VAT Lead

We are partnering with a global, market-leading consumer goods enterprise in their search for a UK&I VAT Lead. This is a 12-month temporary role based in Slough, offering a hybrid working model (2 days per week in the office) and a day rate of up to £280 per day via PAYE for the right candidate.

The Role Supporting the UK&I VAT Manager, you will play a key part in delivering end-to-end VAT compliance across approximately 15 UK and Irish trading entities. You will take responsibility for day-to-day execution, oversight of compliance processes, and driving continuous improvement across VAT controls, systems, and digital automation.

Key Responsibilities:

VAT Compliance & Operations:
Lead the preparation, review, submission, and settlement of net VAT returns (c. £300m), ensuring ledger accuracy and documentation meet statutory requirements. Business Partnering & Advisory:
Act as a key point of contact for VAT queries across the business, tax authorities, customers, and suppliers, while delivering VAT training to internal stakeholders. Risk Management & Controls:
Monitor VAT accounting to ensure compliance with Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements, perform regular control reviews, and support internal/external audits. Process Improvement & Digitalisation:
Drive digital efficiencies, process automation, and system transformations across VAT reporting and controls. Cross-Tax & Project Support:
Assist with compliance and governance for broader tax areas (e.g., Plastic Packaging Tax across 4 legal entities, IR35) and support ad-hoc business initiatives. Team Leadership:
Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists, deputising for the VAT Manager when required. This role could be right for you if you have:

Qualifications:

ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience in VAT reporting/broader VAT roles (typically 4-6 years). Technical

Experience:

Essential experience in UK VAT compliance across complex business units and multi-ERP system environments. Control Frameworks:
Strong understanding of Tax Risk Management, Internal Controls Frameworks, and SAO compliance. Systems & Automation:
Strong tech-savvy mindset with a track record of driving process improvement and automation in reporting.

Soft Skills:

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills to train associates and build networks across cross-functional teams. Randstad Financial & Professional encourage applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Randstad Financial & Professional acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003