Manager - UK Indirect Tax

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

Why we're hiring:

This position will become an integral part of a dynamic and growing UK VAT compliance team in WPP, one of the top advertising firms in the world.

In this role you will be leading a newly formed team, created to take on the UK VAT compliance process for our UK based agencies.   The role involves being hands on working alongside the team to help prepare VAT returns, but also being able to step into a review role for all work coming through the team.   You will also be working to establish best practice for UK VAT reporting.

Experience in both preparing UK VAT returns and managing a compliance team is essential for this role.  In addition, we are looking for someone who has great UK VAT knowledge which they will use to develop the teams understanding further.   The role will involve supporting the team in process improvement and motivating them to deal with multiple VAT returns.   You will need the ability to lead and manage a compliance calendar to ensure adequate resource is available to complete all tasks.    We are looking for someone with an enthusiasm for delivering quality work, with a curiosity for getting into the detail of data and resolving queries, along with a sense of commercial awareness.    Accuracy and consistency are important, along with good skills in using Microsoft excel.    In return you will have the opportunity to develop your UK VAT knowledge deeper with support on this from the UK based VAT Senior Manager, working with local SSC colleagues in ensuring transactions meet VAT reporting requirements, gain experience working with a variety of finance applications and a Big 4 developed VAT return tool, and lead a new team created to support VAT compliance process for multiple agencies.

What you'll bring:

• A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in UK indirect tax compliance is essential.
• Experience in people management / team leadership
• Ability to motivate and develop team members.
• A focused solution provider with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to analyse large volumes of data.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.

What you'll be doing:

• Manage and support VAT compliance team in accurate preparation of UK VAT returns within required timeframes for multiple VAT registrations, following standard operating procedures.
• Provide first line review and follow up on any training needs identified.
• Develop and motivate team, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Deliver exceptional support to multiple UK agencies, building relationships and representing the VAT compliance team as a trusted service provider.
• Build relationships with local Finance teams to resolve queries within VAT returns quickly and efficiently.
• Monitor post return follow up on processes where applicable.
• Create and maintain knowledge database for team.
• Review of calculations for monthly accruals and reconciliation of indirect tax accounts to VAT return.
• Handle and respond to requests from the UK VAT Compliance senior manager and assist with tax audits including analysing various transactions and gathering of requested data.
• Manage VAT registration administration where requested.
• Support UK VAT Senior Manager with ad-hoc projects and analysis as directed.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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