Senior VAT Manager

Birmingham, Bristol or Exeter Hybrid and flexible Competitive salary + benefits

Most VAT roles in practice mean juggling indirect tax alongside a pile of compliance. This one doesn't. You'd be working purely on VAT advisory, with real ownership of how the service grows, inside one of the fastest-growing independent firms in the country.

The firm is open to experienced Senior Managers and to strong VAT Managers who are ready for the step up. Either way, there's a clear and genuine route to Director.

About the firm

An award-winning, top-tier independent firm with offices across the South West and the Midlands. It has doubled in size in recent years, is still growing at pace and has a reputation for treating its people properly. It's a certified Great Place to Work for the fourth year running, and the culture is ambitious without being cut-throat.

Clients range from owner-managed businesses and large corporates to international groups, schools, charities and public sector bodies, so the VAT work is anything but repetitive.

The role

You'll work alongside the VAT Partner and the wider tax leadership team to build out the VAT offering across the firm. Expect a mix of complex technical projects, client ownership and a visible role in winning new work.

• Advising UK and international clients on the VAT and wider indirect tax side of cross-border trade
• Helping education and public sector clients with VAT liability, recovery, partial exemption and business/non-business issues
• Working through the VAT on residential and commercial property deals and developments
• Supporting on M&A transactions and handling dealings with HMRC
• Owning client relationships, scoping proposals, running budgets and billing
• Raising your profile through articles, webinars and social media
• Getting involved in sector groups such as Manufacturing, Education and Real Estate
• Mentoring and developing junior members of the team

Who this will suit

• Solid VAT experience from practice or HMRC (CTA is a plus, not a must)
• A varied, multi-sector VAT portfolio and a track record of growing fees
• Examples of business development you've led yourself
• Experience of managing and developing people
• Some exposure to Customs Duty would be useful
• Someone who enjoys building relationships as much as solving technical problems

What's on offer

• A clear path to Director in a firm that is actively promoting from within
• Hybrid and flexible working, with part time and other arrangements genuinely considered
• 27 to 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays, and the office closes between Christmas and New Year
• Contributory pension, life assurance and critical illness cover
• Health cashback plan with 24/7 online GP and counselling access
• Perks platform, active social committees and plenty of development opportunities