Group Tax Accountant

About Czarnikow (CZ)

CZ is a global supply chain solutions company with 160 years of experience in commodity trading, whose purpose is to exert a positive economic and sustainable influence in its food, beverage, and energy supply chains. CZ buys, sells, moves and de-risks commodities through a range of services including trade finance, commodities trading, analysis, freight, logistics and price risk management.

We are an entrepreneurial company, with innovation at the heart of everything we do. We are open to change, as shown through the recent expansion of our product portfolio and move into energy. Our people are our most valued asset and make the business what it is today. We hope that you will join our team.

Why work at CZ

CZ offers the chance to join a dynamic and exciting team of professionals and learn in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

In addition, we offer a competitive starting salary, supported by a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Discretionary bonus structure
• Competitive company pension scheme
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Life assurance
• A collaborative and collegiate work environment and culture
• Tailored learning and development
• Charity fundraising and volunteering opportunities

To find out more about life and careers at CZ, visit our LinkedIn , Youtube

About the role

A hands-on role responsible primarily for the preparation and submission of VAT returns across multiple jurisdictions, alongside supporting corporate tax compliance and contributing to tax projects (including transfer pricing). The role is operational and delivery-focused, with limited strategic responsibility.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Role focus (time allocation)

Initial state:

• 70% VAT compliance (core focus)
• 30% corporate tax compliance and tax projects

Future state (post VAT automation):

• 40-50% VAT compliance
• 50-60% corporate tax and project support

Key responsibilities

1. VAT compliance (primary responsibility)

• Prepare and submit accurate and timely VAT returns across multiple jurisdictions
• Prepare supporting schedules and reconciliations to the general ledger
• Review transactional data to ensure correct VAT treatment
• Liaise with:
• Local finance teams
• Fiscal representatives
• External advisors (as required)
• Support resolution of VAT queries and minor audits from tax authorities
• Maintain clear audit trails and documentation for all filings

2. Corporate tax compliance (support role)

• Assist with preparation of corporate tax computations and returns
• Support the preparation of tax provisions (IAS 12) including current and deferred tax calculations
• Prepare supporting analysis and documentation for group reporting
• Assist in responding to HMRC and other tax authority queries

3. Tax projects (including transfer pricing)

• Support delivery of tax projects, including:
• Transfer pricing documentation and benchmarking support
• Data gathering for functional and economic analyses
• Implementation of group tax policies
• Assist with process improvements and system implementation projects , particularly VAT automation initiatives
• Prepare working papers and maintain documentation for audit and review

4. Process and data management

• Ensure high-quality, consistent data used in VAT and tax reporting
• Identify and escalate errors or inconsistencies in financial data
• Contribute to improving compliance processes and controls
• Support transition to automated VAT processes and systems

5. Stakeholder interaction

• Work closely with:
• Local controllers and finance teams
• Group tax team members
• Provide clear, concise responses to routine tax queries
• Escalate technical or complex issues appropriately

Changes in the business may occasionally require alterations in this job description and these will be agreed with the post holder as appropriate.

About you

We are looking for someone with the following skillset and attributes:

Qualifications & experience

• Newly qualified ( ACA / ACCA / CTA or equivalent )
• Typically 0-2 years PQE
• Experience in VAT compliance and/or corporate tax (industry or practice)

Technical skills

• Basic understanding of:
• VAT principles and compliance processes
• Corporate tax computations
• Tax accounting fundamentals (IAS 12)
• Strong Excel and data handling skills

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Organised and able to manage multiple deadlines
• Proactive and willing to take ownership of deliverables
• Practical, delivery-focused mindset ("gets the work done")
• Comfortable working with large datasets and repetitive processes

Key deliverables / KPIs

• On-time and accurate submission of all VAT returns
• Clean and auditable VAT reconciliations
• Timely support for corporate tax filings and reporting
• High-quality working papers suitable for audit review
• Active contribution to VAT automation and process improvements

Development opportunity

• Increased involvement in corporate tax, transfer pricing, and project work as VAT processes become automated
• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional tax issues and global tax operations

Reports to: Head of Tax