VAT Accountant at Centrica

We are seeking a candidate with expertise in indirect tax compliance, particularly in VAT return compliance. This role is integral to Centrica’s tax framework, which continuously evolves due to our expanding business operations. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining precise financial records, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations, and supporting our tax team through a period of transformation.

This role presents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, with a focus on adapting to evolving tax regulations and contributing to the transformation of our tax processes. If you are a skilled tax compliance specialist looking to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Location: Flexible Home Working

While most of your work will be conducted remotely, we do require that you attend monthly in-person meetings with the team at our Windsor office, typically for one to two days.

Key Responsibilities:
VAT Compliance

Prepare and review VAT returns for the UK and European countries in house. Ensure timely submission of VAT returns in compliance with all relevant regulations and deadlines.

Reconcile VAT-related accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Generate VAT-related reports for internal and external stakeholders

Collaborate with auditors during VAT audits, providing necessary documentation and support.

Application of accounting principles and practices to maintain precise financial records

Utilization of analytical skills to identify financial trends, potential errors, and opportunities.

Proficiency in data analysis for managing high-volume, high-value transactions.

Oversight of a team of six in our offshore department, ensuring timely completion of monthly activities, supporting team members’ knowledge and development.

Implementation of business changes within processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Transformation Program and Cross-Functional Collaboration

Engagement in a significant investment program in Tax, involving the enhancement of our control framework and the redesign of processes and controls.

Opportunities for contribution to process redesign, improvement, and digitalization.

Work closely with internal departments, including Finance, Accounting, and Legal, to address VAT-related issues and queries.

Experience and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Proven experience in preparing and reviewing VAT returns for the UK and EU.

Strong knowledge of VAT regulations and compliance in both the UK and European countries.

Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in relevant accounting software and MS Excel, ERP systems, SAP S4 reporting platform and exposure to other data management platforms like PowerBI is advantageous.

Familiarity with Thomson Reuters OneSource for VAT compliance and filing returns.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Ability to adapt to changing regulations and business needs.

Hands-on experience in managing indirect tax compliance processes, reconciliation, from invoicing and settlements to preparing returns and accounting for indirect taxes.

We are proud to be recognised as a disability-confident employer. Our customers come from a variety of different backgrounds, and so do we. We hire great people from all walks of life, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. We will continue championing inclusivity while investing in our local communities to create a better, more sustainable world for everyone. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised by The Times for being one of the Top 50 Employers for Women.

Our people are the beating heart of our business. We are incredibly proud of our commitment to being FlexFirst. From childcare to furry friends, we listened to our people and understood that they work best when they are comfortable and have a flexible working model that suits their individual needs.

We have tailored our well-being & benefits package around our employees as follows:

Competitive salary and bonus potential

Employee Energy Allowance

Pension scheme

Electric car lease scheme

25 days holiday allowance, public holidays, and the option to buy up to 5 additional days

Excellent range of flexible benefits, including technology vouchers & travel insurance

At Centrica we embrace diversity and actively seek to attract individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives. To build a more sustainable future, we need the best team – a team with a diverse mix of people and skills, where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. We are dedicated in helping to close the diversity gap and would love to see more females, people of colour and LGBTQ+ employees, as well as those from a variety of cultures and ethnicity to veterans and the differently abled. Supporting diversity and inclusion is a big part of who we are, we are not looking for people to fit into our culture but to add to it!

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE by hitting the ‘Apply’ button.

Applications will ONLY be accepted via the ‘Apply’ button.

This role is being handled by the Centrica recruitment team and NO agency contact is required.