VAT Manager

Unite Foundation; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accommodation provider in the UK is seeking a VAT Manager to oversee VAT compliance and manage risks. This role involves supporting the Head of Tax with projects related to property transactions and ensuring VAT is effectively integrated into financial systems. The ideal candidate will be CTA qualified or have substantial VAT experience, possessing strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment. A range of benefits is included alongside competitive remuneration.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

25 days paid holiday plus additional days

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• CTA qualified or significant experience in VAT, preferably in the property sector.
• Experience managing VAT affairs for large groups.
• Strong ability to adapt to change and work in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Tax Compliance Manager's activities for VAT.
• Manage the group’s VAT risk and ensure compliance.
• Support the Head of Tax on various transactions.

Skills

VAT expertise

Organizational skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

CTA qualification or equivalent VAT experience

Job description

Unite Students are looking for an experienced VAT Manager to join our wider Finance team in Bristol for an exciting permanent opportunity.

The VAT Manager is responsible for supporting the business with its VAT affairs, managing the Group`s VAT risk, and identifying opportunities for improving the Group`s processes and controls relating to VAT. The role is also responsible for reviewing the VAT compliance for the business and its joint ventures.

In addition, the VAT Manager will provide support to the Head of Tax in relation to projects including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, and identifying the VAT impact of new lines of business.

The role will also include assisting the Head of Tax with monitoring compliance with the Senior Accounting Officer legislation and other tax governance projects.

The role is suitable for a CTA qualified individual looking to make their first move into industry, or an experienced professional looking to develop and shape a compliance focussed role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee the work of the Tax Compliance Manager with respect to VAT, including review of VAT returns prior to submission to HMRC and review of the monthly VAT cashflow
• Support the wider business with commercial agreements such as nominations, leases and procurement
• Manage the group`s exposure to VAT on non-core business activities
• Ensure VAT is embedded into the business` financial systems, including working with the wider finance team to target continuous improvement and further automation
• Assist the Head of Tax on transactions including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, and restructuring
• Identify and undertake VAT technical analysis where required including working with external advisers where appropriate
• Maintain documentation of complex VAT positions to support tax filings and ensure implementation of positions adopted
• Identify opportunities to respond to relevant HMRC consultations and drafting of responses
• Manage HMRC enquiries into submitted VAT returns
• Document, manage and evidence key VAT controls in support of the group`s Senior Accounting Officer requirements, and support the Head of Tax in monitoring compliance with SAO
• Provide VAT information to the business as required

What We’re Looking for in You

• CTA qualified or evidence of experience working in VAT, ideally in the property sector
• Experience of working with the VAT affairs of large groups (e.g. multiple VAT groups, partial exemption special methods, CGS/RRP records)
• Good organisational, time management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to design and implement comprehensive processes and manage projects end-to-end
• Inquisitive and a motivated self-starter, happy to take the initiative
• A positive and collegiate attitude with the ability to adapt swiftly to challenges and change
• Evidence of working in a fast paced, high change environment and able to manage multiple demands effectively
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly MS Word and Excel

What You’ll Get in Return

• A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company`s success
• 25 days` paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service
• A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save
• Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends
• Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!

About Unite Students

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is a FTSE 100business and the UK`s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 25 leading university towns and cities, with 74,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.

Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn`t just what we do but who we are.

People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.

Room for Everyone

We`re proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we`re passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with a passion for creating room for everyone, doing what`s right, keeping US safe, and raising the bar. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.