VAT Manager

VAT Manager – Job Description We are seeking an ambitious and confident VAT Manager to join a growing VAT team within a leading UK accountancy and advisory environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced VAT professional to work with a broad and varied client portfolio across sectors including insurance, financial services, fintech, crypto, property, and retail. The Role The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality VAT advisory and compliance services to clients, supporting Directors and Partners, and contributing to the continued growth of the VAT practice. The role can be based from London, Leeds, or Manchester, with hybrid working available. Key ResponsibilitiesClient Service & Advisory

Manage a portfolio of VAT clients across a range of sectors, delivering responsive and commercially focused advice.

Build and maintain strong client relationships, becoming a trusted adviser on VAT matters.

Provide advice on complex VAT issues, including international expansion, new income streams, HMRC disputes, restructuring, acquisitions, and disposals.

Identify opportunities to convert day-to-day VAT queries into profitable advisory projects.

Review complex VAT returns, including partly exempt businesses and non-resident landlords.

Portfolio & Financial Management

Manage work-in-progress (WIP) and billing for assigned clients, ensuring strong recovery rates and commercial fee proposals.

Review work electronically with minimal Partner or Director input, ensuring a high standard of accuracy and presentation.

Team & Business Development

Support Directors and Partners with tender proposals and business development activities.

Proactively identify and generate new client opportunities and advisory projects.

Provide specialist VAT input into audit and due diligence assignments.

Deliver training and technical support to colleagues on VAT matters.

Potentially manage and mentor one or more direct reports, including performance reviews and development support.

Skills & Experience Required

Proven experience in VAT advisory work within practice.

Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT principles and legislation.

Experience managing a client portfolio profitably and independently.

Ability to explain complex VAT issues clearly to non-specialists.

Strong report-writing skills, including drafting clear, precise, and commercially focused VAT advice.

Excellent attention to detail when reviewing contracts, VAT legislation, case law, and HMRC guidance.

Strong Microsoft Word skills; Excel and PowerPoint skills are advantageous.

Personal Attributes The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

A proactive, positive, and solutions-focused approach.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

A collaborative mindset and willingness to support colleagues and clients.

Analytical thinking, curiosity, and a genuine interest in solving complex problems.

Calmness under pressure and a professional, client-focused attitude.

Qualifications The following qualifications are desirable but not essential:

ACA / CA / CTA or equivalent professional qualification.

Career Development This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing VAT function with genuine scope for career progression. The organisation is committed to supporting professional development through internal and external training, technical updates, and mentoring opportunities. Location & Working Pattern

Locations: London (Canary Wharf), Leeds (city centre), or Manchester (city centre)

Working pattern: Hybrid working available

Job type: Full-time, permanent