VAT Manager

VAT Manager

Hemel Hempstead (Hybrid – 3 Days in office)

Competitive salary + bonus and benefits

Join Haven as a VAT Manager and play a key role in shaping the organisation’s tax landscape. Supporting the Head of Tax, this is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified tax professional looking to step into a dynamic, business-facing role with strong career development potential. You’ll take ownership of VAT compliance and advisory across a diverse and evolving business, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and best practice at every stage. From managing VAT returns and complex schemes such as TOMS and PESM, to partnering with stakeholders across finance and operations, you’ll be at the heart of decision-making. This role offers real variety, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the chance to drive continuous improvement in processes and controls.

Your Opportunity:

• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
• Own VAT processes, controls, and documentation, driving continuous improvement
• Act as the subject matter expert on VAT across the business, providing clear guidance to stakeholders
• Manage and oversee TOMS reporting and compliance
• Lead on Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM) and residual VAT calculations
• Review VAT-related balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis
• Liaise with external auditors, advisors, and HMRC on VAT matters
• Support budgeting and forecasting with VAT insights as required
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, IT, and Operations teams
• Contribute to wider tax activities and ad hoc projects

What we’d like you to bring:

• Professional qualification in tax or accounting (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CTA)
• Strong experience in VAT and tax accounting within a commercial environment
• In-depth knowledge of VAT regulations, reporting, and controls
• Experience working with auditors, HMRC, and external advisors
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and educate stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• A collaborative approach and desire to build strong working relationships

Why Haven?

At Haven, we’re one great team, united by our passion for creating amazing experiences for our guests and our people. You’ll have access to training, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

What’s In It For You?

- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Holiday Buy Scheme

- Annual bonus

- 20% discount on both Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends

- Comprehensive wellbeing support

- Access to the Bourne Leisure corporate box at the O2 Arena ,London

- Exclusive discounts with corporate partners

- Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees

- Enhanced family friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied)

Who are we?

We’re part of an award-winning Bourne Leisure family, which includes Haven & Warner Hotels. We have 9,000 fantastic team members and 39 beautiful seaside locations and our HQ based in Hemel Hempstead.

What’s it like to work with us?

Working with us is ultimately defined by our exceptional people and teams. At Haven, we take pride in our Breath of Fresh Air culture, which focuses on valuing and supporting every team member. We prioritise openness and transparency in our interactions allowing our team members to be their authentic selves.

We operate a hybrid working model, meaning 50% of your working week will be spent at the office, occasionally on Park, or at external events.

What can you expect during the recruitment process?

The interview process will be up to 3 stages and may contain a presentation or skills test, depending on the role. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments to help you perform at your best during this process, please let us know.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require, including whether a role can be part-time or a job-share.

We genuinely care about every candidate's experience during the recruitment process and are here to provide support where we can. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at resourcingteam@bourne-leisure.co.uk.