Customs VAT Assistant Manager/Manager

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. We are committed to quality, inclusion and integrity, delivering a better experience through personal, proactive and agile service. With over 5,000 people in the UK and a presence in 150 global markets, we aim to redefine what our industry looks like and offer real opportunities for our people.

Joining our UK-focused Customs & International Trade team within the Tax practice, you will support the delivery of advisory and compliance services to a diverse portfolio of UK and multinational clients. Under supervision from experienced colleagues, you will assist in providing practical advice on UK customs procedures, duty optimisation, post-Brexit trade compliance (including CDS declarations, TSS for Northern Ireland, and rules of origin), tariff classification, valuation, and preferential trade arrangements. This junior role offers excellent exposure to client-facing advisory work, helping clients navigate HMRC requirements, minimise customs risks and costs, and ensure efficient cross-border operations in a professional services environment.

As a Customs Indirect Tax Assistant Manager/Manager within our team practice, you will:

• Support client take-on processes by gathering and reviewing initial client information, trade data, product catalogues, supply chain details, and existing customs documentation during onboarding meetings or calls.
• Assist in conducting client customs health checks, compliance reviews, and gap analyses, including reviewing client import/export data against UK regulations.
• Help prepare client advice such as classification opinions, valuation reports, duty exposure calculations, and reports on potential savings or risks.
• Participate in client meetings, calls, and workshops to take detailed notes, follow up on action points, respond to basic client queries, and assist seniors in presenting findings or recommendations.
• Support preparation and review of client-facing correspondence, advisory letters/memos, compliance checklists, and responses to HMRC enquiries or post-clearance audits.
• Assist with research and monitoring of UK customs developments (e.g., HMRC notices, CDS system updates, Brexit-related changes, sanctions, or new FTAs), and help prepare client briefings or internal knowledge updates.
• Help manage client files, track project deliverables and timelines, ensure adherence to firm quality and risk management standards, and contribute to timesheet/project billing support.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Indirect Tax (VAT), Corporate Tax, or Supply Chain teams on integrated client advisory engagements.

Qualifications and criteria:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Law, International Trade, or Supply Chain Management.
• Some years of relevant experience (e.g., internships in tax advisory, customs compliance, trade consulting, logistics, or professional services; strong graduates welcome).
• Basic awareness of UK customs and indirect tax principles (e.g., post-Brexit import/export rules, VAT on imports, or HMRC compliance requirements) preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy with data/documentation, and excellent organisational skills to manage multiple client tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (particularly Excel for data analysis/reconciliation, Word for report drafting, and PowerPoint for client presentations).
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for client correspondence, meeting notes, and supporting advisory outputs.

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people. We build an inclusive culture where we value differences and respect our colleagues, helping our people perform at their best and realise their potential. Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm.

Life is more than work. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all roles and will always strive to balance work and life. The impact you can make here goes beyond your day job, including opportunities such as secondments, fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations—people who want to proudly do what’s right for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.