At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver complex VAT advisory projects while managing client relationships.
- Company: Join a high-growth, nationally respected advisory firm with strong leadership support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role with clear progression to Senior Manager.
- Qualifications: CTA/ACA/ACCA qualified with 5-8+ years of UK VAT advisory experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds Area / Hybrid
Salary: c£55,000+ ( + Advisory Focus & Leadership Role)
Lead, Influence and Grow a High-Impact VAT Advisory Function
Are you an experienced VAT specialist ready to step into a more strategic, advisory-led Manager role? This is a compelling opportunity to join a high-growth, nationally respected advisory firm where VAT is a key strategic service line. Our client is investing heavily in its Indirect Tax offering, providing you with the platform to lead complex advisory projects, shape client solutions and contribute to business development. With strong leadership support and ambitious growth plans, this role offers genuine scope to progress into Senior Manager and beyond.
The Role:
This is a senior position within the Tax Consultancy team, offering responsibility for client delivery, advisory leadership and team development. The role can be based in the Leeds area with hybrid working available (flexibility across other regional offices if required).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver complex VAT and indirect tax advisory projects across multiple sectors
- Manage your own portfolio of advisory clients, handling queries and ongoing engagements
- Support the Senior Manager in driving the growth of the VAT service line
- Identify and develop tax planning and advisory opportunities within existing clients
- Stay up to date with VAT legislation, case law and HMRC guidance, applying this proactively
- Manage project delivery, ensuring timelines, budgets and client expectations are met
- Monitor financial performance of assignments, including fee recovery and cost management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and internal stakeholders
- Contribute to business development activities, enhancing the firm’s market presence
- Support and mentor team members, fostering technical development and collaboration
About You
We are seeking an experienced VAT professional with strong technical expertise and a commercial mindset.
Essential Requirements
- CTA qualified (Indirect Tax) and/or ACA/ACCA qualified with strong VAT specialism
- 5–8+ years’ UK Practice experience in VAT / Indirect Tax advisory
- Proven track record in delivering VAT advisory projects across multiple sectors
- Strong technical knowledge of UK and EU VAT legislation
- Demonstrable ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality advice
- Experience in identifying business development and advisory opportunities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable Skills
- Experience leading or mentoring junior tax professionals
- Exposure to cross-border VAT issues and international trade
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive service line growth
Salary & Benefits Package
Our client offers a highly competitive package aligned with senior-level responsibilities and career development.
Core Benefits
- £55,000+ salary (dependent on experience)
- Hybrid working model with flexible office arrangements
- Enhanced pension scheme with life cover (4x salary) and income protection
- 25 days annual leave + option to purchase up to 5 additional days
- Paid professional memberships and comprehensive CPD programme
Additional Benefits
- Health cash plan with medical support and retail discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Client referral incentive scheme
- Structured investment in leadership development and career progression
Career Progression
This is a key hire within a growing team, offering:
- Clear progression to Senior Manager / Director level
- Opportunity to shape and grow the VAT advisory offering
- Exposure to complex, high-value advisory projects
- A role where you can genuinely influence the direction of the service line
Why Join This Opportunity?
- Be part of a firm with clear growth ambitions and strong leadership vision
- Take ownership of meaningful advisory work with real client impact
- Work in a culture defined by professionalism, collaboration and high standards
- Join a business that values technical excellence and long-term career development
If you are an experienced VAT professional ready to take the next step into a leadership and advisory-focused role, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
Contact: David Hawthorne-Finch d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
VAT & Indirect Tax Manager in Leeds employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a nationally respected advisory firm in the Leeds area, where you will lead a high-impact VAT advisory function and have the opportunity to shape client solutions while contributing to business development. With a strong focus on employee growth, this company offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a culture that values professionalism and collaboration, ensuring you can thrive in your career and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT & Indirect Tax Manager in Leeds
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions, 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 VAT & Indirect Tax Manager in Leeds
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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions'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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions. 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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions. It helps to show our commitment!
