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- Tasks: Manage a diverse client portfolio, providing VAT and indirect tax advice while leading complex assignments.
- Company: Join PKF Francis Clark, the largest independent chartered accountants in South West England, with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health plans, extra holiday options, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Grow your skills in a forward-thinking firm that values inclusion, community, and sustainability.
- Qualifications: CTA/ACA/ACCA qualified or equivalent experience, with strong public practice and VAT management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work, recognised for outstanding training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
In a nutshell
Are you a VAT expert looking for a new challenge? Do you thrive in a professional yet relaxed environment? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As a VAT Manager, you’ll manage a varied portfolio of clients, delivering high-quality VAT, indirect tax, and/or customs advice. You’ll lead on complex assignments, support junior colleagues, and collaborate across departments to ensure exceptional service. With access to structured leadership development programmes and a supportive team culture, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your technical and managerial skills in a forward-thinking firm that values inclusion, community, and sustainability.
Please note – we are not accepting CVs from recruitment agencies for this role.
What you\’ll be doing day to day
- Oversee a portfolio of complex clients, managing VAT, indirect tax, and/or customs compliance and advisory work
- Lead and coordinate complex assignments, drawing on input from specialist teams as needed
- Review team outputs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and proper documentation
- Respond to client queries on VAT and/or customs issues, resolving them or escalating to Directors/Partners
- Identify tax planning opportunities and present recommendations to senior leadership
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and risk management procedures
- Prepare budgets and fee proposals; monitor and manage fee recovery
- Act as a key liaison for clients and collaborate with colleagues across departments to deliver excellent service
- Support business development by identifying opportunities with new and existing clients
- Manage team resourcing, delegate work effectively, and ensure deadlines are met
- Provide coaching and feedback to junior team members, including regular 1:1s and performance reviews
- Promote ESG initiatives, including environmental awareness and community engagement
- Uphold values of fairness, transparency, and respect in all professional interactions
About you
- CTA and/or ACA/ACCA qualified (or qualified by experience); CTA study supports available
- Strong experience in public practice, with the ability to manage a VAT client portfolio
- Proven track record in handling complex VAT assignments
- Skilled in tax software and advanced use of Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong relationship-building abilities with clients and colleagues
- Strategic thinker with commercial awareness and sound judgement
- Proactive, self-motivated, and solutions focused
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and resources effectively
Why work at PKF Francis Clark
As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisors in South West England, joining PKF Francis Clark brings opportunities to develop your career in a direction that interests you.
Having celebrated our centenary in 2019, we’re a team of nearly 1,000 people, based across our offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.
Our culture is flexible and supportive, enabling you to be the best you can be. We work hard to ensure you can be yourself, develop and be part of a forward-thinking team that makes brilliant things happen. But don’t just take our word for it.
PKF Francis Clark is certified as a Great Place to Work. In 2024, we climbed nine places to 24 out of 105 large organisations on the list of the UK’s Best Workplaces.
We’re also ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women (33 out of 90 large organisations), Best Workplaces for Development (30 out of 100) and Best Workplace for Wellbeing (44 out of 100).
Workplace culture experts Great Place to Work also highlighted PKF Francis Clark as a top achiever among the UK’s Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services.
And in recognition of our outstanding training programmes for graduates, school leavers and career changers, we’ve been ranked among England’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for two years running.
Whilst we’re proudly independent, PKF Francis Clark is a member of the PKF Global family of firms – together we’re the 12th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK. Being part of a global community of business advisors in 150 countries provides opportunities to expand your horizons by connecting with PKF colleagues around the world.
Your core benefits
Financial benefits:
• Pension
• Group life assurance – up to four times your core salary
• Group income protection
• Health cash plan to help cover the costs of everyday healthcare
Health & Wellbeing benefits:
• Option to buy 5 extra days holiday*
• Counselling and support for you and your immediate family
• Virtual GP for you and your immediate family
• Cycle to work*
Other benefits:
• Medicash Extras providing you with shopping and gym discounts
• Gifts for career and family milestones
• One volunteering day per year to support local organisations
• Emergency funding from the Francis Clark Charitable Foundation
• Electric vehicle lease scheme*
Please note
* These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage.
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VAT (Indirect Tax) Manager employer: PKF Francis Clark
Contact Detail:
PKF Francis Clark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT (Indirect Tax) Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest VAT regulations and compliance requirements. Being up-to-date will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the VAT field, especially those who work at PKF Francis Clark or similar firms. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of complex VAT assignments you've managed. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership abilities by discussing how you've supported junior colleagues in the past. This aligns with the role's requirement for coaching and mentoring, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace VAT (Indirect Tax) Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in VAT and indirect tax management. Focus on specific achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, such as managing complex client portfolios and leading assignments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for VAT and your ability to thrive in a professional yet relaxed environment. Mention how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role and the company culture.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as CTA, ACA, or ACCA, and any relevant certifications. Emphasise your experience in public practice and your proficiency with tax software and Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your excellent communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and strategic thinking. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, as this will demonstrate your leadership potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Francis Clark
✨Showcase Your VAT Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with VAT and indirect tax during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific complex assignments you've managed, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a VAT Manager, you'll be expected to lead and support junior colleagues. Share examples of how you've successfully coached team members or led projects in the past, showcasing your ability to manage and develop talent.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Think about potential client queries related to VAT and customs issues. Prepare to discuss how you would approach resolving these queries, as well as any tax planning opportunities you might identify, to show your proactive problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Strong verbal and written communication is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex tax information to clients and colleagues, ensuring clarity and understanding.
