Tax VAT Specialist - Vice President (f/m/d)

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC Group) is one of Japan’s largest financial institutions and part of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. With a strong presence across Asia, the Americas, and 16 locations in EMEA, SMBC Group offers a comprehensive suite of services including corporate banking, investment banking, leasing, and asset management.

SMBC EU was established as SMBC Group’s strategic response to Brexit and has since experienced rapid growth, reflected in its expanding headcount, capital base, and profitability.

Tax Function at SMBC EU

SMBC EU operates in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment. As both regulatory requirements and business activities continue to grow, we are proactively strengthening our tax capabilities and processes to ensure timely and effective responses.

The SMBC EU Tax team plays a critical role in supporting both front-office and support functions by providing accurate and timely tax insights, ensuring compliance, and enabling operational efficiency. The team also supports SMBC’s Tokyo branch in Düsseldorf through an outsourcing agreement.

As SMBC EU expands its product offering, a stronger focus on value-added tax (VAT) will be essential. The tax team will play a key role in optimising the group’s VAT position by carefully evaluating relevant rules and opportunities.

Position Description

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor changes in German tax law and assess their impact on SMBC EU and SMBC Düsseldorf; implement necessary changes in collaboration with Finance teams.
• Design and support an effective New Product Process to ensure compliance with SMFG values, tax policies, and German tax law.
• Review new and existing products for tax implications and support their integration into business-as-usual processes.
• Assist the Head of Tax in preparing annual and monthly VAT returns for Germany’s VAT group (two legal entities).
• Review input VAT methodology and outgoing invoices to ensure VAT compliance and efficiency.
• Support the implementation of e-invoicing in Germany.
• Drive technology-based solutions to improve efficiency, including replacing EUC files with modern tools.
• Coordinate updates to tax policies and procedures and maintain documentation.
• Act as a trusted business partner, providing professional tax advice across front and back office teams.
• Maintain relationships with external advisors, fiscal authorities, industry bodies, and Tokyo Head Office.
• Collaborate closely with EMEA tax team to ensure regional alignment and transparent information flow.
• Identify and manage tax risks, ensuring appropriate communication to senior stakeholders.
• Participate in internal and external training to stay current on tax law and regulatory developments.

Candidate Requirements

• 6+ years of technical experience in German tax law, particularly VAT.
• Experience in international tax is a plus.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills in both German and English.
• Ability to manage tax-related projects and explain complex tax concepts to non-experts.
• Open to exploring new technologies and improving existing processes.
• Responsive and capable of handling tight deadlines and diverse technical issues.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!