VAT Director - London

VAT Director - CBRE Advisory

London (Hybrid working)

We are looking for an experienced Indirect Tax professional to join our team on a part-time or full-time basis with a hybrid office/home working arrangement. This is an advisory role with primary focus on the UK and EMEA Advisory business lines - spanning brokerage, transaction services, valuation, loan servicing, ESG and property management.

The successful candidate will bring a strong technical grounding in UK and EU VAT, commercial instinct and the confidence to act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders. They will manage external advisors, lead indirect tax projects and ensure that VAT considerations are embedded from the outset in business decisions, transactions and system developments. Candidates with a background in real estate, or professional services VAT are particularly encouraged to apply, though strong candidates from other sectors with relevant technical depth will be considered.

We would typically expect a candidate to have at least 10 years of post-qualification indirect tax experience, with significant time spent either in-house at a large corporate or in a leading advisory firm at a senior level.

What you will be doing

Business partnering:

• Collaborate with business units across the UK and EMEA Advisory segment to provide strategic indirect tax advice and support.
• Work closely with finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure indirect tax strategies align with overall business objectives.
• Ensure indirect tax considerations are integrated into business initiatives and projects from the outset - including new service lines, billing structures, and intercompany arrangements.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior management, providing clear, commercially focused, and actionable tax guidance.

Project work:

• Participate in tax-related projects, including ERP and tax technology implementations, and digital reporting readiness.
• Manage cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Managing advisors:

• Oversee relationships with external tax advisors and consultants across EMEA jurisdictions, as required.
• Challenge and quality-assure external advice, bringing independent technical judgement to bear.
• Oversee the identification, preparation, and submission of overseas VAT reclaim applications under the EU 13th Directive and equivalent non-EU regimes, ensuring deadlines are met and recovery positions are maximized.

Tax Authority audits and correspondence:

• Handle audits and correspondence with HMRC and other tax authorities.
• Prepare and review responses to tax authority enquiries, voluntary disclosures, and audit information requests.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and well-evidenced responses to protect CBRE's position.

Training and knowledge management:

• Provide training and guidance to internal finance, legal, and business teams on VAT and other indirect tax matters
• Stay current on changes in UK and EU VAT legislation, CJEU case law, and HMRC policy, and ensure the wider team is informed of material developments.
• Contribute to the development of internal guidance notes, tax policies, and control frameworks.

What you will need to apply:

Essential

• Demonstrated experience advising on complex or contentious UK VAT matters, with a strong technical grounding in VAT law and HMRC practice.
• Track record of influencing and advising senior non-tax stakeholders, translating technical complexity into clear and actionable guidance.
• Experience working in an in-house environment, comfortable operating within a matrixed, large-corporate structure.
• Excellent communication skills - ability to present complex indirect tax issues clearly in writing and in person.
• A pragmatic and commercial approach: able to provide practical advice that balances technical correctness with business reality.
• A proactive, 'can-do' attitude with a positive approach to problem-solving and an appetite to get involved across a broad range of matters.
• Confidence and credibility in dealing with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• ACA, ATT, CTA or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience and education.
• Minimum 10 years' post-qualification indirect tax experience in a Big 4, leading advisory firm, or in-house environment at a senior level.

Preferred / Desirable

• Experience advising on real estate, property, or professional services VAT matters - including place of supply for land-related services.
• Familiarity with EU VAT frameworks, EMEA multi-jurisdiction compliance, and cross-border indirect tax advisory.
• Exposure to digital compliance obligations and tax technology - including MTD, SAF-T, real-time reporting regimes, or ERP/tax engine implementation.
• Knowledge of HMRC audit and enquiry processes, including voluntary disclosure procedures.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

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