European VAT Controller, Edinburgh

Rutherford Cross is looking to recruit a European VAT Controller for an international corporation specialising in a variety of pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services for the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology industries. The Controller will provide VAT expertise to the European region and act as a central point of contact for advisors and the wider business. The role holder will be expected to proactively seek opportunities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our VAT processes and will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders on appropriate enterprise initiatives.

The European VAT Controller role will supplement the global tax engine tool which controls transaction data accuracy and will be responsible for the accuracy of European sites’ VAT returns and compliance with relevant European VAT legislation.

Main Responsibilities:
• Responsible for preparing, reviewing and/or arranging for the timely submission of all VAT returns together with other VAT compliance related matters (e.g. Intrastats, EC Sales Lists) for the European entities of the group
• Prepare and/or review monthly VAT Balance Sheet reconciliations for VAT liability accounts
• Deal with refund claims under EC 8th and 13th Directives as appropriate
• Manage the process for European compliance activities including Group registrations, exemptions and compliance with all European VAT laws and regulations and minimise group risk and exposure
• Manage all relationships with external VAT advisors and regulatory authorities
• Assist in evaluating and in the implementation VAT processes for existing and new business lines
• Actively participate in project to transition entities and countries into the European Finance SSC
• Assist in managing international tax authorities enquiries and VAT related controversy and draft responses
• Conduct ad hoc VAT planning and project work
• Appropriately prepare and/or analyse processes and documentation required for relief and recovery of VAT. Conduct risk assessments of VAT processes to identify areas where controls should be enhanced to improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance
• Manage VAT inspections and audits, including gathering information, responding to information requests, negotiating with tax authorities and managing disputes and appeals
• Develop and manage global tax engine to ensure VAT issues are kept up to date
• Participate in SAP design, maintenance, and implementation as related to VAT matters
• Provide training on VAT to finance and non-finance staff as appropriate

Required Experience/Skills:
• CTA or ATT - 5 years post qualifying experience of European VAT consulting/compliance experience
• Strong understanding of VAT and regulatory compliance processes in multiple European countries and with cross-border transactions
• Exposure to Lean/Six Sigma or similar process improvement principles
• Proactive self-starter with proven ability to problem solve complex issues. Occupies the ability to influence
• Presence of character to command respect and build productive working relationships at all levels
• Strong project management discipline with proven capability of financial systems implementation and business partnering
• Understanding internal control processes (SOX) in a large corporate environment
• Appreciation of complex (non-integrated) business system interactions, and control issues arising