Interim vat manager

Job Title: Interim VAT Manager
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hybrid ( 3 days office, 2 days remote each week)
Working hours: Monday - Friday 37.5hrs
Salary: £450 per day (inside IR35)
Contract: 3 month contract
Join a Leading Consumer Business and Become the VAT Subject Matter Expert
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced VAT professional to join a large and well-established business as Interim VAT Manager , reporting directly to the Head of Tax.
This is a specialist role offering significant exposure across the organisation, where you'll take ownership of all VAT-related matters, provide expert guidance to senior stakeholders, and ensure the business remains fully compliant whilst identifying opportunities to improve processes and controls.
You'll work closely with Finance, Operations, IT, external advisors, auditors, and HMRC for a period of 3 months.
Key Responsibilities of the VAT Manager :
VAT Compliance & Reporting
Lead the preparation and review of quarterly VAT returns, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
Take ownership of VAT reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and VAT-related reporting across the business.
Manage VAT provisions, residual VAT calculations, and Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM) reporting.
Oversee Tour Operator Margin Scheme (TOMS) calculations and reporting requirements.
Ensure the correct amount of VAT is paid to or recovered from HMRC.
Technical VAT Advisory
Act as the business's VAT subject matter expert, providing guidance on complex VAT matters.
Support stakeholders across Finance and Operations with VAT advice and interpretation.
Review new business activities and projects to assess VAT implications and compliance requirements.
Maintain and develop VAT policies, procedures, and process documentation.
Controls, Governance & Process Improvement
Strengthen VAT controls and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Identify opportunities to improve VAT processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Work closely with finance and IT teams to ensure systems and processes support accurate VAT accounting.
Support the development of accounting policies and finance manuals from a VAT perspective.
Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with HMRC, external advisors, and auditors.
Act as the key contact for VAT-related audit queries and reviews.
Provide clear and meaningful VAT reporting and analysis to management teams.
Support wider tax activities across the department as required.
What we are looking for:
Professionally qualified in Tax, Accounting, or a related discipline.
Strong VAT experience gained within industry, practice, or a mixed environment.
Excellent understanding of VAT compliance, reporting, controls, and risk management.
Experience dealing with HMRC, auditors, and external advisors.
Strong technical accounting and financial reporting knowledge.
Ability to communicate complex VAT matters clearly to non-tax stakeholders.
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to take interim ownership of VAT within a large and complex organisation. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, influence business decisions, and play a key role in maintaining compliance whilst driving improvements across the wider finance function.
To be considered for this interim VAT Manager opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV.
*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.

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