VAT Manager

Overview

Unite Students are looking for an experienced VAT Manager to join our wider Finance team in Bristol for a permanent opportunity.

The VAT Manager is responsible for supporting the business with its VAT affairs, managing the Group’s VAT risk, and identifying opportunities for improving the Group’s processes and controls relating to VAT. The role also includes reviewing the VAT compliance for the business and its joint ventures. In addition, the VAT Manager will provide support to the Head of Tax on projects including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, and identifying the VAT impact of new lines of business.

The role also includes assisting the Head of Tax with monitoring compliance with the Senior Accounting Officer legislation and other tax governance projects. The role is suitable for a CTA qualified individual looking to make their first move into industry, or an experienced professional aiming to develop a compliance‑focused role.

• Oversee the work of the Tax Compliance Manager with respect to VAT, including review of VAT returns prior to submission to HMRC and review of the monthly VAT cashflow
• Support the wider business with commercial agreements such as nominations, leases and procurement
• Manage the group’s exposure to VAT on non-core business activities
• Ensure VAT is embedded into the business’s financial systems, including working with the wider finance team to target continuous improvement and further automation
• Assist the Head of Tax on transactions including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, and restructuring
• Identify and undertake VAT technical analysis where required including working with external advisers where appropriate
• Maintain documentation of complex VAT positions to support tax filings and ensure implementation of positions adopted
• Identify opportunities to respond to relevant HMRC consultations and drafting of responses
• Manage HMRC enquiries into submitted VAT returns
• Document, manage and evidence key VAT controls in support of the group’s Senior Accounting Officer requirements, and support the Head of Tax in monitoring compliance with SAO
• Provide VAT information to the business as required

• CTA qualified or evidence of experience working in VAT, ideally in the property sector
• Experience of working with the VAT affairs of large groups (e.g. multiple VAT groups, partial exemption special methods, CGS/RRP records)
• Good organisational, time management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to design and implement comprehensive processes and manage projects end-to-end
• Inquisitive and a motivated self-starter, happy to take the initiative
• A positive and collegiate attitude with the ability to adapt swiftly to challenges and change
• Evidence of working in a fast paced, high change environment and able to manage multiple demands effectively
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly MS Word and Excel

• A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company’s success
• 25 days’ paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service
• A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save
• Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends
• Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Lots of other great benefits including an annual Share Save scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is a FTSE 100 business and the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 25 leading university towns and cities, with 74,000 students calling us home. We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.

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