This range is provided by Harbourne Associates. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Direct message the job poster from Harbourne Associates Recruitment Director, Executive Recruiter EMEA at Harbourne Associates Job Title: VAT Manager – Europe Company: Leading Global Fashion & Clothing Business Location: London (Hybrid)Type: Full Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP, subject to notice period Salary: Up to £90,000, depending on experience, plus a competitive bonus scheme and benefits About Us We are a global fashion and clothing business, supplying online retailers, high street retailers, marketplaces, and distributors with premium and lifestyle brands. As we continue to scale, we’re looking for a VAT Manager to take ownership of indirect tax compliance and strategy across our European operations. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-growth business where you can drive real impact. Role Overview This is a standalone leadership role responsible for all VAT and indirect tax matters across multiple markets. You’ll be the go-to expert for stakeholders across finance, operations, and commercial teams, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities for efficiency and optimization. The role requires a mix of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and problem-solving to support the business in a constantly evolving tax landscape. Key Responsibilities: Indirect Tax Compliance: Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of VAT returns and other indirect tax filings across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring full compliance with UK and European regulations. Advisory & Strategy: Provide expert guidance on VAT matters, advising on transactions, business structures, and tax planning opportunities. Tax Risk Management: Monitor regulatory changes, assess potential risks, and ensure the business remains compliant with evolving VAT legislation. Process Improvement: Identify and implement efficiencies in tax reporting and compliance processes, leveraging technology where appropriate. Financial Accuracy: Ensure VAT-related entries in financial statements are accurate and compliant with accounting standards. HMRC & External Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for HMRC and external advisors, managing audits, queries, and negotiations effectively. Collaboration: Work closely with finance, operations, and external tax partners to align VAT strategy with wider business goals. ERP & Systems Oversight: Ensure VAT setup within the ERP system is correct and maintained for accuracy. Support Other Tax Areas: Assist in areas such as corporate tax, employment taxes, and capital allowances where needed. Our Ideal Candidate: CTA, ACA, or ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with significant hands-on experience in VAT and indirect tax compliance. Background in HMRC, practice, or in-house VAT management within a product-based environment (not service-based) is essential. Experience in fashion, retail, or consumer goods is highly desirable. Strong understanding of UK and European VAT regulations with a proactive approach to managing tax risks. Ability to work independently in a standalone leadership role while collaborating effectively with wider teams. Commercial mindset – able to translate tax complexities into practical business solutions. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment with multiple stakeholders. Strong systems knowledge, including ERP platforms (SAP preferred) and Excel. If you’re looking for an opportunity to take full ownership of VAT strategy in a growing, dynamic fashion and clothing business, we’d love to hear from you!To apply, please submit your CV or contact me directly at tom.richards@harbourneassociates.com. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Finance, Accounting/Auditing, and Strategy/Planning Industries Retail, Consumer Services, and Retail Health and Personal Care Products
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