At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex VAT projects and deliver expert advice to clients across various sectors.
- Company: Join a growing VAT department in a dynamic and inclusive firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of VAT services while making a real impact on client success.
- Qualifications: Experienced VAT professional with strong technical expertise and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 Senior Manager or Director who is looking for more than a traditional compliance and advisory role. Alongside leading complex VAT projects, you will have the opportunity to influence the growth strategy of the VAT practice and work directly with Partners across the firm on multidisciplinary projects and play a key role in developing new client relationships.
The role will have a strong focus on project-based advisory work, supporting clients through complex VAT challenges, business restructures, transactions, property projects, international expansion and HMRC disputes. This is also a leadership opportunity to take a pivotal role in helping to manage and develop the team and help shape the future direction of the service line.
Key Responsibilities- Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, delivering commercially focused VAT advice across a broad range of sectors and industries.
- Leading 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.
- Managing and reviewing VAT due diligence and VAT health check assignments, identifying risks and opportunities for clients.
- Leading negotiations and correspondence with HMRC on technical disputes, enquiries, assessments and disclosures.
- Providing technical leadership to the VAT team, reviewing complex advisory work and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence.
- Supporting Partners with the management and growth of the VAT service line, including strategic planning and service development initiatives.
- Identifying and developing opportunities for cross‑selling and introducing wider service offerings across the firm.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and professional contacts to generate new business opportunities.
- Leading and contributing to business development activities, including networking, proposal preparation, presentations, webinars and thought leadership content.
- Mentoring, developing and managing junior team members, fostering technical development and career progression.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across tax, audit, corporate finance and other service lines to deliver integrated client solutions.
- Contributing to the overall leadership and success of the wider tax team and firm.
The successful candidate will be an experienced VAT professional with a strong technical background and a proven track record of delivering high‑quality client service within an accountancy practice or professional services environment. They will demonstrate:
- 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.
- The 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.
At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.
Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:
- We Shine Together
- We Do the Right Thing
- We Make It Count
We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.
VAT Senior Manager employer: HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group
At Sumer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our VAT Senior Manager role not only provides the chance to lead complex projects and influence strategic growth but also fosters personal and professional development through mentorship and cross-disciplinary teamwork. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, we ensure that every team member can shine and contribute meaningfully to our clients' success.
Contact Details:
HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT Senior Manager
✨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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group, 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 Senior Manager
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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group'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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group. 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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group
✨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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group.
✨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 HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group. It helps to show our commitment!
