VAT Manager EMEA, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
London, England, gb
Amazon is seeking a Indirect Tax Manager to join the EMEA Tax Department based in London or in Luxembourg to support the Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) cloud computing business, focusing on VAT advisory.
AWS offers a broad set of global cloud-based products including compute, storage, databases, analytics, networking, mobile, developer tools, management tools, Internet of Things, security and enterprise applications. These services help organizations move faster, lower IT costs, and scale. AWS is trusted by the largest enterprises and the hottest start-ups to power a wide variety of workloads including: web and mobile applications, game development, data processing and warehousing, storage, archive, and many others. AWS’ product page can be found here:
In addition, AWS offers a variety of support services to help customers in deploying AWS services, as well as a comprehensive training and certification program. Finally, AWS also offers a Marketplace, enabling customers to locate, buy and immediately use digital products sold by third-party sellers.
The ideal candidate will be able to work with a high level of collegiality and independence, supporting AWS as it expands in EMEA and an increasing number of countries introduce legislation to bring within the scope of VAT supplies of “Electronically Supplied Services” or “Digital Services” rendered by non-residents.
Advising the AWS business will allow the candidate to be exposed to many jurisdictions in EMEA, as well as a variety of topics, including ESS, telecommunications, training, movements of goods, due diligence relating to acquisitions, launch of new products, etc. There will also be scope for dealing with local tax authorities through “horizontal monitoring” relationships, ad-hoc enquiries and during audits. The AWS Tax Team also works closely with tax authorities by participating to public consultations and workshops about new laws.
This role can be filled in London or Luxembourg.
Key job responsibilities
The role is to provide Indirect Tax support to the AWS Business Unit in EMEA. This includes primarily the AWS branded services (Cloud + Marketplace – www.aws.amazon.com). It also covers other entities within the “AWS Group”, such as Elemental, Mechanical Turk and Thinkbox.
The role will not focus solely on products / services sold by AWS and associated entities. We also advise on billing systems and supply chains, especially in relation to the AWS infrastructure ( which forms the back-bone of the business – this includes the Data Centers and Points of Presence (known as “PoP”) Sites in EMEA ( as well as the sustainability effort (
The role involves:
1)Providing advice on new ventures and new products
2)Driving the tax requirements for AWS’ geographic expansion
3)Helping the business find new solutions to problems raised / pain points by customers
4)Pro-actively communicating to business changes in law or new opportunities
5)Considering all aspects of business: Pricing, User Interface, Billing, Communication, FAQs, etc.
The role is 100% advisory: there is no compliance. However, we work closely with our compliance colleagues to help them with certain administrative tasks (eg tax registrations and high level review of tax returns), relationship with Tax Authorities, Management of Audits, internal reviews, process improvements, and training.
About the team
The role is a Level 6 to join the AWS EMEA Indirect Tax Team, a team of 7 people, based in London and Luxembourg. We are part of the wider AWS EMEA Tax Team (approx. 15).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or alternative relevant business qualifications (eg Chartered Tax Adviser, ACCA, CIMA, etc.) or relevant experience / qualification with Tax Authorities- Demonstrable experience in indirect tax, preferably in the EU (experience gained in advisory, rather than compliance)
- Experience gained working in a business involved in multinational activities (ie not just domestic) within an indirect tax function; or a legal or accountancy firm; or tax authorities with exposure to multinational taxpayers / cross-border transactions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand processes and systems- Excellent knowledge of VAT legislation in at least 1 EU country
- Ability to deal with ambiguity and manage changing priorities
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of management
- Ability to work independently with limited general supervision, effectively prioritizing competing demands in a fast-paced environment