VAT Compliance Specialist

What You’ll Be Doing

· Take ownership of a complex portfolio of international VAT compliance clients, acting as the primary senior contact.

· Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships, demonstrating a deep understanding of clients’ business models and VAT risk areas.

· Provide proactive VAT compliance guidance to clients, including advising on technical or operational issues impacting filings.

· Liaise directly with overseas agents and tax authorities, managing queries, audits, and escalations as required.

· Review and sign off VAT workings and returns prepared by other team members, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with local legislation.

· Analyse financial data, invoices, and import/export documentation to identify risks, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.

· Calculate VAT liabilities and refunds for complex filing periods and clearly communicate outcomes to clients.

· Ensure all filings are submitted accurately and on time in line with statutory deadlines and contractual obligations.

· Keep abreast of international VAT developments and assess their impact on client portfolios and team processes.

· Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior and mid‑level team members.

· Review work performed by others, providing constructive feedback to support development and maintain quality standards.

· Act as a point of escalation for technical or operational issues within the team.

· Monitor deadlines, scope, and workflow using internal trackers, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date reporting for management.

· Contribute to process improvements, standardisation initiatives, and internal projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality.

· Support Client Managers and senior leadership with ad‑hoc projects, complex client matters, and strategic initiatives.

· Draft high‑quality client communications, including technical explanations and responses to complex queries.

What We’re Looking For

· Significant experience in a client‑facing VAT compliance role.

· Strong experience of international VAT compliance (UK and EU essential; wider jurisdictions advantageous).

· Proven ability to manage complex client portfolios and competing deadlines.

· Strong technical VAT knowledge with the ability to apply legislation pragmatically.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence dealing with senior client stakeholders and tax authorities.

· Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and professional judgement.

· Experience reviewing work prepared by others and supporting team development.

· Competent use of the MS Office suite, with intermediate skills in Excel, Word and Outlook.

· Proficiency in a second European language (desirable).

What You’ll Bring

· Strong team player who is organised, flexible and able to work well under pressure.

· Acts as a role model within the team, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgement.

· Highly organised, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure.

· Approachable and collaborative, fostering trust with clients and colleagues.

· Proactive and self‑motivated, with the confidence to take ownership and use initiative.

· Adaptable, with the ability to understand and respond to a range of client needs and cultural perspectives.

· Committed to continuous learning and actively contributes to a culture of knowledge sharing, openness, and constructive feedback.