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The Scottish Government provided pay range
This range is provided by The Scottish Government. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Do you have strong technical knowledge of VAT and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and are able to support effective VAT compliance, reporting and advice?
One of five divisions in Financial Management Directorate, Financial Operations delivers the crucial financial services that are relied on across the Scottish Government (SG), public services, and the wider economy every day. The VAT and CIS Branch is one of three branches within the Division. Led by the Head of VAT and CIS (this post), it comprises two areas: Operations, with an Operations Manager and a Business Administrator, and Compliance, with a Compliance Manager and an Assistant VAT Compliance Manager. This is a demand lead Branch dealing with 600 enquiries annually from various business areas and public sector bodies as well as HMRC themselves.
As a Head of VAT and CIS, you will be responsible for ensuring VAT compliance and assurance across the SG and other bodies within the Scottish Administration, and for providing professional guidance to support this across the wider Scottish public sector. You will oversee four quarterly VAT returns annually – typically recovering over £180 million - and authorise monthly CIS returns. You will be a member of the business area’s senior management team, supporting the Deputy Head of Division and Deputy Director. The role may involve occasional business travel.
* Provide assurance to the CFO and DD in respect of VAT compliance.
* Oversee the preparation of the Scottish Administration statutory return on a quarterly basis.
* Co-ordinate the Scottish Government's response to VAT compliance checks ensuring that all enquiries are registered and that key milestones are met.
* Provide professional advice on HMRC rulings in respect of the Scottish Administration.
* Advise on VAT enquiries and compliance in respect of the wider Scottish public sector bodies.
* Advise Senior Managers and Accountable Officers in Scottish Public Sector bodies on VAT related issues, and where required liaise with their respective tax advisers and HMRC.
* Provide professional VAT and Construction Industry Tax advice to the SG stakeholders and Ministers.
* Manage the Scottish Administration working relationship with HM Revenue and Customs.
* Promote good practice across the SG and, the wider Scottish Public Sector via holding VAT training events and issuing VAT guidance updates, including VAT TV.
* To promote within the SG an improvement agenda with regards VAT and the setup of processes and procedures within accounting system.
* Provide effective leadership and support to the team, including direct line management of VAT team staff members.
Qualifications
You must be fully CCAB or CIMA qualified with up-to-date CPD and relevant post qualified experience managing VAT compliance.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills
* Application of Tax Legislation - Expert.
* Management of Tax Compliance and Risk - Expert.
You can find out more about the Government Finance Function Career Framework, here
Experience
Experience of managing a VAT function, ideally within the public sector, providing expert advice on VAT and tax matters and liaising with tax authorities (e.g. HMRC).
Behaviours
* Seeing the big picture - Level 4.
* Leadership - Level 4.
* Managing a quality service - Level 4.
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 June 2025, however this may be subject to change.
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply before: 15 June 2025 (23:59)
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Accounting/Auditing and Finance
* Industries
Government Administration
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