VAT Compliance and Transformation Process Owner

About the role

The VAT Compliance and Transformation Process Owner will help establish and lead the centralised VAT compliance function within Global Finance Services (GFS). The role combines transformation leadership with operational ownership, building standardised processes, supporting VAT compliance technology implementation, coordinating country transitions, and ensuring accurate and timely VAT reporting across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Build and support the VAT Compliance Centre of Excellence, including process documentation, controls, governance, KPIs and escalation procedures.
• Lead the transition of VAT compliance activities from local finance teams and external advisers into GFS, including knowledge transfer, go‑live readiness and stabilisation.
• Standardise and improve VAT compliance processes across countries, while defining justified local exceptions.
• Support VAT compliance technology implementation by defining business requirements, testing scenarios, controls, workflows and user acceptance testing.
• Oversee operational VAT compliance activities within GFS, including VAT returns, related reports, filing calendars, reconciliations and quality reviews.
• Coordinate support for VAT audits and tax authority requests, ensuring documentation and audit trails are available.
• Monitor performance, service levels and compliance risks, and escalate material issues as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, data quality and scalability of the VAT compliance operating model.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 + years of experience in VAT compliance, indirect tax or tax reporting, preferably in a multi‑country environment.
• Practical experience with VAT returns, EC Sales Lists, Intrastat and related compliance obligations.
• Strong understanding of accounting processes and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage transitions, document processes, work with controls and coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Fluent English with strong communication, problem‑solving and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Preferred experience in Shared Service Centre / Global Business Services, VAT compliance transformation or process standardisation, and experience with SAP ECC/S/4HANA and VAT compliance software solutions.
• Background in pharmaceutical, manufacturing or multinational companies and knowledge of an additional European language are a plus.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel skills.
• SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA.
• VAT compliance software solutions.
• ERP systems knowledge.