VAT Director in London

Our VAT Department is a growing and ambitious specialist department that works closely with clients across a broad range of sectors, delivering commercially focused VAT advice on both UK and international matters. The team currently consists of a VAT Supervisor and a VAT Trainee, headed up by a Partner.

We are looking for a Director who seeks more than a traditional compliance and advisory role. Alongside leading complex VAT projects, you will influence the growth strategy of the VAT practice, collaborate with Partners across the firm on multidisciplinary projects, and play a key role in developing new client relationships.

The role focuses on project‑based advisory work, supporting clients through complex VAT challenges, business restructures, transactions, property projects, international expansion and HMRC disputes. It also offers a leadership opportunity to manage and develop the team and shape the future direction of the service line.

• Act as a trusted adviser, delivering commercially focused VAT advice across a broad range of sectors and industries.
• Lead complex advisory projects covering areas such as land and property, charities, financial services, international trade, place of supply, e‑commerce, digital services and supply chain structuring.
• Manage and review VAT due diligence and VAT health‑check assignments, identifying risks and opportunities for clients.
• Lead negotiations and correspondence with HMRC on technical disputes, enquiries, assessments and disclosures.
• Provide technical leadership to the VAT team, reviewing complex advisory work and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence.
• Support Partners with the management and growth of the VAT service line, including strategic planning and service development initiatives.
• Identify and develop opportunities for cross‑selling and introducing wider service offerings across the firm.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and professional contacts to generate new business opportunities.
• Lead and contribute to business development activities, including networking, proposal preparation, presentations, webinars and thought‑leadership content.
• Mentor, develop and manage junior team members, fostering technical development and career progression.
• Collaborate with colleagues across tax, audit, corporate finance and other service lines to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Contribute to the overall leadership and success of the wider tax team and firm.

• Significant experience advising on complex VAT matters and managing client relationships, preferably within an accountancy practice.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of VAT specialisms, with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Experience leading HMRC negotiations, enquiries, disputes and technical consultations.
• People leadership skills, including experience managing, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build credibility and influence at senior client and internal stakeholder levels.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across multiple service lines.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• The successful candidate should also be CTA/ACA qualified or equivalent.

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