Metier Peoples has just launched the search for a Tax Manager on behalf of the Optical Express Group.

Founded in 1991, and based in Cumbernauld, Optical Express specialises in the provision of general eye care. With almost 130 clinics, the Optical Express Group is a global leader of ophthalmic services and vision correction, through and including refractive surgery, sight tests and eye health assessments, spectacles and contact lenses.

Trading in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Croatia, Optical Express has invested more than £400 million is state of the art clinics and technologies. Surgeons at Optical Express use the same technology that led NASA to approve laser eye surgery for its astronauts.

An opportunity has arisen in the finance function of the Optical Express Group for an experienced Tax professional. This role reports into the Finance Director and the successful candidate will work as part of a busy finance team of 24 providing high quality advice and support to various internal and external stakeholders. Regular liaison would be with the FD, the Group FC, as well as accountants and trainees within the team. There would be a trainee accountant to support the tax function. The main purpose of this role is to provide efficient and effective tax support, managing the daily operations of the Tax function.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate solid corporation tax experience, obtained either within an accounting firm, or in an industry setting. The Tax Manager will be required to prepare monthly and quarterly VAT calculations, as well as submit returns, but this can be learned on the job, where the individual has not worked directly in VAT before.

The Job:

Acting as the main point of contact for tax related matters you will be responsible for:

  • Preparing corporation tax computations

  • Dealing with HMRC queries

  • Monthly and quarterly VAT compliance and reporting

  • Liaising with members of the finance team as well as dealing with tax queries from the business

  • Advising the business on ad hoc matters such as indirect tax, customs & duties tax, corporation tax and employment tax

  • Managing external parties where appropriate

  • Reviewing self-employed contractors’ relationships with the group ensuring compliance with IR35

  • Reviewing of P11D and PSA workings

  • Identifying and implementing UK tax planning strategies

Candidate Requirements:

Experience and Knowledge

  • Fully qualified tax professional / accountant (CTA / ATT or equivalent)

  • Solid experience working in Corporate Tax

  • Strong technical foundation in tax and accounting

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Skills and Personal Attributes

  • Highly developed research skills, able to provide insightful, accurate analysis of new issues as and when they arise

  • Experience within industry is desirable although not essential

  • Strong commercial understanding and ability to think strategically about the business as well as risk

  • Ability to develop high quality management information to support decision making

  • Self-starter, willing to be involved in the detail, whilst able to identify areas for improvement and implement new ideas

  • Confident communicator at every level, with strong inter-personal skills

  • Committed individual, displaying drive, ambition, and professionalism

  • Ability to work independently managing stakeholders internally and externally.

On Offer:

A competitive package is on offer, including private healthcare, free or discounted optical products and procedures including one off free laser eye surgery, free eye tests, £250 to use on prescription eyewear per year, 50% off sunglasses once a year and discounts on procedures and glasses for friends and family.

To Apply:

The recruitment for this position is being managed by advising consultants, Metier Peoples. In the first instance interested candidates should contact Amy Peoples: [email protected] or 07399 980 038.