Customs & Excise Manager

Philips Electronics is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest. It is a global leader in Healthcare, Lifestyle and Technology based product and service solutions.

A contract or temp to perm opportunity has arisen to be part of the UK tax team (of 4 people); to lead on a day to day basis on all VAT and Customs matters in the UK; and to report to and support the UK Group Tax Manager as appropriate. As a very rough guide the role is split 75%+ Customs & Excise and up to 25% max VAT.

Responsibilities

1. Accounting and reporting

• Ensure that the periodic VAT and Customs returns and resulting liabilities for the Philips Group are accurate and complete and submitted and settled within the statutory time limits to avoid penalties.

• Ensure that the necessary reporting procedures are in place so that businesses may submit the required data to meet these criteria.

2. Provide advisory services to the operating businesses by:

• Review and advise on contracts and transactions entered into by members of the UK VAT Group to ensure that these are tax efficient and that the optimum tax liability is paid by the VAT Group

• Offer advice on Customs planning to minimise customs duty payments and maximise relief.

3. Awareness

• Promote awareness in the operating businesses and keep Commercial, Logistics and Financial managers aware of those changes that affect the businesses by ensuring an up to date knowledge of UK and EU VAT and Customs legislation and practice and where necessary provide specific advisory services to those businesses affected.

• Act as Export Control Officer (ECO) for the Philips UK Group to ensure that local ECOs in the businesses are aware of UK, EU, UN and Philips corporate policy and implement this in their organisations.
 
4. Special Projects

• Undertake special projects and investigations as requested by the businesses and the management of Corporate Fiscal and Customs & Transport departments

5. Compliance

• Ensure compliance of the UK Group with UK and EU VAT and Customs legislation in order to avoid penalties due to misdeclarations or non-compliance.

• Undertake internal reviews of business procedures and systems and analyse feedback from the results of Customs and Excise control visits.

• External Liaison and Consultation

• Establish and maintain amicable working relationships with the appropriate Local VAT & Customs Officers so that the fiscal and customs affairs of Philips are best served.

• Ensure that Philips is kept in the forefront of VAT and Customs developments by representing the Company on Customs Panels and Trade Associations

7. Management of Customs Manager

• Manage, train and develop subordinate staff to assist their personal development and career progression.

Location:  Guildford – Minimum 2 days per week but flexible for remainder (will be required to travel to other offices in the UK and overseas as dictated by business needs – expected to be occasional)

Experience:  To have worked in a tax environment for a minimum of 3 years since obtaining relevant professional qualification. Experience of each of UK VAT and Customs Duties. Some experience of these taxes within the context of an international group would also be helpful but is not essential.

Education level:  Professional accountancy (ACA/ACCA) and/or tax (CIOT)
Qualification (either direct or indirect tax) and/or significant experience in the required areas of the role

Core skills: A desire to be challenged on a daily basis, an interest in understanding the business and looking for improvements in relevant processes etc, a desire to achieve, flexibility, the ability to take responsibility for own actions, good communicator (formal and informal), practical approach to dealing with issues