VAT Manager in Maidstone

Are you an experienced VAT professional looking for greater variety, responsibility and scope to develop your career? Rutherford Briant are recruiting a VAT Manager for a well-established accountancy and business advisory firm. This is an opportunity to join a growing indirect tax team, working with an interesting mix of owner-managed businesses, larger corporate groups and international organisations. The role offers considerably more than reviewing VAT returns. You will act as a trusted adviser to clients, helping them navigate complex VAT matters and providing practical, commercially focused advice. There is flexibility to develop your own areas of technical interest while building broader management, client development and leadership experience.

What you will do:

• Manage a varied portfolio of VAT advisory and compliance assignments
• Advise clients on complex VAT matters, potentially including partial exemption, land and property, international transactions and business/non-business activities
• Support clients with the VAT aspects of acquisitions, disposals and business restructures
• Manage HMRC enquiries, disclosures and other negotiations
• Review VAT processes and identify areas of risk, improvement or potential opportunity
• Oversee projects from initial scoping through to delivery, ensuring work is completed accurately, commercially and within agreed timescales
• Build trusted relationships with clients and become a key point of contact for VAT advice
• Work closely with colleagues across tax, audit, accounts and corporate finance to provide joined-up advice
• Identify opportunities to support existing clients and contribute to the continued growth of the VAT service
• Delegate work to junior colleagues, review their output and support their technical development
• Keep clients and colleagues informed of relevant legislative and technical developments

What we are looking for:

You will have strong UK VAT experience gained within an accountancy practice, specialist consultancy, HMRC or a relevant in-house environment. You should be comfortable managing client relationships and translating complex legislation into clear, practical advice. ATT, CTA or another relevant professional qualification would be advantageous, although substantial practical VAT experience will be equally important. You will also bring:

• Good technical knowledge across a range of VAT matters
• Experience managing advisory assignments and competing deadlines
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The confidence to build relationships with clients and colleagues
• An interest in developing others and contributing to the growth of the team

The opportunity:

This position would suit an established VAT Manager or an experienced Assistant Manager ready to take the next step. You will join a supportive team with access to complex work, experienced specialists and genuine scope to develop your own profile and areas of expertise.

The firm offers:

• Salary of £57,000–£60,500
• Hybrid working, typically including two days working from home
• Flexible working around core hours
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days
• Bonus and employee recognition scheme
• Structured career development and progression

If you are looking for a VAT role combining technical variety, client ownership and longer-term progression, please apply or contact Rutherford Briant for a confidential discussion. Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.