VAT Manager / Senior Manager

About the Role:

• Deliver high-quality VAT consultancy services to a diverse portfolio of clients, providing clear, commercial and technically robust advice.
• Lead VAT advisory projects from scoping through to delivery, coordinating input from clients, internal specialists and external advisers where required.
• Advise on complex and technical VAT matters, including land and property, international transactions, partial exemption, financial services and other sector-specific issues.
• Support clients in managing VAT disputes with HMRC, including reviewing technical positions, preparing correspondence and developing effective resolution strategies.
• Assist clients with VAT litigation matters, including working with legal advisers, preparing technical analysis and supporting tribunal or alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Develop and maintain strong and trusted client relationships, providing proactive, pragmatic and commercially focused VAT solutions.
• Contribute to business development activity, including identifying advisory opportunities, supporting proposals and participating in networking events to grow the firm’s VAT client portfolio.

About You:

• Qualified CTA is preferable but not mandatory if you have appropriate experience instead.
• Proven experience in a VAT advisory role within a practice environment.
• Strong understanding of UK VAT legislation and case law.
• Experience handling correspondence with HMRC.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to positively impact and influence others.
• Previous experience or involvement in a business development environment.
• A leader of your work and your professional learning.

Ideally this position would be based out of our Glasgow office, however we will consider candidates from other central belt locations.

Why JC?

Johnston Carmichael helps to build success stories that change lives - whether it's our clients, our communities, or most importantly, our people, who now number over 900 across the UK. We work with individuals and businesses all over the country and our expertise covers almost every industry sector. We're also an independent member firm of Moore Global Network Limited, a global accounting and advisory network of over 37,000 advisers across more than 114 countries.

Everything we do at Johnston Carmichael is underpinned by our four core values – Doing The Right Thing, Standing In Other People's Shoes, Leading Our Future and Remaining Relevant. We've created a range of ways to support our people to make sure every voice is heard, including our People and Culture Forum, and we encourage each of our sharp minds to be leaders of their work and learning.

In the last 10 years we've raised more than £450,000 for charity and continuously evolved our commitment to sustainable business practices. We are Gold sponsors of the Kiltwalk and also partner with Netball Scotland and England Netball, creating an enduring impact on the ground in our communities.

Why Tax

The role of a tax adviser is transforming; technology and legislation present opportunities for us to differentiate ourselves and provide an unsurpassed client service – with more efficiency, greater innovation and deeper insight. A career in tax at Johnston Carmichael is diverse and challenging, and you'll be joining an award-winning tax practice, spanning an extensive range of corporate, personal and specialist tax services.

In 2019 we won the 2019 Tolley's Taxation Award for Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm, and 2024 saw the team take home another Tolley's win - Best Private Client Tax Practice, praised by judges for how we put clients "at the heart" of all our work. We do more than crunch numbers - you'll build close relationships with our clients, truly getting under the skin of their businesses and providing advice and guidance that offers real value.

And, with expertise across a range of industry sectors, there's no shortage of variety in the work we do. We're also an independent member firm of Moore Global Network Limited, a global accounting and advisory network of over 30,000 advisers across more than 110 countries, so you'll have the opportunity to work with businesses all over the globe.

What You Can Expect

As well as working with a great team of colleagues and enjoying the balance of hybrid and flexible working, we offer a range of benefits to make your time at JC even more fulfilling. Different backgrounds and different opinions make for more interesting work and better outcomes. We're sure we don't have to say this, but we welcome people from all backgrounds, regardless of your heritage, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual identity or gender identity. We also actively encourage applications from anyone who has had an extended time away from paid employment.

Our team is made up of people who have taken varied routes throughout their careers. We're here to give you the tools, support, and materials to develop your expertise so you can pursue your ambitions. Our JC Aspire learning programme helps everyone reach their personal goals, and we've also carefully created our own Leadership Development Programme, which is accredited by the University of Strathclyde Business School at Masters degree level.

At Johnston Carmichael we are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request. We also welcome applications from individuals who have had time away from paid employment.