VAT Manager, Europe

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our 300 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ 11,000 people and operate in more than 55 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world’s biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact. 
What does that mean for you? You’ll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner. You’ll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability. You’ll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals. And you can maximize your work-life balance and flexibility through our Hybrid Work Model.

Job Description

An exciting position in the European Tax team has opened for a VAT Manager, supporting UK/Ireland and Europe. You will be a key colleague of the European Tax team closely collaborating with the European Indirect Tax Compliance Team across a broad range of indirect tax compliance and advisory matters. You will report to the Indirect Tax Director, Europe.

Major / Key Accountabilities

Tax Compliance Assurance

• Co-work with Controllership function to ensure:
• Indirect tax requirements for existing and new jurisdictions are properly captured and adhered to, especially considering the evolving requirements in European Continuous Transactions Controls (CTCs) and resulting impact to Brambles’ VAT compliance.
• VAT filing and refund claims process in Europe are robustly maintained.
• Timely execution of VAT admin including set-up of new VAT registration.
• Continually monitor developments with respect to indirect tax rules and overseeing any required changes to CHEP’s VAT processes and systems to maintain compliance.
• Review and test Brambles Europe VAT control environment as part of a process of continuous improvement; contribute to indirect tax control framework set-up and execution.

Indirect Tax Process Improvements

• Oversee the planning and futureproofing of VAT processes & software system – liaise with Controllership to transform compliance requirement into update & optimisation of VAT processes and system set-up, liaising with IT and Controllership re. timely resolution of issues.
• Proactively evaluate opportunities for artificial intelligence (“AI”) and automation in VAT processes; support analysis and deployment of related process / system improvements.

Management of Process Documentation

• Ensure Key Indirect Tax Processes are appropriately documented e.g. oversee creation & update of Indirect Tax Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

Special Project Support

• Provide VAT technical analysis and support as required to ongoing / new tax projects

VAT Audit Support

• Work with Indirect Tax Director Europe and the Controllership Team as necessary to manage / resolve tax enquiries, audits, and other exposures.

Business Support

Work with the Indirect Tax Director, Europe to:

• Provide VAT compliance expertise across all Brambles Europe entities, including business support & advice on all indirect tax issues;
• undertake tax reviews and research of compliance requirements for optimal indirect tax structuring
• ensure a "proactive" approach is taken to VAT training and rules maintenance so the business is kept up to date with changes that impact them

Qualifications

• University Graduate Degree
• Recognised Tax/Accountancy qualification

Experience and Skills

• 5+ years demonstrated experience in Indirect tax role, ideally with managing internal indirect tax affairs of multiple European jurisdictions.
• Experience gained in Big 4/Tier A Accountancy firm or Blue-Chip in-house tax department.
• Experience of working with / providing advice on VAT set-up in a major ERP system; knowledge of SAP will be desirable.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Previous experience working within or alongside a ‘back office’ shared service environment will be desirable.
• Able to translate knowledge and understanding of UK/ European VAT rules, into practical business advice.
• Understanding of indirect Tax Accounting and reporting.
• Drive to take ownership and responsibility for own work and operate independently, with the ability to also demonstrate great teamwork.
• A European language such as French, German, Spanish or Italian would be useful but is not required.

As an inclusive employer, Brambles wants to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore encourage you to inform your Talent Acquisition Partner of any reasonable adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Preferred Education

Bachelors

Preferred Level of Work Experience

5 - 7 years

Remote Type

Hybrid Remote

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Individuals fraudulently misrepresenting themselves as Brambles or CHEP representatives have scheduled interviews and offered fraudulent employment opportunities with the intent to commit identity theft or solicit money. Brambles and CHEP never conduct interviews via online chat or request money as a term of employment. If you have a question as to the legitimacy of an interview or job offer, please contact us at [email protected].