VAT Manager

VAT Manager
Edinburgh or Glasgow
Salary: Dependent on Experience

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading accountancy and business advisory firm seeking an experienced VAT Manager to join their growing team in Edinburgh or Glasgow. This is an excellent opportunity to manage a varied client portfolio, deliver specialist VAT advice, develop client relationships and contribute to team leadership and business growth within an established national practice.

The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and delivering VAT services across a diverse client portfolio, ensuring work is completed accurately, efficiently and within agreed budgets. Working closely with Partners, Directors and colleagues across the firm, the role will involve providing technical VAT advice, identifying planning opportunities and developing strong client relationships.

Key responsibilities include:
Managing a portfolio of VAT clients and overseeing the delivery of VAT services.
Reviewing and preparing VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Identifying VAT planning opportunities and providing specialist technical advice.
Undertaking complex indirect tax assignments and advisory projects.
Acting as the main point of contact for client VAT queries.
Building and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships.
Managing VAT assignments to ensure work is delivered to a high standard and within agreed budgets.
Working closely with Partners, Directors and other senior stakeholders.
Supporting the preparation of proposals and identifying opportunities to win new business.
Participating in client meetings and developing prospective client relationships.
Collaborating with other service lines to identify cross-selling and business development opportunities.
Supporting, mentoring and developing team members.
Maintaining and developing technical VAT knowledge through ongoing professional development.

The successful candidate will ideally have:
Proven experience in VAT or indirect tax, ideally gained within an accountancy practice or professional services environment.
CTA or ATII qualification, or equivalent, preferably alongside ACA or ACCA.
Strong technical knowledge of VAT legislation, compliance and advisory work.
Experience managing a portfolio of clients and handling client relationships independently.
Experience managing multiple assignments and delivering high-quality work within budget.
Strong organisational and project management skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Experience supporting, mentoring or managing junior team members.
A commercial mindset and an interest in identifying business development opportunities.
The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different service lines.

The client is particularly looking for someone who:
1. Has strong technical VAT knowledge and experience delivering indirect tax services.
2. Can independently manage client relationships and oversee a varied portfolio of work.
3. Is confident identifying VAT planning opportunities and providing practical, commercially focused advice.
4. Has the ability to support and develop junior colleagues while contributing to the wider team.
5. Is commercially minded and keen to contribute to business growth and new client opportunities.

Working Pattern and Benefits
Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Hybrid working.
27 days' annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days.
Individual healthcare cover.
Access to lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
Financial wellbeing benefits, including financial tools and an electric car scheme.
Access to a virtual GP.
Extensive learning and development opportunities, including over 300 on-demand courses.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious VAT professional looking to progress within a growing national tax practice, with exposure to a diverse client base, complex technical assignments and opportunities to contribute to the development of the regional VAT offering.

If you would like to find out more about this role, or discuss other opportunities I am currently recruiting for, please get in touch: (url removed)

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