Head of Tax (VAT major)

BLT; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector institution in the UK is seeking a VAT Specialist to lead compliance and strategy. The role involves managing VAT issues, supervising a Tax Assistant, and improving processes within a supportive finance team. Ideal candidates will have strong VAT skills and experience in complex business environments.

Qualifications

• Strong VAT technical and practical skills required.
• Experience managing complex business VAT issues.
• Partial exemption experience essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as the specialist technical resource for the organisation.
• Lead the tax team in compliance matters.
• Maintain relationships with HMRC and finance colleagues.

Skills

VAT technical skills

People skills

Compliance management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: VAT Specialist

BLT is delighted to present an exciting opportunity with one of the UK’s premier public sector institutions. This role requires deep knowledge and experience of UK VAT practicalities and technical considerations relevant to the sector, along with the ability to lead the design and implementation of the organisation's VAT strategy.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Acting as the specialist technical resource for the organisation.
2. Leading the tax team in compliance matters, including adherence to all relevant legislation and ensuring timely submission of returns.
3. Maintaining and developing relationships with HMRC, as well as with finance and tax colleagues.
4. Supervising the work of a Tax Assistant.
5. Reviewing and improving procedures and processes, including active involvement in ERP configuration and roll-out.
6. Keeping abreast of changes in VAT legislation and assessing their impact on the organisation.

You will join a friendly, relaxed, and supportive finance team, where you'll tackle complex VAT issues. There are also opportunities to work on personal, corporate, and overseas tax considerations, which can help expand your skill set—no prior experience required.

If you possess strong VAT technical, practical, and people skills, and have experience managing a complex business, I would be keen to hear from you. Partial exemption experience is essential, and ERP experience would be a plus. To learn more, including a full job description, please get in touch.