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twentyAI is supporting a leading international financial services group with the appointment of a VAT Director, based in London.

This is a senior specialist role within a complex, multi-jurisdictional organisation operating across the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg and wider EMEA. The role will sit within the Group Finance function and plays a critical role in shaping VAT policy, governance and compliance across the region.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, the EU VAT Director will have end-to-end responsibility for VAT across the EMEA region. The role will lead VAT policy and procedural design, embed VAT considerations into business processes, and partner closely with local finance teams responsible for legal entity accounting across multiple jurisdictions.

Success in the role will require strong technical VAT expertise combined with the ability to influence, educate and collaborate across a geographically dispersed finance organisation.

Key Responsibilities

VAT Compliance & Reporting

• Manage and prepare UK and Ireland VAT returns and supporting documentation accurately and on time
• Coordinate and review VAT returns for Luxembourg
• Oversee all VAT-related filings and regular reporting with HMRC and Irish Revenue, including VIES and annual returns
• Manage VAT audit requests from tax authorities across the UK, Ireland and Luxembourg

Policy, Governance & Process Improvement

• Own and drive VAT policies and procedures across the UK, Ireland and Luxembourg
• Review and improve VAT processes relating to invoicing, supplier procurement, expenses, intercompany charges and commission calculations
• Review VAT recovery rates and methodologies, identifying gaps and implementing improvements
• Monitor legislative developments to ensure ongoing compliance across all jurisdictions
• Manage VAT group structures in the UK and Ireland, identifying inefficiencies and optimisation opportunities
• Assess intercompany recharges and transfer pricing from a VAT perspective
• Develop frameworks for internal and external contracting to minimise VAT leakage across jurisdictions
• Partner with outsourcing and procurement teams to ensure VAT is appropriately addressed in all new and existing arrangements
• Support business leaders on commercial and client-facing VAT matters

Systems, Controls & Training

• Work with Group Finance to maintain optimal VAT configuration within accounting systems
• Act as principal VAT adviser for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams, covering tax coding, rate changes, place of supply and reverse charge
• Design and deliver VAT training workshops to finance teams
• Support internal compliance monitoring and internal audit reviews of VAT processes

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with tax authorities and external advisers
• Coordinate external advisers on VAT claims, audits and technical queries
• Collaborate effectively across finance teams and wider business functions
• Mentor and develop junior members of the finance team as required

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in a VAT-focused role within industry or professional practice
• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional VAT within a complex organisation
• Professional tax qualification and degree-level education
• Excellent technical knowledge of VAT legislation and VAT accounting
• Strong understanding of finance and accounting systems (e.g. Sage Intacct or similar)
• Highly organised, adaptable and detail-oriented
• Collaborative, credible and confident working across senior stakeholders
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement

Additional Information

This is a London-based role with strong interaction across European finance teams. The responsibilities outlined above are indicative and may evolve as the business continues to grow and develop.

Please reach out for more information - hannah.alderson@twentyai.com

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