URBN Indirect Tax Assistant

URBN UK Limited is part of the URBN Group, a global retailer, with its European Head Office located in London. Its retail offering in Europe takes the form of three brands.

With stores in more than 10 European countries and a strong e-commerce presence, we’re driven by the same core values as our customers, and we approach our work with a sense of community and purpose that sets our brands apart. We love what we do.

As Tax Assistant, you’ll be working with the tax team which sits within our Shared Services Finance function located in our European Head Office in London. This team is currently responsible for the whole group’s UK and EU VAT compliance and files indirect tax returns in other jurisdictions, including Norway and Australia. We are passionate about all things tax and work together and with the rest of the finance team as well as the tax team based in the US to make our processes as efficient as possible while producing compliant, high-quality outputs.
 
With a strong growth forecast across the UK and mainland Europe driven by strong direct demand and retail expansion, our European tax function is evolving in response to this trajectory. As Tax Assistant, your role will be initially focussed on VAT and indirect taxes, however there will be opportunities to be involved in other tax disciplines as we respond to business needs.

·       Coordinating the periodic VAT compliance calendar, ensuring trackers and documentation are updated and accurate.
·       Preparing UK and EU VAT returns, including downloading and analysing source data and ensuring transactions are reported correctly in each country.
·       Preparing other periodic filings including Intrastat returns, EC Sales Lists and Plastic Packaging Tax returns.
·       Ensuring VAT payments are made in a timely manner.
·       Supporting the team with the month-end VAT process, including posting journals, analysing data using MS Excel and preparing balance sheet reconciliations for review by the Indirect Tax Manager.
·       Preparing responses to ad-hoc queries or information requests from UK and EU tax authorities, with the assistance of our VAT compliance service providers where required.
·       Helping prepare data and information to respond to queries from auditors where required.
·       Involvement in VAT compliance optimisation projects, collaborating with our Tax and IT colleagues based in the US to automate processes and respond to changes in digital reporting requirements.
·       Working alongside the team to assist with ad-hoc projects supporting the wider business which include, but are not limited to, expansion into new markets, engaging new carriers, implementing and optimising delivery models.
·       Keeping abreast of updates and developments to indirect tax regulatory and policy changes, relevant VAT case law and upcoming indirect tax proposals and initiatives in the UK and the EU.

·       A proven track record of meeting tight deadlines, great organizational skills and attention to detail.
·       Strong VAT compliance experience (preferably including the preparation of EU VAT returns as well as UK).
·       An understanding of the basic VAT principles underpinning VAT regimes in the UK and the EU (for example, the reverse charge mechanism).
·       The ability to effectively analyse and manipulate data using Microsoft Excel.
·       Proficient use of other MS programs such as Outlook, Word etc.
·       A positive, proactive attitude to learning, solving problems and working as a team.
·       Willingness expand your VAT knowledge and learn about other areas of finance to apply to your day-to-day role.
·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

#URBN

·       Work-life balance:
·        Flexible start and finish times
·        Bring your dog to work
·       Wellbeing:
·        Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health
·        Fully equipped free gym and on-site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount off external gym memberships
·        Private Medical Insurance
·       Employee Discount:
·        Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands
·       Community:
·        One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice
·       Travel:
·        Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan
·       Continued Development:
·        We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.