VAT Technology & Automation Manager – Global VAT Compliance & Reporting

RSM UK; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 Days Holiday (with option to buy)

Hybrid working

Lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing benefits

Individual healthcare cover

Access to 300+ courses

Job summary

RSM UK is seeking a VAT Automation Manager within our GVCR team to lead automation across the VAT return preparation and compliance process. You will work closely with VAT, delivery and technology groups to translate business needs into practical automation and data-driven solutions.

This role blends VAT process expertise with data science, analytics and hands-on technology to improve efficiency, accuracy and controls, while exploring AI and low-code tools to future-proof the VAT function.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of VAT compliance and VAT return processes.
• Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Experience delivering automation within a finance, tax, compliance or professional services environment.
• Experience working with IT, technology or development teams.
• Ability to understand an existing process, identify inefficiencies and translate them into automation requirements.
• Experience applying data science, data modelling, analytics or scripting techniques to improve tax and compliance processes.
• Strong interest in AI and emerging technologies, with the ability to identify practical use cases and take ownership where appropriate.
• Comfortable working hands-on with technology and troubleshooting issues when required.
• Strong practical understanding of automation tools and methods, including Alteryx and comparable workflow, analytics, AI or low-code technologies.
• Experience with Alteryx or similar workflow/data automation platforms would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of data flows, data quality, system integrations and automated controls.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing or coaching people, allocating work, reviewing outputs and developing team capability.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and move initiatives forward with limited supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple automation initiatives and prioritise based on business impact.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly around data integrity and process controls.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical VAT and business stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Owning and driving the automation strategy across the VAT return preparation and compliance process.
• Identifying manual, repetitive or inefficient activities and assess opportunities to automate or streamline them.
• Working closely with VAT teams to understand existing processes, pain points and requirements and translate these into practical automation solutions.
• Taking ownership of automation projects from initial requirements through to implementation and ongoing support.
• Keeping up to date with AI and emerging technologies and identify practical opportunities where these could support the VAT process, taking ownership of relevant initiatives where required.
• Leading, coaching and managing team members involved in automation delivery, supporting capability development and ensuring work is delivered to appropriate quality standards.
• Operating with a high degree of autonomy, proactively identifying priorities, managing delivery risks and progressing automation initiatives without close day‑to‑day supervision.

Skills

VAT compliance

Automation

Data science

IT collaboration

Alteryx

Low-code

Data modeling

Analytics

AI

Troubleshooting

Data quality

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Independent work

Automation strategy

Tools

Alteryx

Job description

As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions - we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.

Make an Impact at RSM UK

Are you ready to lead and shape the future of global VAT compliance and reporting? Join RSM UK as a VAT Automation Manager within our Global VAT Compliance & Reporting (GVCR) team. As part of the Onboarding Team, the role will work closely with the Delivery Team, clients and internal Technology teams to identify opportunities for automation, apply data science techniques, design and implement efficient solutions, and ensure that existing automated processes remain robust, scalable and fit for purpose.

The role will be a key link between the client, delivery and technology teams, ensuring that client and business requirements are clearly understood, translated into clear technical requirements and effectively communicated through to implementation. In this role you will combine strong VAT process knowledge with data science, technical and problem-solving skills, with a hands‑on approach to automation where required.

You will have a strong interest in AI and emerging technologies, with the ability to identify practical opportunities to use AI, analytics and workflow automation tools to improve VAT return processes, increase efficiency and strengthen controls.

• Owning and driving the automation strategy across the VAT return preparation and compliance process.
• Identifying manual, repetitive or inefficient activities and assess opportunities to automate or streamline them.
• Working closely with VAT teams to understand existing processes, pain points and requirements and translate these into practical automation solutions.
• Taking ownership of automation projects from initial requirements through to implementation and ongoing support.
• Keeping up to date with AI and emerging technologies and identify practical opportunities where these could support the VAT process, taking ownership of relevant initiatives where required.
• Leading, coaching and managing team members involved in automation delivery, supporting capability development and ensuring work is delivered to appropriate quality standards.
• Operating with a high degree of autonomy, proactively identifying priorities, managing delivery risks and progressing automation initiatives without close day‑to‑day supervision.

What we are looking for:

Are you someone who thrives on variety, loves learning new things, and enjoys connecting with people? If you can spot inefficiencies in everyday life and are passionate about making improvements, this role is perfect for you!

We value diverse experiences and perspectives. Here’s what we’re looking for in our ideal candidate:

Preferred qualifications & experience

• Strong understanding of VAT compliance and VAT return processes.
• Strong technical and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Experience delivering automation within a finance, tax, compliance or professional services environment.
• Experience working with IT, technology or development teams.
• Ability to understand an existing process, identify inefficiencies and translate them into automation requirements.
• Experience applying data science, data modelling, analytics or scripting techniques to improve tax and compliance processes.
• Strong interest in AI and emerging technologies, with the ability to identify practical use cases and take ownership where appropriate.
• Comfortable working hands‑on with technology and troubleshooting issues when required.
• Strong practical understanding of automation tools and methods, including Alteryx and comparable workflow, analytics, AI or low‑code technologies.
• Experience with Alteryx or similar workflow/data automation platforms would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of data flows, data quality, system integrations and automated controls.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing or coaching people, allocating work, reviewing outputs and developing team capability.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and move initiatives forward with limited supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple automation initiatives and prioritise based on business impact.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly around data integrity and process controls.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non‑technical VAT and business stakeholders

What we can offer you:

We recognise that our people are our most important assets. That’s why we offer a flexible reward and benefits package that will help you have fulfilling experience, both in and out of work.

• 27 Days Holiday (with the option of purchasing additional days).
• Hybrid working
• Lifestyle, Health, and Wellbeing including financial wellbeing benefits such as financial tools, electric car scheme and access to a virtual GP.
• Individual healthcare cover.
• Access to a suite of 300+ courses on demand developed by our inhouse Talent Development team.

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Diversity and Inclusion at RSM

At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client’s needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That’s why we’re working together to ensure our firm’s principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.