Senior VAT Manager

This role requires the provision of advice, value capture, risk management, compliance and operational support to the business on a broad range of VAT matters.
Core to the role will be effective review and strategic evaluation and clear communication of VAT issues; autonomous oversight of our outsourced compliance obligations and assessing opportunities to simplify or enhance processes and controls.
The Senior VAT Manager will play a key strategic role in shaping the VAT strategy for the region, proactively identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
This role will report to the Head of European Tax.

Key Responsibilities

·         Lead stakeholder management for VAT matters, acting as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, finance, legal, and external advisors.

·         Develop and maintain strong relationships with key business partners to ensure VAT considerations are integrated into strategic decision-making and business planning.

·         Represent the VAT function in cross-functional projects, providing strategic input and ensuring VAT risks and opportunities are appropriately managed.

·         Oversee the VAT compliance obligations of the group’s European entities.

·         Ensuring internal and external processes support robust VAT compliance, accounting and reporting, including providing guidance and training to facilitate broader business understanding of the VAT.

·         Implementation of process improvements and identification of VAT recovery opportunities.

·         Providing support to European and US operations and back office teams, explaining the effect of VAT on operations, client pricing and financial performance.

·         Analysing and effectively communicating impact of changes in VAT legislation or perceived VAT risks and managing operational initiatives required to respond to these.

·         Supporting business initiatives, including advice on optimal VAT approach and potential impact.

·         Provide support across a broad range of tax-related projects and initiatives, contributing expertise and resource flexibility as needed to meet evolving business priorities.

Experience:

·         Undergraduate degree preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience.

·         Professional qualifications preferred (e.g. CTA, ACA, ACCA).

·         Strong post-qualification VAT experience gained either in practice or in a previous industry role, ideally at manager level or above.

·         Experience of Oracle accounting system or equivalent.

·         Strong in spreadsheet and word processing software (Microsoft Office) and ability to become proficient in other software tools (e.g. Power BI, Oracle Analytics, service provider tax tools).

·         Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

·         Excellent analytical, communication and leadership skills.

·         Demonstrated experience in developing and executing VAT strategy and managing complex stakeholder relationships at a senior level.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.