Manager of Indirect Tax (18 Months FTC)

TJX Europe; Watford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A European retail company located in Watford is seeking a VAT Manager to oversee a team and ensure compliance with VAT regulations across multiple countries. You will manage VAT returns, develop processes, and collaborate with tax authorities. Ideal candidates will have strong people management, communication skills, and experience in tax from a reputable firm. The position is critical for maintaining VAT accuracy and improving cash flow. An excellent opportunity awaits in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Preferably CTA qualified or equivalent, but not essential.
• Experience in a reputable accounting firm or multinational.
• Proven people management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and review completion of VAT returns and declarations.
• Manage team of 4 associates and guide on tasks.
• Build relationships with tax authorities to manage audits.

Skills

People management

Excellent written communication

Excellent oral communication

Strong I.T. capability

Project management skills

Strong European tax knowledge

Education

CTA qualified or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Oracle

Job description

This position will be based in our European Home Office located in Watford, UK, on an 18-month fixed-term contract, and will involve the management of a team of 4 associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and review the completion of VAT returns, ESLs and Intrastats for all European VAT registered entities, located in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain, including any new entities set up in other European markets in future
• Ensure all declarations are completed with a high degree of accuracy and are submitted on time, with payments as appropriate
• Effectively manage team of 4 associates. Provide clear guidance on tasks, find opportunities to empower, support through challenges and actively engage in performance / development conversations
• Take the lead in developing strong relationships with various tax authorities, ensuring all audits are managed and completed efficiently
• Ensure all VAT (balance sheet) accounts are fully reconciled as part of the VAT return process
• Document, review and monitor all VAT processes and controls, update when required and look to improve wherever possible
• Proactively identify I.T. and data solutions needed to meet VAT reporting obligations, support I.T. on requirements and implementation
• Ensure SOX controls are properly implemented and documented with all the necessary approvals in place
• Ensure VAT return processes are fit for SAO sign-off purposes in the UK

Build and cultivate positive, collaborative working relationships with key business partners across the TJX organisation – to support ad hoc queries and support business change

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the AVP of Indirect Tax on ad hoc project work, such as expansion plans and IT systems updates / development
• Proactively identify and implement opportunities for improving TJX Europe’s overall VAT liability and cash flow
• Ensure VAT rates applied to products are accurate and up to date across all systems, and reviewed on a regular basis
• Keep up to date with VAT technical developments and relevant case law
• Deal with any CIS, RCT & legal queries related to construction work on our stores in the UK and Ireland

Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Preferably CTA qualified or equivalent, but not essential
• Experience in a reputable accounting firm or multinational
• Proven people management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Strong I.T. capability particularly excel, general working knowledge of Oracle is beneficial, but not essential
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must
• Strong European technical tax knowledge
• Excellent project management skills required
• Proven ability to build genuine, authentic relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organisation

You must have the legal right to work in the country you are applying to.