Open to opportunities

Luana Geme

@luanageme

Message

I am an experienced financial accountant specializing in VAT, compliance, and property finance.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a senior finance role focused on VAT and tax compliance within collaborative teams, leading process improvements, ERP projects, and delivering accurate reporting and controls.

I am a seasoned financial accountant and VAT specialist with extensive experience across public and private sectors, including Manchester City Council and multiple property firms. I have led VAT strategy, prepared accurate VAT returns in compliance with HMRC and partial exemption rules, managed VAT audits, and provided strategic advice on land, property and capital projects.

I deliver robust financial controls, month-end and year-end processes, budgeting, cashflow forecasting, ERP implementations and payroll oversight using SAP, Oracle and Sage 50. I focus on simplifying complex tax issues, improving procedures to reduce risk, and leading teams to meet commercial and regulatory objectives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Principle VAT Manager

Manchester City Council

Nov 2024 - Apr 2025 (5 months)

Advised on and managed VAT and non-payroll taxation for MCC, GMCA and partners, leading the VAT De Minimis exercise and option-to-tax processes. Developed VAT procedures, ensured compliance with VAT Act 1994 and HMRC requirements, and managed audits to minimise tax liability and financial risk.

Tax Planning Partial Exemption VAT Returns VAT Legislation

PL Infrastructure Management Accountant

PL Infrastructure

Jul 2024 - Oct 2024 (3 months)

Implemented finance processes and financial models, managed monthly and year-end close, and acted as first point of contact for the accounting firm. Led payroll, VAT and HMRC processes, produced cashflow forecasts and supported working capital management.

Financial Modelling Month End Close Payroll VAT Returns Cash Flow Forecasting Working Capital Financial Reporting Stakeholder Management

Financial Accountant

Roseland Property Capital

Jun 2023 - Jul 2024 (1 year 1 month)

Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts, managed payroll and a portfolio of property accounts, and supported statutory year-end and audit processes. Led ERP improvements, VAT returns and balance sheet reconciliations to improve reporting accuracy.

Management Accounting VAT Returns Account Reconciliation ERP Implementation Property Accounting Audit Support

Assistant Management Accountant

MCR Property

Jun 2022 - Jun 2023 (1 year)

Prepared management accounts and provided financial analysis and support to project and site teams while managing a portfolio of property accounts and budgets. Performed VAT returns, daily bank reconciliations and balance sheet analysis to support year-end processes.

Management Accounting Property Accounting VAT Returns Bank Reconciliation Financial Reconciliations Budgeting Financial Analysis Reporting

Financial Analyst

Greenergy

Apr 2021 - Jun 2022 (1 year 2 months)

Managed bank facility reconciliations, Esso card balance sheet and monthly P&L analysis to meet group reporting deadlines and supported statutory accounts. Built stakeholder relationships, handled accounts payable/receivable and improved credit control and debt collection processes.

Bank Reconciliation Credit Control Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Reporting Stakeholder Management

Assistant Management Accountant

Euro Garage

Jan 2019 - Apr 2021 (2 years 3 months)

Prepared monthly and year-end management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and payroll, producing regular financial reports to support decision-making. Managed VAT reporting, cashbook and bank reconciliations and contributed to finance process improvements and migrations.

Cash Book Management Accounting Reconciliations Payroll VAT Returns General Ledger Cashbook Financial Reporting

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Università degli Studi di Bari 'Aldo Moro'

Master's degree in Business Strategies and Management, Business Strategies and Management

2013 - 2015

Grade: 106/110

Master's degree in Business Strategies and Management covering accounting, finance and international management; completed 2013–2015 with grade 106/110.