&I VAT Lead

Randstad Sourceright, a leading provider of RPO & MSP Recruitment Services, is currently recruiting for a UK&I VAT Lead
. This critical role is essential for establishing and maintaining high internal controls throughout the business to prevent statutory penalties and manage financial risk.

The UK&I VAT Lead supports the UK&I VAT Manager in delivering VAT compliance across Mars’ UK and Irish entities. The role is responsible for day-to-day execution, oversight of compliance processes, and driving continuous improvement in VAT controls, systems, and processes. You will partner closely with business units, shared service centres (including MGFS), and external stakeholders to ensure VAT obligations are met efficiently and accurately while identifying opportunities for optimisation and risk mitigation.

• VAT Compliance & Operations: Support the oversight of VAT compliance for all UK and Irish entities. Lead preparation, review, submission, and settlement of net VAT returns (c. £300m) across approximately 15 trading units. Ensure record keeping, ledgers, and documentation meet statutory and Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements.
• Business Partnering & Advisory: Act as a key point of contact for VAT queries across tax authorities, customers, and suppliers. Provide clear, practical advice on VAT treatments, communicate legislative changes, and deliver training to S&F, MGFS, and wider business associates to improve awareness and governance.
• Team Support: Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists within a team of 5.6 associates, and deputise for the VAT Manager when required.
• Process Improvement & Digitalisation: Drive digital and process efficiency improvements across VAT reporting, automated controls, and multiple ERP systems.
• Risk Management & Controls: Perform regular reviews of VAT processes and controls to identify and mitigate risk, support internal and external audits, and maintain updated technical documentation.
• Cross-Tax & Project Support: Support governance of other taxes (e.g., Plastic Packaging Tax across 4 legal entities, IR35) and contribute to ad hoc projects including system transformations and acquisitions.

• Education &
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent) and/or demonstrable relevant experience in VAT or a related field.
• Experience: Typically 6+ years of experience in financial control, governance, risk management, or broader indirect tax roles.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of UK VAT, with a proven ability to design, implement, and maintain robust control frameworks within a complex organization.
• Key
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven capability to drive continuous improvement in control environments.
• Experience working across multiple functions and regions with excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.

Proactive and adaptable mindset with the ability to quickly grasp new business models.