VAT Manager
About the Role
We are working with a fast paced Hospitality business, who are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Indirect Tax Manager to take ownership of their organisation’s indirect tax obligations. This is a key role within the Finance function, ensuring compliance with VAT, customs duties, and other indirect taxes across UK and international operations. You will act as the internal subject matter expert, providing strategic advice and partnering with the wider business on all indirect tax matters.
Key Responsibilities
VAT Compliance & Reporting
*Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of UK and EU VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
*Manage VAT reconciliations, control accounts, and maintain audit-ready records
*Monitor legislative changes and ensure the business remains fully compliant
*Act as the primary point of contact for HMRC correspondence and enquiries
Indirect Tax Advisory
*Provide proactive indirect tax advice on new business initiatives, contracts, and transactions
*Support VAT structuring on property transactions, cross-border supplies, and complex arrangements
*Identify and manage indirect tax risks, implementing appropriate controls
*Advise on partial exemption, capital goods scheme, and business/non-business apportionments where applicable
Customs & Duties
*Manage customs duty compliance including import/export declarations and duty relief schemes
*Oversee post-Brexit customs compliance including Rules of Origin and tariff classification
*Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and HMRC Border Force as required
*Manage all excise-related accounting, reporting and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to relevant HMRC regulations and internal controls.
*Support the preparation and submission of excise duty returns, reconciliations and audits, while partnering with operational teams to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of excise-liable products.
Process & Systems
*Drive continuous improvement in indirect tax processes, controls, and technology
*Work with ERP and finance systems teams to ensure VAT coding and reporting is fit for purpose
*Develop and maintain tax process documentation and standard operating procedures
Stakeholder Management
*Manage and develop junior members of the tax team
*Build effective relationships across Finance, Legal, Procurement, and the wider business
*Engage with external advisors, auditors, and HMRC as required
Person Specification
Essential
*Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and/or CTA qualified with an indirect tax specialism
*Significant experience in an indirect tax role, in-house or at a Big 4 / top-tier advisory firm
*Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation, case law, and HMRC guidance
*Proven experience managing VAT compliance across multiple entities or jurisdictions
*Excellent analytical skills with high attention to detail
*Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex tax issues to non-specialists
Desirable
*Experience with customs and duties, including post-Brexit trade compliance
*Knowledge of EU VAT and international indirect tax regimes
*Experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems
*Prior experience in a fast-paced commercial or multinational environment