BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American TobaccoUK has an exciting opportunity for aHead of Technical Customs& Excise in London
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role:
Technical portion of role:
- To set and maintain a robust group-wide framework of processes, controls and governance for customs and excise compliance.
Area lead portion of role:
- To ensure that the Indirect Tax in specified territories is managed in accordance with the Group Tax strategy and BAT Standards, reported fully and accurately in BAT accounts, and that risks and liabilities impacting the business are managed effectively.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Technical portion of role:
- Sustain a highly robust framework of indirect tax standards, guidelines, policies, controls and procedures to enable delivery of customs and excise compliance across the Group. This will be done through:
- Maintaining a precise understanding of business processes that are customs and excise ‘sensitive’
- Supervising developments in regulatory and policy landscape and critically and strategically analyse the potential impact for the Group. This will include keep updated publications and rulings from influential tax authorities and courts, and publications by bodies like the World Customs Organisation, the World Trade Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and by consultants specialising in these fields.
- Following from the above, develop mentorship to be rolled-out throughout the Group, for local implementation.
- Provide advice to other functions in the business when they prepare / update standards, guidelines, policies, controls and procedures that may have an impact on customs and excise compliance in the group (e.g. factory waste management standard, valuation of goods, etc.)
- Develop knowledge management processes and tools.
- Develop a strategy and plan to deliver training to relevant team members across functions impacted by indirect tax compliance and governance requirements.
Area lead portion of role:
- Lead the customs and excise affairs of the Area, which is made up of the following clusters / end markets: UK and Ireland.
- The above markets may include markets where BAT has ceased operations, but among ongoing tax matters. The above includes all aspects of BAT’s manufacturing, commercial and distribution operations, including factories, warehouses, commercial operations (distribution, retail), R&D / pilot plants, green leaf threshing.
- Support the Group Head of Indirect Tax to build and implement strategic and operating plans on these matters and opportunities and ensure alignment to the Group’s Tax Strategy & Management Guidelines, Excise Management Guidelines, and relevant policies and standards; in the assessment of technology requirements, including ERP capabilities, and with deployment solutions and tools
- Take the lead on customs and excise compliance and risk matters in the UK;
- Responsible for identifying law changes across the region (both local laws and regulations and international trade laws) and assessing the impact;
- Provide proactive support and advice to BAT businesses in the region. This includes supporting the development and roll out of New Categories business models, the strategic transformation of the BAT business, and advising the business on the risks, implications and compliance requirements of projects such as route-to-market optimisation, new product introductions, etc.
- Ensure delivery of all external customs and excise compliance matters. This includes ensuring that a framework of controls, processes and governance is in place and made sure such that BAT’s operations are conducted in compliance. This also includes oversight/monitoring classification, licensing, supporting documentation and records, filing returns/declarations and timely payment duties due (while improving cash flow efficiency);
- Internal review and audit of local departments on the execution of tax policies, guidelines and standards implementation;
- Get delivered internal reporting requirements to aid delivery of compliance with SOx (relevant market/s), and internal waste reporting requirements (factory markets);
- Ultimate managerial responsibility for all audits in the Area, with the support of cluster and end market direct reports. Lead audits directly for including the audit management strategy, relationship with the authorities and enquiries. Lead all significant / contentious audits and provide advice, oversight and support for routine authority enquiries/requests for information.
- This will involve working closely with the Area counterpart/s in Corporate Tax such that tax authority relationships are carefully managed. Where there are coordinated audits / audits that touch on both direct taxes as well as customs and excise, collaboration with the Corporate Tax function will be critical, and it may be that the Area Head of Corporate Tax leads the audit.
- Lead and report risks across the Area, highlighting where the business requires provisions for emerging issues; chair bi-annual Area Indirect Tax committees; strategic oversight and management of external advisors;
- Find opportunities and drive continuous improvement regarding management process and systems. Challenge the status quo;.
- Ensure effective development opportunities for team through on-the-job stretch and support, as well as timely feedback; ensure continued professional development by keeping up to date with tax law proposals and changes, and educating team and other BAT colleagues as vital; people development mentor across both direct and indirect reports.
What are we looking for?
- Skilled to read, understand and analyse technical material issued by tax authorities, courts, international organisations, and consultants!
- Excellent ability to distil technical material into simple, succinct summaries, analyses, explanations and instructions for senior leaders and junior process operators
- Excellent leadership and partner management capabilities;
- Ability to work effectively with members of other teams;
- Knowledge of / experience in effective management of third-party partners in the delivery of their services (e.g. third-party customs clearing agents/brokers, logistics partners, warehousing companies, etc. who handle BAT’s excise goods)
- Capacity to work under pressure and keep to tight deadlines;
- Assertiveness and drive;
- Excellent project- and time-management skills;
- Ability to balance tax technical and commercial priorities;
- Degree-educated with professional accountancy/legal and/or tax qualifications;
- Minimum of seven years’ tax experience in the ‘big 4’ accounting firms, other equivalent multi-national organisations, or customs and excise authority;
- Strong technical and accounting knowledge, understanding of manufacturing and supply chain environments;
- Experience of international tax issues and cross-border transactions;
- Experience of dealing with tax authorities, managing tax audits and defending tax positions;
- A detailed understanding and knowledge of relevant finance tools and systems.
- General knowledge of the SAP software package
What we offer you?
• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.
