An ambitious and growing professional services firm is seeking a highly experienced VAT Director to join its expanding Indirect Tax practice. This is a key leadership appointment within a well-established tax team that provides advisory and compliance services to a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial businesses, large corporates, international groups, not-for-profit organisations and privately owned companies.
The successful candidate will play a central role in driving the continued growth of the VAT offering, leading complex advisory projects, managing significant client relationships, developing junior team members and contributing to business development initiatives.
This opportunity would suit an established Director‑level professional or an ambitious Senior Manager ready to take the next step in their career.
The Opportunity
The Indirect Tax team is experiencing significant growth and has ambitious plans to expand over the coming years. As a senior member of the practice, you will work closely with partners and other tax specialists to develop the VAT service line, deliver exceptional client outcomes and identify opportunities for new business.
You will advise clients across a wide variety of sectors and transactions, including corporate restructurings, acquisitions, disposals, property matters, cross-border activities and complex technical VAT issues.
This role offers genuine career progression for individuals who can demonstrate strong technical expertise, commercial acumen and a passion for developing client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert VAT advisory services to a broad range of clients across multiple sectors.
- Act as a trusted adviser, helping clients navigate complex VAT legislation and minimise VAT risk.
- Conduct detailed technical research and deliver practical, commercially focused advice.
- Support clients with VAT planning, compliance and dispute resolution matters.
- Liaise directly with HMRC on technical queries, rulings, clearances, enquiries and disputes.
- Lead negotiations with HMRC where required.
- Obtain and assess specialist counsel opinions where appropriate.
- Prepare high-quality written reports, technical advice and client correspondence.
- Present complex VAT concepts clearly to non-tax specialists.
Transactional & Specialist Projects
Provide VAT input across a range of projects including:
- Corporate restructurings and demergers.
- Business acquisitions and disposals.
- Property and land transactions.
- Cross-border VAT matters.
- Insolvency and restructuring engagements.
- Audit support and specialist VAT reviews.
- VAT registrations and compliance reviews.
- Manage a substantial portfolio of VAT clients.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high technical standard.
- Monitor profitability and billing across client assignments.
- Build long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
- Actively identify opportunities for additional services and cross-selling initiatives.
Business Development
- Contribute to the continued growth of the VAT practice.
- Generate new advisory opportunities from existing client relationships and professional networks.
- Support tender submissions and proposals.
- Participate in marketing initiatives, events and technical thought leadership.
- Build and maintain strong referrer relationships.
- Coach, mentor and develop managers and junior team members.
- Provide technical guidance and support across the wider tax team.
- Conduct performance reviews and support career development discussions.
- Deliver internal and external VAT training sessions.
Candidate Profile
- Significant VAT advisory and compliance experience gained within a professional services or consulting environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation and practice.
- Experience managing complex VAT projects and client relationships.
- Proven ability to provide commercially focused advice.
- Experience dealing directly with HMRC on technical matters and disputes.
- Demonstrable success in business development and client growth.
- Sector specialism in areas such as financial services, insurance, property, healthcare, charities or international trade.
- Experience leading major VAT investigations or dispute resolution matters.
- Track record of developing and growing a VAT service offering.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Curious and inquisitive mindset.
- Ability to communicate complex technical matters in a clear and practical manner.
- Confidence when engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Collaborative and supportive leadership style.
- Proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- High levels of professionalism and integrity.
- A genuine desire to develop both clients and colleagues.
Qualifications
One or more of the following would be advantageous:
- CTA
- ACA / CA / ACCA or equivalent
- Law degree or legal qualification
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or related discipline
Relevant experience and technical capability will be considered as important as formal qualifications.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of a successful VAT practice.
- Exposure to complex, high-profile advisory projects.
- Diverse and interesting client portfolio.
- Clear pathway for career progression.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Strong commitment to professional development and technical excellence.
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