VAT Compliance and Transformation Process Owner

Position Summary

• 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.

• The position works under the functional governance of HQ Tax and collaborates closely with GFS, Local Finance, IT, Master Data Management, external tax advisers and technology providers. The role is designed initially as functional leadership without direct reports.

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 Experience and Skills

• 3+ years of experience in VAT compliance, indirect tax or tax reporting, ideally 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; advanced Excel skills.

• Ability to manage transitions, document processes, work with controls and coordinate cross-functional stakeholders.

• Fluent English and strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Shared Service Centre / Global Business Services experience.

• VAT compliance transformation or process standardisation experience.

• Experience with SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA and VAT compliance software solutions.

• Pharmaceutical, manufacturing or multinational company background.

• Additional European language(s).

What Success Looks Like

• VAT Compliance Centre of Excellence successfully established and ready for expansion.

• Selected countries transitioned into GFS with stable operations and no material compliance failures.

• Standard VAT compliance processes, controls and documentation implemented.

• Improved filing quality, transparency, automation and reduced dependency on external compliance providers.