VAT Accountant

VAT Accountant Duration: 12 months contract Location: Chester (hybrid working) Pay: £23.46/hour This role sits within the Tax COE Europe team. The 2 main aspects of the role are: • To take responsibility for and to manage VAT reporting compliance requirements for a group of markets within Europe region and other international markets, as required, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met. • To provide advice on VAT compliance related queries, coordinating with external and internal stakeholders where necessary. • In addition, the person is expected to maintain a constant awareness of local VAT legislation and act as a real internal consultant to satisfy stakeholder expectations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Preparation of monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annual VAT returns and other indirect tax returns (sales listings, domestic listings, purchase listings, Intrastat, SAF-T) using Excel and/or indirect tax return preparation tool technology • Preparing and requesting necessary VAT submission approvals from internal stakeholders and following up on VAT payment requests and archiving documentation after submissions are completed • Preparation of VAT General Ledger reconciliation and follow up on issues and open items • Reconciliation of GL sales to reported VAT sales and follow up on issues and open items • Manage and assist with VAT compliance queries from the business as necessary • Support preparing VAT requirements documents and other documents as needed • Support Tax Technology team to test and implement requirements on a timely basis, as necessary • Continuous monitor of VAT legislation to identify relevant changes • Assistance in maintenance of VAT codes tables and VAT codes in accounting system • Assistance with VAT audits and liaison with tax authorities as necessary • Support strategy of standardisation and automation, continuous improvement and risk management KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Education/Experience • 2+ years’ experience of VAT compliance in at least one jurisdiction in a multi-national tax environment or equivalent. • Experience with SAP or Oracle is advantageous. • Excellent Excel skills. • Fluency in English Functional/Technical • Ability to successfully manage competing priorities. • Ability to work with a range of technically and culturally diverse people. • Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience, at multiple levels within the company. • Autonomous working. • Ability to establish formal relationships with internal customers. • Demonstrates a team orientated approach. • Strong written and verbal communication to facilitate relationships with peers and senior management. • Ability to assess and resolve problems. • Strong analytical skills.