VAT Manager

Royal London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a VAT Manager to join its Group Tax team. This role, based in London or Alderley Edge, involves providing expert VAT advice, coordinating tax returns, and mentoring a small team. The ideal candidate should be a qualified accountant or tax professional with a strong background in UK indirect tax legislation. Competitive benefits include a hybrid working model and generous pension matching.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Up to 14% employer matching pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Strong background in indirect tax advisory and compliance roles.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant UK indirect tax legislation.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary contact for stakeholders within the Royal London Group.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of indirect tax returns.
• Provide indirect tax advice and transaction support.

Skills

Indirect tax advisory

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Excellent IT skills

Business relationship development

Education

Qualified accountant

Qualified tax professional

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title : VAT Manager

Contract Type : Permanent

Location : London or Alderley Edge

Working style : Hybrid 50% home / office based

Closing date : 6th September 2024

This newly created position is seeking an experienced and skilled VAT Manager to join our Group Tax team in either our London or Alderley Edge offices.

As a VAT Manager, you will support senior management within Group Tax by acting as a primary contact in the provision of specialist VAT advice and analysis to the Royal London Group. The role would involve significant interactions with the investment management business, finance teams, external advisors, and tax authorities, as well as providing leadership and mentoring to a small team of tax specialists and tax assistants.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background working in indirect tax advisory and compliance roles, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of our company.

About the role

• To act as a primary contact for stakeholders within the Royal London Group, such as senior management, boards, committees, tax authorities, third parties and external bodies, in responding to queries and providing indirect tax advice.
• Coordinate internal teams and external advisors in the preparation, review, and submission of indirect tax returns for Group Companies and investment funds.
• Provide indirect tax advice, transaction support, and lead post-deal implementation actions on fund launches, M&A activities and property transactions.
• Monitor and maintain awareness of changes to VAT and indirect tax legislation which impacts the Group and advise on appropriate actions.
• Assist senior tax management in representing RLG's views at consultation meetings and industry groups.
• Collaborate with tax colleagues in following agreed guidelines and procedures, making improvements to processes, mitigating risks, and adding value.

About you

• Qualified accountant and / or qualified tax professional.
• In depth knowledge and experience of relevant UK indirect Tax legislation as it affects insurance companies and / or asset management businesses.
• Understanding of VAT partial exemption principles and the process of devising, using, or implementing partial exemption special methods.
• Ability to challenge effectiveness of procedures / controls, identify and escalate risk to Head of Tax and other required parties.
• Strong IT skills, particularly on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop strong business relationships with colleagues and senior managers across Finance and wider business.

About Royal London

We’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We\'ve always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance. You can see all our benefits here -

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We’re an employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.