WHO ARE WE:

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Reprise, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com.

Role Overview

Working in the Mediabrands finance department reporting to the Director, Financial Control UK and Ireland with support from the holding company’s in-house tax team.  The Indirect Tax Accountant's primary responsibility will be to ensure the preparation and timely submission of the Mediabrands UK VAT group returns and an Irish VAT group returns aided by Alteryx workflows with minimal Excel use. The post holder will focus on conducting 'exception testing' reviews, resolving queries, and collaborating with IT teams to ensure IPG’s technology framework is robust from a VAT perspective. As a result of the compliance review work, the VAT Compliance Manager will be responsible for providing comprehensive VAT and where necessary other indirect tax advice and guidance to the UK VAT group agencies.

The person would need to be experienced in working with VAT accounting systems and extrapolating data for the preparation of VAT returns. The person should also have good interpersonal skills in order to be able to communicate effectively with agency finance teams and HMRC as necessary.  Experience of using SAP or an equivalent ERP (e.g. Oracle) is highly desirable and will be an advantage.

NB: this role is a 3 month FTC.

Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the complete, accurate and timely preparation and submission of VAT returns together with supporting analysis for management review using established Alteryx workflows.
• Process maintenance and continuous improvements, including aligning processes to developing digital reporting requirements and making enhancements to the existing Alteryx workflow.
• Operation and evidence of controls over VAT reporting processes.
• Following up on Alteryx generated exception reports with agency finance teams to resolve errors before VAT returns are filed. Work with agency finance team to identify, prepare and review indirect tax disclosures prior to submission.
• Work closely with various departments, including finance and legal, to ensure VAT compliance and support business operations.
• Assess risks and document, monitor and communicate to senior VAT leadership and agency finance leads.
• Support senior VAT leadership with tax compliance automation projects across the UK.
• The person should actively participate in agency meetings, workshops, and tax training sessions.
• The person will monitor compliance with Making Tax Digital, HMRC`s compliance requirements, and providing internal support for VAT queries from finance staff.

Desired Skills & Experience

Qualifications/ Experience

• Professional Accountancy or Tax qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA etc)
• Strong financial systems skills using SAP and/ or equivalent ERP.
• Intermediate Excel skills are required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a complex environment, delivering to deadlines.
• Ability to research and resolve complex accounting or taxation issues.
• Experience of Alteryx desired but not essential.

 

Employee Transparency 

At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands are equal-opportunity employers committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at [email protected] if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application. 

The Perks 

We aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits:

• Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year
• Free breakfast and free lunch
• Early finish Fridays
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times)
• Retail discounts
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme
• Wellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabs
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Paid time off for Volunteering
• Group Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level)
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay
• Independent mortgage advice
• Financial education
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more!