VAT Manager

We’re looking for a Manager, VAT Compliance to join us in Bradford, to cover maternity leave (12 month fixed term contract).

At Liberty Blume, we provide comprehensive VAT compliance and VAT accounting services ranging from data extraction, preparation and filing of VAT returns through to balance sheet reconciliations and accounting entries.

We provide VAT and other Indirect Tax services to enable clients to meet their filing obligations in the UK and across Europe.

Our Team engage with the appropriate accounting, tax, commercial, legal and treasury teams in order to ensure that our goals are met. We aim to provide services that cover multiple local jurisdictions where the tax rules are complex and compliance obligations differ from territory to territory.

Our Blume VAT compliance team is based in Bradford, UK. We work alongside Tax colleagues predominantly located in Leeds, London, Denver and Amsterdam.

The VAT Compliance Manager will be responsible for the preparation of VAT returns and other submissions to Tax authorities, including VAT accounting and month end processes for our clients and will work with the VAT Compliance Senior Managers to drive system improvements and embrace the use of technology to create a best class VAT compliance service.

The role will also include managing the transition of VAT compliance activity into Blume for any future new clients.

• Responsible for the complete, accurate and timely preparation and submission of VAT returns and other indirect tax filings together with supporting analysis for management review.
• VAT accounting, including VAT return to GL reconciliations, journal preparation and monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Process maintenance and continuous improvements, including aligning processes to developing digital reporting requirements. Operation and evidence of controls over VAT reporting processes.
• Review and approval of invoices from a VAT perspective.
• Driving automation projects to streamline processes.
• Working with the VAT Compliance Senior Manager to provide technical support and tax advice to the business; performing detailed analysis of tax data, reporting back on accuracy and compliance matters.
• Liaising with key stakeholders to ensure efficient and accurate reporting. Communicates regularly with the business to ensure thorough understanding of reporting requirements and business needs.
• On-boarding new operating entities, with potential exposure to non-UK entities, into the VAT compliance process.

We tend to look for people with:

• Professional Accountancy or Tax qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA etc)
• Experience of VAT return preparation and filings in addition to VAT accounting and month end processes is essential.
• Strong Excel and financial systems skills (eg. Oracle, SAP).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of working in a complex environment, delivering to deadlines.
• Ability to research and resolve complex taxation issuess

• Assurance mindset – the ability to review accurately, but also to identify risks in processes and reconciliations and articulate/resolve/mitigate these as part of the reporting cycle.
• Communicator - to provide clear and meaningful interpretation of analysis conducted.
• Collaboration – working across internal and external teams in multiple locations to deliver improvements and best practice within the team.
• Self- motivated - Well-organised, adaptable and resilient. Responds to challenging priorities with a sense of urgency and pace. Ability to work under pressure.
• Solution driven - creative thinker, open to change and different ways of doing things.
• Develops great relationships, is straight up and fair, always credible, accessible and approachable. Is mindful of the commercial aspects and impacts on people.
• Always tries to delightfully surprise and exceed expectations, capable self starter & proactive, stand by decisions and actions, commit to things that are delivered.
• Always look for ways to improve the service or experience given, is insatiably curious and works creatively to challenge the status quo and make decisions.
• Through heartfelt service…