Job Role: VAT Accountant Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week. Location: Chester (CH4) Pay: 23.46 per hourManpower is pleased to be recruiting for one of our major clients for a VAT Accountant based in Chester. This is a temporary position to cover a 9 month period.POSITION PURPOSE This role sits within the Tax COE Europe team. The 2 main aspects of the role are: To take responsibility for and to manage VAT reporting compliance requirements for a group of markets within Europe region and other international markets, as required, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met. To provide advice on VAT compliance related queries, coordinating with external and internal stakeholders where necessary.In addition, the successful candidate is expected to maintain a constant awareness of local VAT legislation and act as a real internal consultant to satisfy stakeholder expectations.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Preparation of monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annual VAT returns and other indirect tax returns (sales listings, domestic listings, purchase listings, Intrastat, SAF-T) using Excel and/or indirect tax return preparation tool technology Preparing and requesting necessary VAT submission approvals from internal stakeholders and following up on VAT payment requests and archiving documentation after submissions are completed Preparation of VAT General Ledger reconciliation and follow up on issues and open items Reconciliation of GL sales to reported VAT sales and follow up on issues and open items Manage and assist with VAT compliance queries from the business as necessary Support preparing VAT requirements documents and other documents as needed Support Tax Technology team to test and implement requirements on a timely basis, as necessary Continuous monitor of VAT legislation to identify relevant changes Assistance in maintenance of VAT codes tables and VAT codes in accounting system Assistance with VAT audits and liaison with tax authorities as necessary Support strategy of standardisation and automation, continuous improvement and risk managementKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Education/Experience 2+ years' experience of VAT compliance in at least one jurisdiction in a multi-national tax environment or equivalent. Experience with SAP or Oracle is advantageous. Excellent Excel skills. Fluency in English.FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL Ability to successfully manage competing priorities. Ability to work with a range of technically and culturally diverse people. Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience, at multiple levels within the company. Autonomous working. Ability to establish formal relationships with internal customers. Demonstrates a team orientated approach. Strong written and verbal communication to facilitate relationships with peers and senior management. Ability to assess and resolve problems. Strong analytical skills.DEVELOPMENTAL VALUE Opportunity to gain an understanding of the business needs of an international pharmaceutical company from a VAT compliance perspective. Opportunity to work within a professional and high performing team. Develop the ability to impact and influence within the company to deliver superior business results. Opportunity to gain international and country specific VAT expertise. Opportunity to gain experience of working within a European team and in a shared services environment.