VAT Manager

VAT Manager

Lithia UK Head Office (Annesley, Nottinghamshire)- Hybrid, up to 2 times per week to be worked at the Head Office

Salary up to £62,000 with bonus, car allowance, pension, critical illness pay, life assurance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), family PMI, exclusive company discounts on used car purchases, leasing deals and aftersales service.

We’re looking for a dynamic and driven VAT Manager to join our small, collaborative tax team based at our Head Office in Nottinghamshire. This is a key role where you’ll manage all aspects of VAT compliance, reporting, and advisory across our UK automotive retail business.

Working closely with our Finance teams, and operational stakeholders, you’ll make sure our VAT processes are accurate, efficient, and fully compliant with UK legislation. You’ll also be a trusted advisor to the business, offering practical VAT guidance on everything from day-to-day transactions through to large-scale projects and corporate initiatives.

Your Journey as a VAT Manager:

• Lead the preparation, review, and submission of UK VAT returns, including group VAT filings and reconciliations
• Keep a close eye on changes in VAT legislation, translating technical updates into clear and practical guidance for colleagues across the business
• Act as the VAT subject matter expert, supporting Finance, operational, and commercial teams with accurate VAT treatment on transactions
• Manage the relationship with HMRC, handling queries, audits, and disclosures with professionalism and confidence
• Ensure VAT accounting processes are robust, efficient, and compliant, with strong controls and governance in place
• Drive process improvements that strengthen VAT compliance and streamline reporting
• Provide VAT input on strategic projects, business initiatives, and corporate transactions
• Maintain and develop VAT technical documentation and internal guidance to support colleagues
• Oversee VAT risk management, ensuring all positions are well-documented and supported
• Collaborate with external advisors when required to ensure high-quality support for complex VAT matters
• Review customs duty declarations prepared by OEM partners, raising and resolving queries where necessary

Are You Ready to Embrace the Challenge? We’re looking for someone who has:

• A professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent, with the ambition to make a real impact
• Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation and compliance requirements
• Proven experience in VAT compliance and advisory, ideally within a large corporate or professional services environment
• A track record of managing VAT returns and reconciliations with accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make complex VAT issues clear and practical
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines, and perform under pressure
• Proficiency with accounting systems, ERP platforms, and Excel

At Lithia UK, our growth is powered by our people:

As one of the largest automotive retailers globally, we’re passionate about transforming the future of personal transportation and setting new standards for exceptional customer experiences. Our values—Earn Customers for Life, Improve Constantly, Take Personal Ownership, and Have Fun!—fuel everything we do. Join us, and you’ll be part of a team that embraces innovation, champions personal growth, and celebrates success together. If you’re ready to make an impact in an environment that empowers you to drive change, we’d love to have you with us on this journey.