VAT Manager (m/f/d)

Overview

Bruker is enabling scientists and engineers to make breakthrough post-genomic discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high performance scientific instruments and high value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular, and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, improved productivity, and customer success in post-genomic life science molecular and cell biology research, in applied and biopharma applications, in microscopy, as well as in industrial and cleantech research, and semiconductor metrology in support of AI. Bruker offers differentiated, high-value life science and diagnostics systems and solutions in preclinical imaging, proteomics and multiomics, spatial and single-cell biology, structural and condensate biology, as well as in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics.

For more information, please visit www.bruker.com.

We are currently offering a new opportunity for VAT Manager at the Bruker Global Business Services Center located in the very heart of Warsaw, Poland. Fueled by a talented and dedicated workforce, GBS provides a broad range of business services for Bruker Corporation, including Finance, Human Resources, IT and Customer Services in Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and the Americas regions. Consider expanding your capabilities with Bruker and become an integral part of a continuously growing and dynamic team that delivers sustainable value for Bruker entities across the world.

The VAT Manager is responsible for ensuring VAT compliance in a range of legal entities across EMEA. They will work closely with the Business Group Finance teams, Global Tax team as well as the General Ledger Accounting team located in the Bruker Business Services Center in Warsaw to define processing guidelines, train the Accounting and Sales teams on applicable regulations and perform quality controls of VAT declarations.

Supported by external advisors, the VAT Manager will track changes in rules and regulations and decide on how to implement them at Bruker.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Operations Management

• Lead and oversee day-to-day VAT Compliance operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of all VAT-related activities across assigned jurisdictions.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, review, and submission of VAT returns, EC Sales Lists, Intrastat declarations, SAF-T filings, and other indirect tax compliance obligations, where applicable.
• Monitor compliance calendars and filing deadlines to ensure full adherence to statutory requirements.
• Oversee VAT account reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Ensure VAT postings and tax reporting are accurate, complete, and compliant with local legislation and company policies.
• Supervise VAT determination processes and ensure accurate tax treatment of business transactions.
• Support the implementation of new VAT regulations, system enhancements, and tax process improvements.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation remain current and reflect legislative and system changes.
• Support Internal Controls (SOX) related to indirect tax and ensure timely remediation of identified deficiencies.
• Participate in transition and transformation projects impacting VAT Compliance activities.

Reporting and Analysis

• Monitor VAT Compliance KPIs and ensure service delivery targets are achieved.
• Prepare regular operational reports and performance updates for the direct Manager.
• Analyze VAT balances, compliance metrics, filing performance, and process effectiveness.
• Identify trends, recurring issues, and risks, proposing corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide VAT compliance insights and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve VAT Compliance processes through standardization, automation, and simplification.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Support implementation of tax technologies, ERP enhancements, VAT engines, and workflow automation.
• Promote best practices across the VAT Compliance function.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and operational excellence.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with Local Finance and Sales Teams, Tax, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Internal Controls, Statutory Reporting & Compliance, FP&A, External Advisors, and Tax Authorities where applicable.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex VAT issues.
• Support internal and external audits by providing VAT documentation, reconciliations, and technical explanations.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to ensure VAT risks are identified and mitigated.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings related to tax compliance, process improvements, & business initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable VAT legislation, internal accounting policies, and company procedures.
• Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on existing processes.
• Coordinate implementation of new VAT requirements across supported entities.
• Ensure effective execution of VAT-related internal controls and compliance monitoring.
• Manage tax authority audits, VAT queries, and compliance reviews.
• Identify compliance risks and implement appropriate mitigation actions.
• Ensure high-quality VAT master data and support data governance initiatives.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop the VAT Compliance team to achieve operational excellence.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and development discussions.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning within the team.
• Develop VAT technical expertise across the team through continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure effective workload balancing and resource planning during filing periods and month-end close.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused team culture.

Strategic Leadership & Performance Culture

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive ownership of KPIs and operational objectives through regular performance monitoring.
• Support strategic initiatives related to indirect tax transformation, digitalization, and process optimization.
• Partner with leadership to define and implement the VAT Compliance roadmap.
• Encourage innovation, knowledge sharing, and proactive problem-solving across the organization.
• Operates with a high standard of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Tax.
• At least 10 years of recent work experience in VAT, including VAT compliance, reporting, and preparation of VAT returns.
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience in a Manager or Team Leader role, preferably within a shared service center (SSC/BSC) or multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of VAT legislation and extensive experience in VAT compliance, particularly with German VAT regulations; experience with other EMEA jurisdictions would be a strong advantage.
• Very good command of English (minimum B2 level); German would be a strong advantage.
• Experience in monitoring VAT legislation changes and using various tax information sources, with the ability to build effective relationships with external tax advisors and local finance teams.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to challenge the status quo while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex tax matters in a clear and practical way.
• Experience working with SAP/S4HANA or other ERP systems; SAP/S4HANA experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing business needs.
• Proven experience leading VAT compliance projects and driving process improvements.
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors and tax authorities.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across Finance, Tax, Legal, and Business functions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Experience working in an international, matrix organizations

Bruker BSC offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package, work in an international and dynamic environment, stable and long-term cooperation and the office in the heart of Warsaw.

We Offer:

• Flexible working arrangements and one additional company day off (December 31st)
• Professional development opportunities: on-site training, LinkedIn learning, language courses, and educational assistance program
• Comprehensive benefits package: Multisport options, Cafeteria Plan
• Financial benefits such as referral bonuses and seniority rewards
• Health and wellness benefits: medical care (including dental plan), Group life insurance
• Inclusive workplace culture promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Access to legal, financial, and psychological support services
• Modern office space in central Warsaw with panoramic city views
• Join our team and contribute to the financial success of our organization while advancing your career in a supportive and professional environment.

Bruker is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants based on their skills, experience, and qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.