Senior VAT Specialist

Job Purpose

The Senior VAT Specialist is responsible for the accurate, efficient and timely execution of multi-country VAT and Intrastat compliance, driving continuous process improvements, and providing practical VAT guidance to the business across Europe. The role combines end-to-end compliance ownership with hands-on advisory on business flows, systems and controls, to ensure high-quality service, effective risk management and readiness for new regulations (e.g., EU ViDA and e-invoicing).

Responsibilities:

• Prepare, review and file periodic VAT returns, EC Sales/Purchase Lists and Intrastat for multiple European registrations, including reconciliations to GL and sub-ledgers.
• Monitor VAT balances, ensure timely payments/refunds, and manage correspondence with tax authorities and fiscal representatives.
• Perform quality checks on VAT data (e.g., master data, tax codes, condition records) and resolve underlying issues with various departments.
• Advise on VAT treatment of cross-border transactions (e.g., triangulations, chain transactions, consignment/call-off stock, own goods movements, imports/exports).
• Support and/or lead VAT audits and provide robust audit trails and documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation and automation of VAT and Intrastat processes; contribute to KPI dashboards and internal controls (incl. J-SOX).
• Support implementation/readiness for EU e-invoicing and Digital Reporting Requirements (ViDA) and local mandates; coordinate updates with internal stakeholders and external advisors.
• Provide practical VAT training and guidance to Finance, AP/AR, Supply Chain and Commercial teams; create/maintain clear procedures and work instructions.
• Contribute to projects (regional/global) impacting VAT determination, compliance and reporting; act as subject matter expert for assigned countries/processes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time and accurate filings across all jurisdictions; zero missed deadlines.
• Quality of reconciliations and effectiveness of VAT controls (incl. 4-eye review).
• Audit outcomes (queries resolved, assessments avoided/mitigated).
• Process efficiency and automation (cycle time, touch time, standard work adoption).
• Stakeholder satisfaction (Finance/Business) and issue resolution SLAs.
• Readiness and successful adoption of e-invoicing/ViDA and new regulatory changes.

 

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education, Master, other certification:

• University degree in Tax, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Law
• Professional certification such as Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) is an advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on European VAT experience in a multinational, shared services, or CoE environment
• Experience in preparation and review of VAT and Intrastat filings for multiple European countries

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of EU VAT regulations including place of supply, triangulations, and interaction with customs
• Solid SAP experience in FI, MM, and SD modules and strong MS Excel skills
• Exposure to e‑invoicing and digital reporting mandates such as KSeF or Peppol and awareness of the EU ViDA roadmap

Languages Skills:

• Fluent English
• Additional EU language is an advantage

Soft/Behavioral Skills:

• Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail and ownership
• Ability to translate complex VAT regulations into practical business guidance
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Structured problem‑solving approach and continuous improvement orientation
• Ability to work under time pressure and manage multiple deadlines across countries