The role

DLA Piper International has more than 25 VAT/GST registrations globally.  Whilst local regulations will vary in certain details, many fundamental principles are common across the global VAT/GST world. 

The role of the International Tax Accountant – Indirect Tax will focus on DLA’s VAT R2R processes, including how we record, reconcile and report VAT/GST to ensure accuracy, transparency, consistency and VAT efficiency are assured.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

VAT Reporting:

• Take the lead in driving quality and consistency across DLA International in respect of our indirect tax accounting processes;
• Work with finance teams located across DLA International to ensure local VAT accounting processes are managed with appropriate skill, are properly documented, controls are rigorously applied and all issues are addressed promptly; 
• Focus particularly on risk areas including management of VAT on prepayments, Counsel Fees, deferred VAT regimes, regular VAT journals, aged VAT balances (e.g. VAT on bad debts, VAT on aged AP) as part of local finance and VAT processes
• Where risks or opportunities are identified (e.g. weaknesses in Input VAT accounting), proactively lead efforts to manage the risk or realise the opportunity
• Provide oversight to finance leadership on VAT accounting compliance globally through regular monitoring/issue tracking

General VAT Compliance:

• Work closely with the firm’s International VAT Manager and International Indirect Tax Process Lead to provide all-around VAT support across the international firm as, when and wherever that is required
• Provide support to other members of the group and international tax team as required
• Provide training to financial managers where appropriate (focus again on accounting and control aspects)

ABOUT YOU

• Part-qualified or newly qualified Accountant (ACCA or relevant equivalent)
• An understanding of indirect tax/VAT principles, risks and a willingness to learn more
• Advanced MS Excel skills and previous experience of VAT accounting processes is preferable
• Self-motivated, logical and organised approach to work
• Keen eye for detail
• Agile and proactive
• Comfort in operating in sometimes ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative personal working style
• Ability to multi-task and work to conflicting timescales on multiple priorities in a robust and fast-paced environment
• Keen to build up relationships with members of the other finance teams

ABOUT US

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers and business service professionals located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

OUR VALUES

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative – we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold – we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional – we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do. We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

HYBRID WORKING

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

PRE-ENGAGEMENT SCREENING

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits and where relevant, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and work-related references.