VAT and Tax Manager

Job overview

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that the Trust meets all statutory requirements relating to VAT, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and other indirect tax obligations. This includes leading VAT and CIS returns, providing specialist advice, interpreting legislation, and ensuring robust financial controls across the organisation.

To acknowledge the specialist nature of this role, the post will be offered as an AFC Band 6 development opportunity for the first 12 months. During the first year of the role, the post holder will be required to complete associated on the job training and other CPD requirements. Upon successful completion, the role will transition to an AFC Band 7 role, with full ownership of all aspects of VAT within the Trust.

Main duties of the job

This role has overall responsibility for VAT management and recovery for the Trust and its subsidiary; Hospital Pharmacy Services (Nottingham) (HPSN), and for all taxation issues relating to these. This involves responsibility for around £5m VAT recovery each month and for meeting related VAT, Construction Industry and corporation tax liabilities.

The post holder will have responsibility for planning and managing all VAT and tax related activities, and ensuring the strict timetables are met for the completion and submission of returns, reviews, and responses to queries from HMRC and other parties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post will involve the following responsibilities:

Completion and submission of VAT, CIS and other tax returns:

• Manage the monthly VAT process, including advising on any variances from expected recoveries and ensuring monthly recoveries reflect the correct position.
• Manage VAT and CIS return process including validation, investigation and submission.
• Providing the key point of contact for HMRC, NHS SBS and external advisors, representing the Trust on tax related issues and responding to any HMRC investigations and enquiries.
• Analyse complex VAT and tax legislation and determine application to Trust processes and impact. VAT training
• Provide specialist VAT advice across Finance and operational teams.
• Develop and provide training and guidance on VAT compliance.
• Support and encourage use of VAT and tax training provided through third party contracts. VAT Policies and procedures
• Maintain and develop Trust policies and procedures relating to VAT recovery.
• Identify, develop and implement opportunities to improve VAT recovery and efficiency. VAT and tax analysis and advice
• Summarise, communicate complex tax issues, and tax positions to non-technical staff, including operational, clinical and senior management, and discuss options for treatment.
• Advise on VAT implications relating to business cases and expenditure proposals. Audit, risk and compliance
• Identify, assess and manage VAT and tax-related risks.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of VAT and related rules and regulations, in particular changes to this and case law that impacts VAT recovery and investment / expenditure decisions.
• Support audit activity and maintain robust documentation. Manage contracts and budget
• Manage budget for VAT consulting support and reviews.
• Key liaison with HMRC, NHS SBS and external advisors, is responsible for reviewing and approving invoices relating to this. Other duties
• Deputise as Transactional Service Manager as required, providing line management support as needed for the transactional processing team.