Sobia Ali

ACA-qualified indirect tax professional with 11+ years of experience across HMRC and Big Four environments, specialising in VAT governance, compliance risk, systems and controls, tax technology and operating model transformation. Currently leading HMRC's national VAT Systems & Processes strategy for Large Business, shaping the approach to VAT governance, systems risk, controls assessment and technology-enabled compliance across some of the UK's largest and most complex organisations. Recognised for combining deep technical VAT expertise with strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and process transformation.

Experienced in working with multinational businesses, Big Four firms and tax technology providers to improve compliance outcomes, deliver gap assessments, strengthen governance frameworks and support digital tax initiatives.

VAT Systems & Processes Lead (Large Business) - HM Revenue & Customs

(2022-01)

• Lead HMRC's national strategy for VAT Systems & Processes across the Large Business population.
• Provide specialist leadership on VAT governance, systems controls, process risk and technology-enabled compliance.
• Responsible for VAT yield generated through systems and processes interventions within the Large Business customer base.
• Advise senior stakeholders on VAT control frameworks, operating models and compliance risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with Big Four firms, multinational businesses and VAT software providers to assess emerging technologies, market developments and compliance solutions.
• Designed and implemented a regional specialist network model to increase national capability in VAT systems, governance and controls.
• Develop and deliver national training programmes on tax governance, process risk and systems assurance.
• Key contributor to HMRC's VAT Guidelines for Compliance Controls, helping shape best practice for businesses and compliance teams.
• Supported development of compliance tooling, guidance and targeted interventions that improved risk identification and compliance outcomes.

Senior Indirect Tax Advisor - EY

(2017-01 - 2022-12)

• Managed delivery of global VAT compliance programmes for multinational organisations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Led implementation and deployment of VAT technology solutions, including requirements gathering, process mapping, testing and stakeholder management.
• Delivered Making Tax Digital readiness reviews, controls assessments and process gap analyses for a wide range of clients.
• Supported ERP-enabled compliance transformation initiatives to improve VAT governance, reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Provided VAT advisory services across multiple sectors while managing project delivery, budgets and junior team development.
• Contributed to EY's internal VAT technology initiatives and compliance platform development.

AAT Level 2 Tutor - Leeds City College

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

Finance Assistant (Purchase Ledger) - Unipol Student Homes

(2015-01 - 2017-12)

Finance Assistant - Oakbank School

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

ACA Qualified - ICAEW (2022-01)

CTA - Domestic VAT Paper (2021-01)

AAT Qualified (2016-01)