen Bella & Bona, subsidized by IFCO.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking with charging stations and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer. We are looking forward to receiving your application.