Interim VAT Compliance Specialist, London

* Undertake all aspects of Indirect Tax compliance for specific European VAT registrations and VAT Groups within a larger European based indirect tax compliance team.
* Ensure the provision of accurate and compliant VAT reporting services to the group and external authorities on behalf of the relevant legal entities
* Routinely ensure that VAT compliance and underlying accounting records are in alignment through monthly Balance Sheet reconciliations.
* Preparation and Review of draft Indirect Tax and statistical returns on behalf ofelevant entities including

* Sales, purchase and miscellaneous transaction review including invoice sampling;
* Resolution of exception items;
* Correction of errors found, including any consequent GL postings;
* Trend analysis;
* Clear and complete documentation of the above
* Preparation and processing of tax payments

* Co-ordination of indirect tax audits, liaising with the market and Global Tax to provide support in responding to queries and resolving tax disputes.
* Ensuring Market specific document retention requirements relating to indirect taxes are met;
* Manage escalations from customers, stakeholders and external authorities
* Other support and analysis activities as required to support the needs of Global Tax and/or the Market Finance Partners
* Monitor service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure performance targets related to the process are adhered to in the BSC team
* Work closely with the risk management function to ensure services provided are complaint and risks are managed

To continually review processes and seek to communicate and implement changes to improve efficiency, particularly given the scale of the work being taken on and the fact that much of the business contact will be with individuals not based in the UK. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all work undertaken ensuring the SOPs are kept up to date and applied consistently. Assist in the development and deployment of specific indirect tax reporting software and processes as required

* Qualified or Part Qualified (CTA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or overseas equivalents;
* At least 5 years experience within Indirect Taxes.
* An understanding of the wider principles of financial reporting with specific knowledge of Indirect Taxes would be considered essential;
* Good spoken & written English

Attributes and Experience:

* Detailed understanding of European Indirect Tax legislation preferably with specific multi jurisdiction (e.g. Spain, Poland, Italy, France, Germany) experience.
* Experience of Indirect Tax Processes within an ERP environment - SAP/JDE experience is essential.
* Strong familiarity with cross border movements of goods from an indirect tax perspective.
* Strong basic book keeping & analytical skills within the context of Indirect Tax.
* English Language skills, additional European languages would be advantageous.
* Ability to work independently, is proactive and can work well as part of a team and show initiative
* Financial modelling skills/high level of competence using Excel
* Numeracy, accuracy, attention to detail