SHARMILA KUMAR

• Managed over 10 projects and clients with diverse VAT reporting requirements across the EMEA region, ensuring end-to-end VAT compliance with local regulations and deadlines.
• Led a team of 30+ professionals, maintaining workflow efficiency, addressing escalations, and promoting team engagement in a fast-paced environment.
• Coordinated and executed onboarding initiatives by analyzing client data, conducting parallel runs to validate tool outputs against filed returns, and ensuring all filing elements (POAs, e-filings) were accurately completed.
• Collaborated with Alteryx consultants to implement process improvements and data solutions for clients.
• Managed client billing processes and worked with client administrators to ensure timely and accurate invoicing.
• Reviewed time reports on open billable hours to assess processes and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Handled client queries, provided technical guidance on VAT matters, and coordinated with tax authorities to resolve compliance issues.
• Monitored regulatory updates across European jurisdictions and adapted compliance processes to meet new requirements.
• Communicated regularly with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, and external stakeholders, such as clients, to provide updates and action plans for issue resolution.
• Collaborated with clients’ legal, finance, and tax teams to address complex VAT issues and deliver effective solutions.
• Participated in recruitment activities, including screening candidate profiles and conducting interviews.
• Mentored and coached team members, supporting their professional growth and development. Led a Coaching Improvement Initiative using the GROW method to enhance coaching skills for new and experienced team members.

Core Tax Team Assistant Manager / Lead Approver
November 2019 – May 2022

• Oversaw all aspects of tax compliance, strategy, and advisory services within functional outsourcing for a diverse client portfolio.
• Specialized in process optimization to improve efficiency and accuracy in tax compliance operations.
• Assessed and filed 8th Directive VAT claims by reviewing submissions for regulatory adherence, accuracy, and internal policy compliance, ensuring timely and precise processing.

Data Analysis and Automation Team Lead / Assistant Manager
November 2017 – October 2019

• Led a team of 20+ members in data analysis and automation, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Managed daily tasks and staffing operations, serving as the main escalation point for tax teams, project managers, and partners to ensure efficient issue resolution and client satisfaction.
• Planned and executed training programs for new hires and existing team members, focusing on compliance procedures and internal tools.
• Led reporting calls on key performance indicators (KPIs) to operations management and senior leadership, providing actionable insights and supporting continuous improvement.
• Evaluated and implemented standardized operational procedures and filing manuals, optimizing processes and creating a centralized knowledge database.
• Conducted a 3-week onshore visit to Brussels to gain insights into transition management, gather feedback, and enhance cross-office collaboration and operational processes.

• Involved in reviewing client data using VAT expertise & experience to analyze and process information related to VAT returns towards the tax authorities.
• Coordinating client engagements as the primary contact for VAT Controllers, managing transitions for new entities, participating in hiring processes, and providing VAT training.
• Responsibilities included leading client engagements, overseeing task assignments, supporting team members, mentoring, and drafting internal newsletters containing tax updates for global circulation across various regions.

• Managed comprehensive preparation, review and approval of VAT returns and associated obligations, VAT registrations & de-registrations ensuring adherence to regulations. Spearheaded the preparation of VAT books and played a pivotal role in navigating VAT audits by various tax authorities.
• Collaborated with clients and tax authorities to swiftly resolve complexities during return processing, demonstrating proactive issue resolution and strong communication skills.