VAT Director in Manchester

Butler Rose are recruiting for an experienced VAT Director, or ambitious Associate Director ready to step up, to join a growing North West tax advisory team. This is a senior opportunity with a highly regarded accountancy and advisory firm, advising owner‑managed businesses, entrepreneurs and growing private companies on complex VAT matters.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is not a role where you will simply inherit a portfolio and maintain the status quo. You will be joining a business that is investing in its tax advisory capability and looking for a senior VAT specialist who can help drive growth, raise market profile and support clients with commercially focused VAT advice. You will work closely with partners and senior stakeholders across the wider business, taking a lead role in VAT advisory work, client development, team leadership and regional strategy. The client base is varied and often entrepreneurial, so the work is typically hands‑on, practical, and commercially driven rather than overly process‑heavy.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

You will take a senior leadership role across VAT advisory services, with responsibility for managing key client relationships, identifying advisory opportunities and supporting the continued growth of the VAT offering across the region.

THE ROLE WILL INCLUDE

• Leading VAT advisory projects for a broad range of privately owned and mid‑market clients
• Advising on complex VAT matters, including reviews, health checks, due diligence and technical advisory work
• Building and developing long‑term relationships with business owners, finance teams and internal stakeholders
• Working closely with partners to shape regional VAT strategy and identify growth opportunities
• Supporting business development activity through networking, referrals, events and cross‑service collaboration
• Representing clients in discussions with HMRC, including more complex dispute or resolution matters
• Reviewing and signing off advisory work, ensuring advice is accurate, commercial and delivered to a high standard
• Coaching, mentoring and developing members of the VAT and wider tax team
• Raising the profile of the VAT team internally and externally

IS THIS ROLE RIGHT FOR YOU?

This role would be a strong fit for someone already operating at VAT Director level, but it is also very well suited to an experienced Associate Director, Senior Manager or VAT specialist who is looking for a genuine step up. You may be working in a Top 10, Top 20, independent or specialist advisory firm and looking for a role with more visibility, more ownership and a clearer route to influence.

THE IDEAL PERSON WILL BRING

• Strong UK VAT advisory experience gained within accountancy practice or a professional services environment
• Confidence managing senior client relationships and advising on complex VAT issues
• A commercial approach, with the ability to spot opportunities and develop work from existing and new relationships
• Experience reviewing technical advice and supporting quality control across client work
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to mentor and develop others
• Credibility with partners, clients and internal teams
• A genuine interest in business development, networking and helping grow a VAT practice
• ATT, CTA, ACA, ACCA, CA or equivalent experience would be welcomed, although qualified‑by‑experience candidates will also be considered

WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT

This is a senior VAT role with real scope to make an impact. The firm combines the infrastructure, client reach and brand strength of a large national practice with the feel of a more agile, relationship‑led advisory business. The client base is heavily focused around owner‑managed and entrepreneurial businesses, meaning the advice is often varied, practical and commercially meaningful. If you are looking for a Director‑level platform without feeling like a small cog in a huge corporate machine, this could be a very attractive move.

YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO

• Shape and influence a regional VAT strategy
• Work with a varied and commercially interesting client base
• Build your own profile in the market
• Develop a team and support future leaders
• Play a key role in the continued growth of a successful tax advisory practice
• Step into a visible senior role with long‑term career potential

Whether you’re looking to step up, move for a stronger package, or join a firm where your VAT expertise will be better recognised and more highly valued, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Apply today for a confidential conversation.