The company

Aon Corporation is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services.  Through its more than 61,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise.  Aon has been named repeatedly as the world's best broker, best insurance intermediary, reinsurance intermediary, captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources.  Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon.

The role

The UK VAT Manager will be responsible for the VAT affairs of all of Aon Corporation’s UK operations from a compliance and advisory standpoint and is responsible for managing one dedicated UK VAT Accountant.

 The role on average will be 25-30% compliance focussed and the remainder, advisory and planning.

 Key responsibilities:

• Reviewing / supervising completion of all UK VAT return and EC Sales List filings ensuring that appropriate controls, procedures and supporting documentation exist for tax and regulatory purposes (including SAO regime).
• Review and sign-off of VAT journals and reconciliations prepared by VAT Accountant.
•  Provision of technically robust yet commercially focussed VAT advice to the wider Aon Services Group (shared services) and operational colleagues.
• Leading and managing the HM Revenue and Customs VAT relationship.
• Identification and implementation of VAT mitigation strategies.
• Development and negotiation of a competitive partial exemption methodology for the UK VAT group.
• Building / maintaining a strong external network comprising 3rd-party advisers and industry body contacts. Actively participate in the VAT working parties of the London International Insurance Brokers’ Association (LIIBA) and BIPAR (its European equivalent) to represent Aon UK and London Market broker interests in VAT policy discussions.
• Drive and support greater VAT knowledge sharing with colleagues in the wider Aon Services Group (shared services) and operational units via regular one-to-ones, production of internal guidance / manuals and the hosting of internal training sessions.
• Keep abreast of all relevant VAT legislation and policy changes to assess risks and opportunities for the UK business and implement any required system or process changes.

About you

• ATII or CTA qualified (or previous HM Revenue and Customs employment) with proven and relevant post qualification VAT experience (minimum 5 years ideally).
• “Big four” professional services background.
• Financial services experience (mandatory). 
• Excellent communicator (verbal and written)
• Robust technical skills
• A “self-starter” capable of working largely under their own initiative
• Team player (flexible, consultative and enthusiastic)