Staff Accountant - VAT & Tax Specialist

Founded in 1984, AFL is an industry-recognized global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure. Our customer-first, high-speed fiber network solutions serve various markets – including energy, enterprise, and hyperscale – across 130+ countries. Products and services include single- and multi-mode optical fiber cable, test and inspection equipment, and our award-winning Data Center Interconnect solution, enabling centralized resource management for enhanced performance across multiple data center facilities.

This position requires a detail-oriented and proactive finance professional with strong VAT and tax compliance knowledge, sound accounting judgement, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines across jurisdictions. The successful candidate will work closely with internal finance teams, external tax advisors, auditors, Trade Compliance, Operations, Supply Chain and Group Tax to support accurate reporting, robust controls, timely submissions and continuous improvement across EMEA finance and tax processes. 

• Prepare and review UK and international corporation tax returns, supporting computations and advisor-prepared filings, ensuring compliance with local statutory and regulatory requirements and timely submission to HMRC and relevant overseas tax authorities.
• Prepare quarterly and annual tax reporting packages, supporting schedules and documentation for Group Tax, corporate reporting, external advisors and audit requirements.
• Prepare current and deferred tax calculations, tax provisions, CIT accruals and related journal entries in accordance with IFRS, US GAAP and local statutory requirements.
• Support CbCR, transfer pricing, Pillar II and other international tax reporting requirements, including the collection, preparation and validation of data and supporting schedules.
• Liaise with external tax advisors, auditors, legal counsel, Group Tax and corporate tax teams, coordinating specialist reviews and providing supporting information to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance across relevant jurisdictions.

• Prepare, review and submit periodic VAT returns, EC Sales Lists and related indirect tax filings across relevant EMEA jurisdictions. 
• Manage European VAT compliance obligations, including VAT registrations, deregistrations and ongoing statutory requirements.
•  Maintain ownership of the EMEA indirect tax compliance calendar and ensure all VAT, corporate tax, statistical reporting and related filing deadlines are met. Review transactional data to ensure the correct VAT treatment is applied across EMEA entities
• Support VAT audits, inspections, and correspondence with tax authorities.
• Identify VAT risks and opportunities to improve controls, processes, and reporting accuracy.
• Support VIES compliance requirements.
• Review VAT returns and supporting workings prepared by external advisors and internal stakeholders prior to submission.

• Coordinate Intrastat reporting requirements across EMEA jurisdictions where obligations exist.
• Work closely with Trade Compliance, Operations, Supply Chain and external advisors to obtain commodity code, country of origin, value, quantity, weight and other goods movement information required for Intrastat reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of Intrastat declarations and maintain supporting documentation and audit trails.
• Reconcile Intrastat reporting to VAT returns, EC Sales Lists and underlying transactional data where appropriate.
• Investigate data gaps and escalate where required information is not available from operational teams.

• Maintain the integrity of subledger and general ledger balances across all EMEA entities through effective oversight of reconciliations, analysis, and review processes.
• Review general ledger account reconciliations, capital asset inventories, and supporting data to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare, reconcile, and maintain financial schedules; post journal entries; and upload reconciliations to OneStream as required.
• Support month-end close activities across relevant EMEA entities, including preparation and review of accounting journals, accruals, reconciliations, variance analysis and supporting schedules to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review VAT, corporation tax and other tax-related balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Collaborate with finance teams to support accurate tax and financial reporting.

• Coordinate with internal and external audit teams to provide requested tax, VAT and statutory reporting information in a timely and complete manner.
• Investigate the root cause of deficiencies identified during AFL audit reviews and support the implementation of corrective actions.
• Build proactive and collaborative relationships with global stakeholders and promote a culture of teamwork.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors and coordinate information requests across multiple jurisdictions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives relating to tax compliance, reporting processes, controls, data quality and automation.

• Support and participate in ad hoc projects, acquisitions, integrations, system implementations, business initiatives and finance transformation activities as required by the business.
• Provide tax and accounting support for new business activities, organisational changes and strategic initiatives across the EMEA region.
• Perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.

• ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum 3 years PQE or equivalent relevant experience in tax, VAT, accounting or compliance.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing, Pillar II, international tax, indirect taxes, and cross border structures and transactions.
• Understanding of UK and international tax legislation.
• Experience of dealing with HMRC and international tax authorities.
• Experience with tax accounting under UK GAAP, IFRS and/or US GAAP.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities.
• Hands-on experience with European VAT returns
• Solid understanding of EU VAT directives and local country variations
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills; experience with Oracle, Vertex, VVC, OneStream or similar systems desirable.

This role will be based in Milton Keynes on a hybrid working arrangement