Customs and Indirect Tax Compliance Manager

Job Description

Step into a pivotal role at Leonardo as a Customs and Indirect Tax Compliance Manager ensuring full tax compliance with customs regulations and VAT Legislation across all business activities. Reporting into the Senior Tax Manager you will be an integral part of the tax team and will be required to work closely with all divisions and other functions including trade compliance.

Supervise monthly reconciliations on Postponed VAT Accounting reports and Deferment accounts following up all incorrect entries ensuring amendments done within allowable time limits.

Support the review of customs documentation for import and export transactions ensuring correct customs regimes processes (Customs Warehouse, Inward PR, OPR, Temporary Import) have been followed with all incorrect entries being investigated and resolved.

Support the review classification of goods (tariff commodity codes) for accuracy and valuation for customs purposes.

Review how duty reliefs, customs warehousing, and other special procedures are managed where applicable.

Support the review of the coordination with logistics and freight partners to ensure timely and compliant border clearance.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of customs regulations, incoterms, and trade agreements.

Identify opportunities to increase automation and process improvement initiatives in tax reporting.

Support the Trade Compliance team wherever necessary and attend daily/weekly calls.

Responsibility for the preparation, review, and submission of UK and International VAT returns in accordance with statutory deadlines ensuring payments made on timely basis.

Supervise the reconciliations of VAT control accounts and ensure all entries are correctly posted.

Ensure detailed VAT records are maintained and documentation to support audits and inspections.

Advise on VAT treatment of complex transactions, including cross-border supplies, imports, and exports.

Monitor changes in VAT legislation and implement necessary process or system updates.

Support preparation of VAT audits and liaise with tax authorities as needed.

Provide VAT and customs awareness training to other functions - Accounts payable, Trade Compliance, outsourced service providers.

Provide VAT and customs guidance to internal teams (procurement, sales, logistics).

Support cross-functional projects involving supply chain changes, system implementations, or new market entries.

Assist with indirect tax risk assessments and internal controls reviews.

Prepare reports and analyses to support management decision-making.

Assistance with VAT Law 262 audits, internal and external audits.

Minimising exposure to penalties or additional tax arising from late lodgement of returns, taxation audits or mis-declaration penalties.

Support with correspondence and meetings as appropriate with the relevant tax authorities and seeking to maintain a good working relationship.

Support with liaison and participation with other departments to discuss relevant technical matters.

Assist in increasing the profile of the Tax Team to improve the business's understanding of tax matters.

Keep up to date on new VAT legislation, regulations and consultative papers.

Support the tax team as necessary with any ad hoc tasks.

Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CTA, or equivalent experience).

Proven experience in VAT accounting and/or customs compliance.

Strong knowledge of UK and EU VAT legislation and customs procedures.

Excellent analytical and numerical skills with high attention to detail.

Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

High integrity and commitment to compliance.

Proficient in SAP and Excel and other Microsoft applications.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience with international trade and multi-jurisdictional VAT reporting.

Experience liaising with HMRC or other tax authorities.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing…