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:

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• VAT Compliance & Operations: Lead the preparation, review, submission, and settlement of net VAT returns (c. £300m), ensuring ledger accuracy and documentation meet statutory requirements.
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• 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.
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• Risk Management & Controls: Monitor VAT accounting to ensure compliance with Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements, perform regular control reviews, and support internal/external audits.
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• Process Improvement & Digitalisation: Drive digital efficiencies, process automation, and system transformations across VAT reporting and controls.
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• 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.
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• Team Leadership: Provide day-to-day support and guidance to VAT specialists, deputising for the VAT Manager when required.
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This role could be right for you if you have:

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• Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience in VAT reporting/broader VAT roles (typically 4-6+ years).
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• Technical Experience: Essential experience in UK VAT compliance across complex business units and multi-ERP system environments.
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• Control Frameworks: Strong understanding of Tax Risk Management, Internal Controls Frameworks, and SAO compliance.
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• Systems & Automation: Strong tech-savvy mindset with a track record of driving process improvement and automation in reporting.
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• Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills to train associates and build networks across cross-functional teams.
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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