VAT Compliance Analyst

Interpublic Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media and marketing services company is seeking a VAT Compliance Specialist to ensure timely UK VAT returns and maintain data accuracy using automated tools like SAP and Alteryx. The role involves handling exceptions, monitoring payment schedules, and supporting ongoing VAT compliance initiatives. Ideal candidates will have experience in VAT compliance and a related educational background.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in VAT compliance within a shared service centre or practice tax compliance hub.
• Strong experience using ERP systems for VAT reporting.
• Exposure to automated VAT reporting processes in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and submit UK VAT returns using SAP data.
• Monitor and coordinate VAT payment schedules.
• Contribute to tax compliance automation and digital initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work autonomously

Flexibility in fast-paced environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Law or Business Studies

Tools

SAP

Alteryx

Job description

This newly created permanent role supports the delivery of UK VAT reporting within UK Shared Services, ensuring accurate and timely compliance across multiple UK entities.

Working within a highly automated environment that integrates SAP data and established Alteryx workflows, the role will contribute to maintaining data accuracy and strengthening VAT control processes. It offers hands‑on involvement in digital compliance initiatives and exposure to evolving automation tools as part of IPG’s continuous improvement approach to VAT reporting.

The role will report to the Finance Manager, with oversight and technical guidance from IPG Tax.

Essential Functions

• Prepare, review, and submit UK VAT returns using SAP data extracts processed through predefined and established Alteryx workflows, ensuring accuracy and adherence to reporting deadlines.
• Operate effectively within an automated VAT reporting environment, leveraging Alteryx workflows and reconciliation tools to support efficient and consistent VAT return preparation.
• Review exception reports and automated reconciliations between VAT returns and general ledger data, liaising across teams to resolve discrepancies prior to submission.
• Investigate reconciling items and exceptions, determine the appropriate VAT reporting treatment, and prepare journal entries for correction where required.
• Identify recurring exceptions and reconciling items, supporting process and control improvements and contributing to training materials and documentation updates.
• Monitor and coordinate VAT payment schedules, ensuring timely and accurate settlement to HMRC in line with approved returns.
• Participate in ongoing VAT compliance automation and digitalisation initiatives, supporting system testing, data validation, and workflow enhancements.
• Contribute to the onboarding of additional UK entities into the centralised VAT reporting model, ensuring smooth integration and continuity during the current transition phase.
• Maintain thorough audit trails and ensure readiness for internal or external VAT compliance reviews.

Education, Skills, and Experience Requirements

Education

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Law or Business Studies is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience

• Proven experience in VAT compliance, gained in‑house, within a shared service centre, or in a practice tax compliance hub environment.
• Strong experience using SAP or another major ERP system for VAT reporting.
• Regular exposure to automated VAT reporting processes in the UK.
• Experienced in delivering, preparing and reviewing VAT returns and reconciliations.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with multiple business stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrate flexibility and proactively contribute to the organisation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately to deadlines.
• Able work autonomously.
• Comfortable working within an evolving organisational structure and flexing to meet business requirements.

We, Interpublic Group (IPG), are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.