Assistant Accountant, Indirect tax

Please note that this role is based in the United Kingdom. To enable us to meet the statutory and regulatory obligations of the United Kingdom immigration system, you must have the appropriate immigration permission needed to work and reside in the United Kingdom for the duration of the employment.

As the Assistant Accountant for our Global Finance Operations (GFO), you will play an important role in supporting the indirect tax function: primarily (but not limited to) EMEA indirect tax compliance, related submissions, internal as well as external related queries and supporting global process improvements.

The role will work closely with the Stat & Tax (“S&T”) GFO Senior VAT Analyst and the S&T GFO VAT Manager in delivering quality and complying with the performance standards of General Accounting and Control to support Global Finance teams and the Stat & Tax GFO internationally with relevant and timely information.

What you'll do:

Responsibility for Indirect Tax

Support the S&T GFO Senior VAT Analyst and the S&T GFO VAT Manager and work closely with 3rd party providers, in co-ordinating primarily (but not limited to) EMEA Indirect Tax operations, ensuring timely and accurate reporting. Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare and assist with EMEA indirect tax returns
• Review invoices and financial records to ensure VAT compliance
• Calculate VAT liabilities and reconcile VAT accounts
• Maintain accurate tax records and supporting documentation
• Co-ordinate VAT return approvals and respective VAT payments/receipt of VAT refunds
• Monitor filing deadlines and ensure timely submissions of indirect tax returns
• Review trends in VAT payment and refund positions, identifying and escalating unexpected variances
• Support responses to tax authorities and internal departments regarding VAT/audit queries
• Maintain and update manuals, process documentation and trackers relevant to indirect tax activities
• Research VAT legislation and assist with advisory projects
• Liaise with Global Finance teams and third-party service providers as required
• Support S&T GFO Senior VAT Analyst and VAT Manager with VAT compliance, training materials, analysis/compiling of data and invoices
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Support the GFO S&T team on business projects; support the identification and implementation of process improvements and new technologies; identify VAT savings/opportunities, exposures and risks
• Ensure VAT compliance documentation, process notes and manuals are maintained and kept up to date.
• Assist the S&T GFO Senior VAT Analyst and the S&T GFO VAT Manager on continuous improvement within the business
• Stay up to date on VAT updates and attend conferences, as required.

What you have:

Qualifications & Experience

• We welcome applications from graduates with a relevant degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Study support may also be available for professional qualifications, including AAT, ATT and/or CTA.
• Part-qualified Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) qualification preferred.
• Experience working within a professional corporate environment.
• Experience maintaining, documenting, and overseeing financial controls and control frameworks.
• Experience supporting or delivering Finance and Accounting projects and programmes.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Strong ability to understand and interpret financial information.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Finance, Operations, and other business functions.
• Excellent written and verbal business English, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and within an international, dynamic, and evolving environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while delivering to tight deadlines.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently using sound judgement and initiative.
• Collaborative team player who is willing to contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities when required.
• Adaptable and flexible regarding responsibilities, scope, working hours, and business travel requirements.
• Demonstrates a change-oriented mindset and the ability to support and drive continuous improvement.
• Open to adopting and integrating new technologies and tools into day-to-day activities.
• Additional language skills are advantageous but not essential.

How we take care of you:

• Competitive salary, with annual bonus eligibility.
• A choice of comprehensive health plan options that fit your lifestyle, including private medical insurance.
• Rest and recharge during a week off during the winter holidays, in addition to the 25 days of paid annual leave.
• Participate in extensive learning & development opportunities at all levels, including curated instructor-led classes and high-impact online resources.
• Build your community by joining our Employee Business Resource Groups, and/or Sony Pictures Action – our racial equity and inclusion strategy.
• Access to an employee online store filled with a variety of discounted Sony products.
• Watch the newest movies and TV shows at our exclusive employee screenings at work.
• Entitlement to apply for an interest-free season ticket loan.
• Automatic enrolment in the Company’s Pension Plan
• Free counselling and advisory service.
• You will be automatically enrolled in the Company’s Life Insurance and Group Income Protection Plans, subject to any applicable service requirements.
• The opportunity to attend various social events in our state-of-the-art offices in Paddington.
• In addition to the above, we have a range of other optional discounted benefits that are reviewed regularly (e.g., gym memberships, travel insurance, activity passes, car leasing, experience days and many more!)

If you require any reasonable adjustments with any part of the recruitment process, including the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected](opens in new window). Please put Reasonable Adjustment Request in the subject line of the email.

Sony Pictures does not allow audio recording, video recording or use of AI note-taking tools during interviews. Candidates requiring these tools as an accommodation during an interview should submit a reasonable adjustment request at the point they are invited to interview.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is committed to equal opportunity in all its employment practices, policies and procedures. No worker or potential worker will therefore receive less favourable treatment due to their race, age, creed, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, gender, marital status or Trade Union membership (if applicable).

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