VAT Manager, CBRE Advisory
London (Hybrid working)
The opportunity
We are looking for an 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 Advisory business lines - spanning brokerage, transaction services, valuation, loan servicing, ESG and property management, with support to the wider EMEA business as needed. 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 finance, legal and business teams, with exposure to senior leaders. They will manage external advisors, contribute to 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 indirect tax experience in a leading advisory firm or in-house in large corporate, with relevant Tax qualification.
What you will be doing
Business partnering
- Provide clear, commercial and practical VAT guidance to business teams, and support the Head of Indirect Tax in senior stakeholder discussions
- 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.
Project work
- Participate in tax-related projects, including ERP and tax technology implementations, and digital reporting readiness.
- Contribute to and lead workstreams within tax projects, including ERP and tax technology implementations and digital reporting readiness.
Managing advisors
- Day-to-day management of external advisors, reviewing their work and escalating complex or high-value points.
- Challenge and quality-assure external advice, bringing independent technical judgement to bear.
- Manage the process for overseas VAT reclaims under the EU 13th Directive and equivalent non-EU regimes.
Tax Authority audits and correspondence
- Prepare and review responses to HMRC and other tax authority enquiries, with escalation to the Head of Indirect Tax on material matters.
- 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
- Indirect tax experience in a leading advisory firm, or in-house environment.
- Hands-on experience advising on technical UK VAT matters, including some complex or contentious issues.
- Experience advising non-tax stakeholders and explaining technical issues clearly.
- 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 dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
- ACA, ATT, CTA or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience and education.
Why CBRE
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2025 revenue). The company has more than 155,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction, and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services.
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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VAT Manager (Indirect Tax) - London employer: CBRE UK
CBRE is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where respect, integrity, service, and excellence are at the forefront of our values. As part of a global leader in commercial real estate services, employees have access to meaningful growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact through innovative projects. Located in EMEA, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse teams and contribute to a multi-year transformation programme, enhancing employee experiences across the organisation.
