Senior VAT Analyst

At Stryker, the Senior VAT Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring VAT compliance across a complex, multi-regional portfolio covering Europe, including Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

This individual will manage end-to-end VAT processes, including preparing returns, handling audits, and resolving queries from tax and statistical authorities. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with a process improvement mindset and experience with indirect tax technology, as the organization operates over 10 ERP systems and leverages various automation and data tools, including SQL, Alteryx, and RPAs, to drive efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

VAT Compliance and Reporting

• Prepare and file VAT returns accurately and on time for multiple countries within Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, utilizing a specialized indirect tax reporting tool.
• Support the AMS-based VAT team scope covering commercial and manufacturing entities in Europe, including Eastern Europe, Dubai, and South Africa, and provide support for VAT/GST matters in Canada, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico in coordination with a colleague in Costa Rica.
• Review and validate data covering more than 200,000 transactions per month from multiple ERPs to ensure alignment with VAT reporting requirements and support compliance in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments.
• Support the design and implementation process for new VAT registrations within the VAT compliance process.
• Analyze supply chain flows to identify VAT implications, ensuring proper treatment and documentation of transactions.
• Conduct thorough VAT GL reconciliations, ensuring all aged items are addressed promptly and in line with company policy and regional tax regulations.

Process Improvement and Technology Utilization

• Identify and implement process improvements in VAT workflows, leveraging SQL, Alteryx, and RPA technologies to automate and streamline reporting and data reconciliation.
• Collaborate with IT and tax technology teams to enhance existing systems, ensuring indirect tax data quality and accessibility across multiple ERP platforms.
• Manage a portfolio that may consist of up to 10 ERPs, providing input and support for new ERP implementations as the organization strives to consolidate its ERP footprint.
• Proactively seek opportunities to enhance reporting accuracy, reduce manual workload, and improve workflow efficiency.

Audit and Query Management

• Manage responses to audits, inquiries, and data requests from tax and statistical authorities, maintaining a clear, well-documented trail for all transactions and supporting information.
• Act as a primary contact with external and internal stakeholders during audit processes, providing accurate, compliant data and addressing queries efficiently.
• Ensure audit readiness by developing and maintaining organized records and supporting documentation for all VAT submissions.

Cross-Functional Support and Guidance

• Provide VAT guidance and technical support to other team members and colleagues within the shared service center, promoting knowledge-sharing and alignment on best practices.
• Work closely with supply chain, procurement, and finance teams to ensure correct reporting transactions and right-first-time returns.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in finance, IT, and other areas to address and resolve VAT-related issues and implement tax process improvements across the organization.
• Stay current with regional VAT changes and emerging trends to anticipate and address potential impacts on reporting and compliance requirements.

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in VAT compliance, ideally within a multinational environment covering diverse regions such as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in VAT reporting tools, with experience in SQL, Alteryx, and RPA tools to support data workflows.
• Audit Experience: Demonstrated experience managing VAT audits and responding to queries from tax authorities.
• Analytical and Process Improvement Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify, design, and implement process improvements for VAT compliance and reporting.

Skills and Attributes

• Attention to Detail: Precision in VAT reporting and reconciliation to ensure compliance and data accuracy across multiple jurisdictions.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfort with indirect tax technology and automation tools, with a proactive approach to using technology for process improvement.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing audits, handling queries, and providing guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset with a commitment to supporting team success and sharing knowledge within the shared service center.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple deadlines, audits, and cross-functional collaborations effectively.

Preferred

• Professional tax qualifications, such as CTA.
• Experience with multiple ERPs is highly desirable.