Rutherford Cross is looking to recruit an European VAT Controller for an international corporation specialising in a variety of pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services for the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology industries.

The Controller will provide VAT expertise to the European region and act as a central point of contact for advisors and the wider business. The role holder will be expected to proactively seek opportunities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our VAT processes and will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders on appropriate enterprise initiatives.

The European VAT Controller role will supplement the global tax engine tool which controls transaction data accuracy and will be responsible for the accuracy of European sites’ VAT returns and compliance with relevant European VAT legislation.

Main Tasks

• Responsible for preparing, reviewing and/or arranging for the timely submission of all VAT returns together with other VAT compliance related matters (e.g. Intrastats, EC Sales Lists) for the European entities of the group
• Prepare and/or review monthly VAT Balance Sheet reconciliations for VAT liability accounts
• Deal with refund claims under EC 8th and 13th Directives as appropriate
• Review VAT transactions for accuracy. Collaborate with the business and accounts payable group as to the proper VAT accounting on purchases. Pursue a data quality culture of right source and minimal corrections
• Manage the process for European compliance activities including Group registrations, exemptions and compliance with all European VAT laws and regulations and minimise group risk and exposure
• Manage the relationships with external VAT advisors, any third party providers and regulatory authorities
• Assist in ensuring VAT efficiency of supply chain
• Assist in evaluating and in the implementation VAT processes for existing and new business lines
• Actively participate in project to transition entities and countries into the European Finance SSC
• Assist in managing international tax authorities enquiries and VAT related controversy and draft responses
• Conduct ad hoc VAT planning and project work
• Support the business on an ongoing basis with delivery of VAT advice in meetings and during conference calls
• Appropriately prepare and/or analyse processes and documentation required for relief and recovery of VAT. Conduct risk assessments of VAT processes to identify areas where controls should be enhanced to improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance
• Manage VAT inspections and audits, including gathering information, responding to information requests, negotiating with tax authorities and managing disputes and appeals
• Form strong relationships with key counterparts in European and North American SSCs in order to leverage knowledge and opportunities
• Develop and manage global tax engine to ensure VAT issues are kept up to date
• Participate in SAP design, maintenance, and implementation as related to VAT matters
• Maintain technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical publications and keeping up to date on current developments
• Provide training on VAT to finance and non-finance staff as appropriate

Qualification & Skills:

• CTA or ATT qualified
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of VAT and regulatory compliance processes in multiple European countries and with cross-border transactions. Understand common principles of European VAT and be able to effectively apply them in practice
• More than five years post qualifying experience. Ideally with a minimum of 5 years of European VAT consulting and compliance experience (Big 4 experience is a plus) or equivalent experience in business
• Exposure to Lean/Six Sigma or similar process improvement principles
• A change agent with an ability to influence. Keen desire to be involved in new activities and to improve existing processes and tools
• A change agent with an ability to influence. Keen desire to be involved in new activities and to improve existing processes and tools
• Proactive self-starter with proven ability to problem solve complex issues.
• Presence of character to command respect and build productive working relationships at all levels
• Strong project management discipline with proven capability and experience of financial systems implementation and business partnering at a detailed level.
• Understanding internal control processes (SOX) in a large corporate environment
• Good understanding of VAT within ERP systems, specifically SAP
• Appreciation of complex (non-integrated) business system interactions, and control issues arising