Indirect Tax Manager

Remote from: UK
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Finance & Accounting
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 11 May 2026
Apply before: 11 Jun 2026
Experience level: Midweight
Views / Applies: 278 / 43

About Wood

For more than 160 years, Wood has partnered with clients to deliver engineering, advisory and operational solutions to some of the world's most complex challenges.

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

Wood is recruiting an Indirect Tax Manager to lead a small team handling UK, Irish, and selected overseas VAT returns. The role is largely remote but requires proximity to the Knutsford office. The manager will drive data quality, process efficiency, and governance, while providing UK VAT technical guidance and supporting global indirect tax initiatives. Wood offers flexible working, competitive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and professional development. This position is ideal for a seasoned indirect tax professional looking to impact a global energy and materials company.

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

AI Insight The role requires deep technical knowledge of UK indirect tax, leadership of a team, and management of multiple jurisdictions, making it challenging. However, it is not the highest difficulty as it focuses on a specific tax area and does not require executive-level strategic decision-making.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered salary is not specified, but based on market data for an Indirect Tax Manager in the UK, the median salary is around £60,000-£80,000. However, given the global scope and remote work, a US-based equivalent would be $90,000-$160,000. The role's responsibilities suggest a competitive compensation package.

Key Skills

UK VAT Indirect Tax VAT Compliance Tax Automation Oracle Alteryx Process Improvement Team Leadership SAO Compliance Global Tax

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Indirect Tax Manager position at Wood. With over 8 years of experience in UK and international indirect tax, I have developed a robust technical knowledge of VAT compliance and advisory. I have led teams in preparing and reviewing VAT returns, driving process improvements, and managing relationships with tax authorities and external advisors.

In my previous role at a global engineering firm, I successfully implemented VAT automation initiatives that reduced processing time by 30% and enhanced data accuracy. I am adept at using Oracle and Alteryx to streamline reporting and ensure compliance. I am particularly drawn to Wood's commitment to energy transition and flexible working arrangements.

I am confident that my leadership skills and technical expertise would make me a valuable addition to your tax team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Wood's success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Possible Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with UK VAT returns and VAT group consolidation?

I have prepared and reviewed UK VAT returns for multiple entities, including VAT group consolidations. In my last role, I managed a portfolio of 10 companies, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. I also implemented a reconciliation process that reduced errors by 20%.

How do you stay updated on changes in indirect tax legislation?

I subscribe to HMRC updates, attend webinars from firms like KPMG, and am a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. I also set up Google Alerts for key terms and participate in internal knowledge-sharing sessions.

Describe a time you led a team to improve VAT reporting processes.

At my previous company, I led a project to automate VAT data extraction from Oracle using Alteryx. This reduced manual effort by 40% and improved accuracy. I trained the team on the new tools and established a weekly review cycle.

How would you handle a VAT audit from HMRC?

I would first review all relevant documentation and reconciliations to ensure completeness. Then, I would coordinate with the finance team and external advisors to prepare responses. During the audit, I would act as the main point of contact, addressing queries promptly and providing clear evidence.

What experience do you have with SAO compliance?

I have supported SAO compliance by maintaining control documentation, performing regular reviews of tax processes, and ensuring that all controls are documented and tested. I also worked with internal audit to validate the effectiveness of these controls.

Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.

Wood is recruiting for an Indirect Tax Manager to join us on a permanent basis. We are looking for candidates who have strong technical knowledge of UK Indirect Tax practices and legislation, as well as an understanding of Indirect Tax compliance within other jurisdictions.

This role is open to candidates who live within a commutable distance from our Knutsford office; however the role will be largely remote.

#LI-Remote

The Role

In the role you will lead a small team ensuring the accurate, timely and compliant preparation of UK, Irish and selected overseas VAT returns. Drive data quality improvements, process efficiency and governance, working closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors. Provide UK VAT technical guidance, support global indirect tax initiatives, and contribute to the organisation’s SAO compliance framework.

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Wood delivers solutions across more than 60 countries with local offices covering all major energy and materials hubs globally.

For more than 160 years, we have partnered with clients to deliver engineering, advisory and operational solutions to some of the world’s most complex and critical challenges in energy and materials.

What we can offer

Meaningful and interesting projects we support green hydrogen and fuel switching, as well as supporting local clients with energy transition
Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working arrangements
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
Flexible benefits package; inclusive of 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), generous contributory pension scheme, private medical cover, 4x base salary life insurance; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle
Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
Global connections; join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession

Lead the preparation, review and submission of UK VAT returns, including VAT group consolidation
Prepare and review Irish VAT returns, with responsibility expected to broaden to additional jurisdictions over time
Manage the coordination, review and submission of overseas VAT returns for UK entities via external advisors
Ensure VAT returns are supported by robust reconciliations, clear audit trails, and appropriate documentation
Own VAT GL control reconciliations, ensuring timely resolution of reconciling items
Support and contribute to UK SAO compliance, including control documentation and evidence
Support VAT audits and enquiries from tax authorities, liaising with advisors as required
Drive VAT data quality and automation initiatives, working closely with Oracle, Finance Systems and shared service teams
Lead improvements to VAT reporting processes, controls and documentation
Act as a key user for VAT automation, reporting and data manipulation tools (e.g. Excel, Alteryx)
Provide UK VAT technical advice to finance, commercial, supply chain and project teams
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments in indirect tax, identifying risks and opportunities
Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across Finance, Tax, Legal, Commercial and Shared Services
Manage relationships with external advisors, tax authorities and third‑party providers
Provide functional leadership for direct reports where applicable
Support training and knowledge‑sharing across AP, AR and shared service teams

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don’t match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

Expected:

Degree qualified
Chartered Tax Adviser (or equivalent), or Chartered Accountant (or equivalent) qualified
Strong technical knowledge of UK Indirect Tax practices and legislation
Practical understanding of Indirect Tax compliance requirements in other jurisdictions
The use of ERP/Accounting systems to manage Indirect Tax (preferably Oracle)
Data management, use of excel and other data manipulation tools such as Alteryx
Experience in preparing and reviewing UK VAT returns and working with complex data sets
Experience with a complex ERP system, preferably Oracle
Able to advise on indirect tax matters in practice and / or in industry role
Research and advice on indirect tax matters in multiple jurisdictions
Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external parties
Work well under pressure and meet a demanding timetable
Identify risks and know when to raise the flag
Work effectively across different cultures, driving a global mind-set
Be forward thinking, innovative and have the ability to drive forward new initiatives and process improvements
Influence others by presenting consistent, clearly constructed and coherent arguments

Desirable:

Experience of working in the Oil and Gas sector
Experience of managing Indirect Tax compliance in other jurisdictions
People management experience

Personal Attributes:

Effectively connect and establish effective, cross-cultural working relationships with all levels of the organisation
High attention to detail
Highly motivated and organised
Excellent personal and communication skills

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 45 countries, employing around 25,000 people. www.woodplc.com
Diversity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

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