Transformation Manager – Indirect Tax Compliance (12-month FTC)

Centrica; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Centrica plc in Reading is seeking a Transformation Lead for Indirect Tax to drive a 12-month program redesigning compliance, data and automation. The role focuses on moving to “one-button compliance” through streamlined processes and better controls.

You will lead the roadmap, redesign before automating, and connect data and technology with cross-functional teams and external advisers, delivering measurable benefits and faster processing.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end finance or tax transformation, from design and process improvement through to implementation, adoption and measurable benefits.
• A transformation-first mindset, with experience challenging established processes and using technology, automation and data to create simpler ways of working.
• Strong knowledge of UK VAT compliance and tax accounting, including returns, reconciliations and annual adjustments.
• Hands-on experience of partial exemption ideally with experience of improving or automating these processes.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead change across multiple teams without relying on direct line authority.
• Strong analytical, process-mapping and controls capability, alongside confidence working with Excel and ERP, finance or tax systems.
• Experience working with external advisers, project teams and/or offshore delivery models.
• A relevant accounting or tax qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CTA, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Set the transformation roadmap: Define the future-state indirect tax compliance model and translate the ambition for one-button compliance into clear priorities, milestones and ownership.
• Redesign before automating: Challenge legacy processes, simplify compliance end to end and remove unnecessary activity before introducing automation.
• Connect data and technology: Partner with Transformation, Finance and Finance Systems teams to improve how source data, reconciliations and return preparation work together, reducing manual intervention.
• Transform our partial exemption processes: Work with external advisers, Head of Indirect Tax and internal finance stakeholders to redesign the process and annual adjustment, simplify and optimise VAT recovery, strengthen controls, reduce manual effort and help to build a forecasting model so the impact of spend is understood.
• Transform the operating model: Establish clear ownership across Indirect Tax, Finance and offshore teams, supported by effective controls and handovers.
• Lead change and delivery: Coordinate internal teams and external advisers, manage cross-functional dependencies and embed new ways of working through training and knowledge transfer.
• Deliver lasting value: Track benefits including reduced manual effort, faster cycle times, improved data quality and stronger controls, while delivering VAT, Climate Change Levy and Insurance Premium Tax obligations accurately and on time.

Skills

Transformation leadership

Indirect tax

UK VAT

Automation

Data analytics

Education

ACA/ACCA/CTA qualification

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

ONESOURCE

Power BI

ERP systems

Job description

Join us, be part of more.

We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

About your role:

This is an exciting 12-month transformation opportunity with a clear ambition: to redesign and transform indirect tax compliance around simpler processes, standardised data and greater automation.

You’ll lead the move towards “one-button compliance”, replacing manual activity and workarounds with connected, exception-led processes. Working across Indirect Tax, Transformation, Finance, Finance Systems, offshore teams and external advisers, you’ll take the transformation from future-state design through to implementation and adoption.

Success will mean implementation of the transformed operating model alongside stronger controls, better-quality data and faster processes that the team can continue to develop after the transformation is complete.

Location:

UK - Reading/Flexible

With our Flexible First working arrangements, we empower our colleagues to work in a way that best suits them. The successful candidate will, however, need to be comfortable commuting to our Reading office on a weekly basis and for team days.

What you’ll be doing:

• Set the transformation roadmap: Help define the future-state indirect tax compliance model and translate the ambition for one-button compliance into clear priorities, milestones and ownership.
• Redesign before automating: Challenge legacy processes, simplify compliance end to end and remove unnecessary activity before introducing automation.
• Connect data and technology: Partner with Transformation, Finance and Finance Systems teams to improve how source data, reconciliations and return preparation work together, reducing manual intervention.
• Transform our partial exemption processes: Work with external advisers, Head of Indirect Tax and internal finance stakeholders to redesign the process and annual adjustment, simplify and optimise VAT recovery, strengthen controls, reduce manual effort and help to build a forecasting model so the impact of spend is understood.
• Transform the operating model: Establish clear ownership across Indirect Tax, Finance and offshore teams, supported by effective controls and handovers.
• Lead change and delivery: Coordinate internal teams and external advisers, manage cross-functional dependencies and embed new ways of working through training and knowledge transfer.
• Deliver lasting value: Track benefits including reduced manual effort, faster cycle times, improved data quality and stronger controls, while delivering VAT, Climate Change Levy and Insurance Premium Tax obligations accurately and on time.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who combines transformation leadership with a strong understanding of indirect tax compliance and can turn an ambitious vision into practical, sustainable change.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end finance or tax transformation, from design and process improvement through to implementation, adoption and measurable benefits.
• A transformation-first mindset, with experience challenging established processes and using technology, automation and data to create simpler ways of working.
• Strong knowledge of UK VAT compliance and tax accounting, including returns, reconciliations and annual adjustments.
• Hands‑on experience of partial exemption ideally with experience of improving or automating these processes.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead change across multiple teams without relying on direct line authority.
• Strong analytical, process‑mapping and controls capability, alongside confidence working with Excel and ERP, finance or tax systems.
• Experience working with external advisers, project teams and/or offshore delivery models.
• A relevant accounting or tax qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CTA, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience with SAP S/4HANA, ONESOURCE, Power BI or automation technologies would be advantageous, as would knowledge of Climate Change Levy, Insurance Premium Tax or the energy sector.

Why should you apply?

We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too.

If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.