VAT Manager - In-house

A leading global organisation is seeking a VAT Manager to join their Corporate Tax and VAT team based in Surrey. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to become part of a supportive, collaborative group that values knowledge sharing and responsible business practices. As VAT Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company remains compliant with all VAT obligations while working closely with various departments including Finance, Logistics, Marketing, and Legal.

• Join a highly supportive and collaborative team dedicated to maintaining compliance and responsible tax practices across the business, fostering an inclusive environment where your input is valued.
• Work cross-functionally with Finance, Logistics, Marketing, and Legal teams to ensure accurate VAT treatments and accounting for complex business transactions, enhancing your network and broadening your experience.
• Benefit from flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and continuous professional development through tailored training programmes that encourage growth leadership and knowledge sharing.

As a VAT Manager based in Surrey, you will be at the heart of the organisation's efforts to maintain robust compliance with UK and Irish VAT regulations. Your day‑to‑day activities will involve collaborating with multiple departments to provide expert guidance on complex transactions while actively managing relationships with external advisers. You will take ownership of communications with HMRC on all matters related to VAT, ensuring that queries are handled efficiently and that regular dialogue is maintained.

In addition to preparing and reviewing key VAT returns alongside the analyst, you will monitor emerging risks and opportunities within the business landscape–proposing actionable solutions that safeguard compliance. Success in this role means not only meeting regulatory requirements but also helping colleagues understand the impact of indirect tax decisions through clear communication. Your commitment to supporting others will contribute directly to a culture of shared learning and responsible practice.

• Collaborate closely with Finance, Logistics, Marketing, and Legal teams to ensure correct VAT treatments are applied to all business transactions, providing clear guidance on complex issues.
• Manage relationships with external VAT advisers by knowing when specialist advice should be sought, ensuring timely receipt of recommendations while monitoring costs against agreed budgets.
• Handle queries from HMRC regarding all VAT‑related matters by proactively managing ongoing discussions and maintaining regular communications to support compliance.
• Provide technical support to the VAT analyst as well as other colleagues across the business who require assistance with VAT matters.
• Monitor and identify potential VAT opportunities and risks for the organisation, proposing practical solutions and delivering them within suitable time frames.
• Prepare and review UK and Irish VAT returns for relevant registrations with the support of the VAT analyst, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in submissions.
• Support teams throughout the business by explaining VAT implications to non‑tax specialists in an accessible manner that encourages understanding.
• Ensure all aspects of VAT compliance obligations are managed effectively for the organisation, reducing risk through diligent oversight.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement or changes that can reduce overall VAT risk across the business.
• Contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing by supporting colleagues' development in indirect tax matters.

Your proven experience as a VAT Manager or similar role will enable you to excel in this position. You bring deep expertise in indirect tax management – particularly relating to cross‑border supplies – and possess recognised qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CTA. Your sound understanding of UK VAT legislation ensures you can navigate complex compliance issues confidently while supporting others throughout the organisation.

Beyond technical proficiency, your interpersonal skills allow you to communicate…