At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead VAT advisory projects and build strong client relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing accountancy firms with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 27 days holiday, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in VAT from an accountancy practice or HMRC, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Following our continued growth across the business, we're looking for an experienced VAT professional to play a leading role in shaping and expanding our VAT offering, supported by our outstanding VAT team across the firm. We're open to applications from both experienced VAT Managers and ambitious VAT Assistant Managers ready to take the next step in their career. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership, drive business development activity, build long-term client relationships and make a visible impact within one of the UK's fastest-growing accountancy firms.
As a certified Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year, we offer a clear pathway for progression, genuine flexibility, and a culture that empowers our people to thrive both professionally and personally. Working exclusively in VAT advisory, you'll support a varied client base spanning corporates, international businesses, educational institutions, charities and public sector organisations with complex technical projects including property VAT, partial exemption, cross-border issues, M&A transactions and dealings with HMRC. You'll enjoy the autonomy to develop your specialisms alongside a clear route for future progression.
You will also work closely with our VAT Partner and VAT Advisory Team to support the continued growth of our VAT service line, including developing client relationships, identifying business development opportunities and mentoring junior team members.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising UK and international clients on VAT and other indirect tax implications of international trade
- Advising education and public sector clients on VAT liability of income and VAT recovery including partial exemption and business/non-business
- Analysing the VAT implications of residential and commercial property transactions and developments
- Managing client relationships and expectations
- Scoping project proposals, monitoring budgets and billing
- Communicating key VAT developments internally and externally with articles, webinars and social media
- Contributing to business development activities and becoming actively involved in our key sector groups such as Manufacturing, Education and Real Estate.
What we are looking for:
- VAT experience gained from either an accountancy practice or HMRC environment.
- Experience of managing a diverse portfolio of VAT clients across multiple sectors with a proven track record of growing fee revenues.
- Some experience of advising on Customs Duty considerations alongside VAT would be beneficial.
- Examples of successful business development activity you have led.
- People management experience.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to build rapport with people at all levels.
- A strong desire to contribute to the overall success of Bishop Fleming.
We are an award-winning certified Great Place to Work provider of Audit, Accountancy, Tax and Advisory services in the South West and West Midlands, with a turnover of 50m plus. Having won best regional tax team in the Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2025, we were a finalist in two categories this year.
We are investing heavily in Tax team growth having recently promoted two partners, three Directors and two senior managers from within demonstrating our commitment to growing our people as well as bringing fresh ideas and talent into the team from outside.
From owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and large businesses; to entrepreneurs and private individuals; we offer full services across a diverse range of sectors. With 9 offices, 60 partners, and over 500 people, we have the capability and capacity to meet our clients’ needs.
We are also a correspondent firm of Kreston Global, a global network of accounting firms in more than 100 countries.
We also offer a multifaceted benefits package, which includes:
- Up to 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Extra time off at Christmas - in addition to your annual leave entitlement, we close between Christmas and New Year
- Hybrid and flexible working
- A contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Critical illness cover
- Simply Health cashback plan including access to 24/7 online GP service and counselling services
- Perkbox discounts and rewards platform with over 4,000 perks and discounts
- Social events with active social committees that plan internal and external events
- Numerous opportunities for development
Please contact Grace Harris, Talent Acquisition Advisor if you would like to discuss this opportunity further. We welcome applicants seeking flexible working arrangements, including part‑time working or working from home, to support responsibilities such as caring commitments, further study, or interests outside of work.
We are committed to welcoming new people into an inclusive working environment, where everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We support a culture where people are valued and treated with respect, and where differences are understood and celebrated. The more varied our workforce, the broader the expertise within our business. The broader our expertise, the greater our chances of innovation and success. That's why we're committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at every level.
As part of our recruitment process and commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, we conduct background checks on all successful applicants. These checks will include verification of references, confirmation of right to work in the UK, and, where applicable, a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Further details will be provided during the recruitment process.
We do not currently offer visa sponsorship. To be eligible for this role, applicants must have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK.
For agencies: Please note that we do not accept unsolicited CVs. Submissions will only be reviewed where a role has been briefed by our Talent Acquisition team.
Summary Location: Bristol; Birmingham; Exeter; Plymouth Type: Full time
VAT Manager in Bristol employer: Bishop Fleming
Bishop Fleming is an award-winning accountancy firm that stands out as a fantastic employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a clear pathway for progression to Director, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and health support, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Located in the South West and West Midlands, our firm fosters an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, making it an ideal place for ambitious VAT professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT Manager in Bristol
✨Join Tax Networks
Get involved in tax-focused networks or associations, like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. These communities often host events and workshops which can help you make connections with industry professionals, plus they might even have job boards exclusive to members.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for tax-related conferences and seminars. Events like these are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers face-to-face. Use these opportunities to ask questions and express your interest; it’s all about putting a face to the name!
✨Leverage Social Media
Follow leading tax advisory firms, such as Bishop Fleming, on social media. Engage with their posts – comment, share insights, or even ask questions. This can help you get noticed and show your enthusiasm for the industry before you even apply!
✨Showcase Your Knowledge
Consider writing articles or blogs on tax trends and issues. Sharing your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn can boost your visibility and establish you as someone who is serious about a career in tax advisory. Plus, it gives you something to discuss when you land that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace VAT Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant tax qualifications, certifications, or coursework you've completed. We want to see that you understand tax laws, regulations, and compliance issues—so detail your academic background or any practical experience in tax advisory to catch Bishop Fleming's eye!
Quantify Your Achievements:In the tax consultancy field, showing measurable outcomes from your previous work can set you apart. Use your CV to include specific examples of how your advice helped clients save money or avoid penalties. Numbers speak volumes in our industry and can really highlight your impact.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you're passionate about tax consultancy and why you're excited about working at Bishop Fleming. Share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your interest in the tax advisory field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep It Professional but Approachable:While your written application should maintain a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality show. Tax advisory is about building relationships, so if you can convey your approachable nature in your writing, that's a bonus when applying for this full-time role at Bishop Fleming!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bishop Fleming
✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals
Brush up on the core principles of tax law, especially recent updates that might affect clients. During the interview, we could face scenario-based questions where we'll need to apply these principles to solve problems, so get comfy with hypothetical situations!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Tax advisory isn't just about knowing the rules; it’s about interpreting them. Make sure to prepare examples from your previous studies or experiences where you successfully analysed complex data. We want to demonstrate how we can bring those analytical skills to the table for Bishop Fleming.
✨Understand the Consulting Aspect
Since this is a full-time role, the interview might involve discussing how we communicate tax strategies to clients. Think about times we've interacted with clients or presented technical information in a digestible way. This shows we’re not just tax boffins but can also connect with people!
✨Your Long-Term Vision
As we're aiming for a full-time position, it's important to convey our enthusiasm and long-term interest in tax advisory. Be prepared to chat about why we’re passionate about this field and how we see ourselves growing within Bishop Fleming. It helps to show our commitment!
