Manager – UK VAT in Belfast

Manager – UK VAT in Belfast

Belfast Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Grant Thornton

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage UK VAT advisory projects and ensure compliance for diverse clients.
  • Company: Join Grant Thornton, a global leader in professional services with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a generous benefits package.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex VAT issues and mentoring future leaders.
  • Qualifications: 5-8 years of UK VAT experience and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

We are looking to hire a Manager to join our growing Indirect Tax team, with a particular focus on UK VAT. Based primarily in Belfast (with Dublin considered for the right candidate), this is an excellent opportunity to work on a broad range of UK VAT advisory and compliance engagements for a diverse client portfolio.

The successful candidate will manage complex UK VAT advisory projects, HMRC compliance and VAT due diligence assignments, while supporting Directors and Partners in delivering exceptional client service. This role is ideal for a technically strong VAT professional who enjoys solving complex client issues, building trusted relationships and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of UK VAT advisory, compliance and due diligence engagements, delivering practical, commercial solutions to clients across a range of sectors.
  • Advise clients on complex UK VAT matters, including cross-border transactions, supply chains, place of supply, land and property, partial exemption and sector-specific VAT issues.
  • Lead HMRC compliance activities, including VAT returns, Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements and correspondence relating to enquiries, rulings and assessments.
  • Build strong client relationships, support business development initiatives, and work closely with Directors and Partners to deliver high-quality advisory services.
  • Coach, mentor and review the work of junior team members, contributing to the continued growth and success of the Belfast Indirect Tax team.

Skills & Experience

  • CTA, ATT, ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified, with 5–8 years' UK VAT experience gained in practice or a combination of practice and industry.
  • Strong technical expertise in UK VAT, with significant experience delivering advisory projects alongside HMRC compliance and VAT due diligence assignments.
  • Proven ability to manage client relationships, communicate complex technical matters clearly, and deliver commercially focused solutions.
  • Experience leading multiple engagements, managing competing priorities, and mentoring junior team members within a professional services environment.
  • A proactive, collaborative and commercially minded approach, with strong communication skills and the right to work in the UK or Ireland.

The preferred location for this role is Belfast, although we are also open to candidates based elsewhere in the UK who are looking to relocate to Northern Ireland, or exceptional candidates who wish to be based in Dublin.

Manager – UK VAT in Belfast employer: Grant Thornton

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Grant Thornton

Contact Details:

Grant Thornton Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager – UK VAT in Belfast

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 Grant Thornton, 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 Manager – UK VAT in Belfast

UK VAT Expertise
Advisory Skills
HMRC Compliance
VAT Due Diligence
Client Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Project Management

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 Grant Thornton'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 Grant Thornton. 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 Grant Thornton!

How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton

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 Grant Thornton.

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 Grant Thornton. It helps to show our commitment!