UK&I VAT Lead

Randstad Sourceright, a leading provider of RPO & MSP Recruitment Services, is currently recruiting for a UK&I VAT Lead. This role is essential for ensuring robust internal VAT controls across the business, mitigating substantial financial and regulatory risks, and maintaining compliance with HMRC regulations. 

Job Purpose

The UK&I VAT Lead supports the UK&I VAT Manager in delivering comprehensive VAT compliance across 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.

Responsibilities

• VAT Compliance & Operations: Support the oversight of VAT compliance for all UK and Irish entities. Lead the preparation, review, submission, and settlement of net VAT returns (c. £300m) across approximately 15 trading units. Ensure VAT record-keeping and ledgers meet statutory and Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements.

• Business Partnering & Advisory: Act as a key point of contact for VAT queries across the business, tax authorities, customers, and suppliers. Provide practical advice on VAT treatment and deliver training to S&F, MGFS, and wider business associates to improve VAT awareness.

• Process Improvement & Digitalisation: Drive digital and process efficiency improvements across VAT reporting, automation, and controls.

• Risk Management & Controls: Perform regular reviews of VAT processes to identify and mitigate risk, support internal/external audits, and maintain updated technical documentation.

• Team & Project Support: Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists, and deputise for the VAT Manager when required. Lead or contribute to ad hoc projects, including system transformations, acquisitions, Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) compliance, and IR35 governance.

About You

• Qualifications: Professional qualification (ACA/ACCA/CTA or equivalent) OR demonstrable relevant experience in VAT roles (typically 4–6+ years).

• Experience & Knowledge: Essential experience in UK VAT compliance, reporting, and tax risk management. Experience working with multiple ERP systems and handling complex corporate transactions is highly advantageous.

• Skills: * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to manage a diverse network of internal and external contacts.

  • Strong influencing skills to train associates and drive accountability.

  • A "Tech Savvy" approach with an interest in process improvement, automation, and digital reporting tools.

  • High integrity, as you will regularly handle extremely sensitive and confidential corporate information.