GBP £55,000.00/Yr. Group Tax Specialist Gateshead (Hybrid) £55,000-£65,000 Depending on Experience We are recruiting for a ‘Group Tax Specialist’ to come and join our established team. Reporting to the Group Head of Tax, you will be primarily responsible for managing indirect taxes, although you may also have some responsibilities for direct taxes. You will assist in leading the Group’s tax initiatives, as well as ad-hoc projects. Role and Responsibility Manage the VAT compliance process and VAT reporting for several VAT registrations, ensuring accurate and timely filing of VAT returns and payments. Conduct risk assessments and implement risk management strategies related to VAT including the development and maintenance of processes and internal controls to support VAT compliance. Collaborate with business divisions and cross-functional teams to ensure that VAT is correctly accounted for on all transactions. Prepare, review and submit Intrastat returns. Provide expertise and support for customs duty-related issues – e.g. origin determination/valuation of goods/tariff classification. Manage the relationship with HMRC in relation to all indirect tax issues including inquiries and audits. Provide training and guidance to the business on all indirect tax matters, ensuring awareness and understanding of obligations in this area. Key skills Necessary Qualified accountant/tax professional Experience of UK VAT compliance (Ideally minimum 2 years) Excellent communication / interpersonal skills Adept at using Excel to analyse data. Desirable Automotive retailing sector experience Experience of dealing with Customs issues About us: Lookers are proud to be one of the top three motor vehicle retailers in the UK, representing 35 vehicle manufacturers, selling and servicing a huge range of cars at over 150 franchised dealerships across hundreds of locations throughout the UK & Ireland. We recognise the hard work, flexibility and commitment of our people, so we offer an industry-leading benefits package. This includes competitive basic salaries plus; Enhanced holidays that increase with service Eligibility to join one of our car schemes Critical illness cover after 2 years and Life Assurance Smart Health - free access to support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave For some roles a company car and additional earning potential through commission or bonus We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels with our annual Lookers Excellence Awards. So? What are you waiting for? Lookers are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from all types of discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential. If your application is successful we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you starting with us. Depending on the role and responsibilities, these could include us verifying your recent employment, address and credit history. We may also conduct a criminal record check and a driving licence check.