At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse client portfolios and deliver top-notch VAT advisory services.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible hybrid working policy, competitive salary, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for coaching and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing VAT team with a clear pathway to partnership.
- Qualifications: CTA qualified or equivalent experience with strong UK VAT skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Please note this role can be based out of either our Manchester or Leeds offices.
As part of our National VAT practice, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing a diverse client portfolio, encompassing the delivery of tax advisory services as well as overseeing some complex VAT compliance. This is a challenging and interesting client-facing role, which will include exposure to a range of both UK and international clients. There is a pathway to partner for the correct candidate as the growth of our VAT service line forms part of a wider strategic objective to double the size of our tax services to corporates in four years.
The responsibilities
- Business development: Lead the development of the VAT practice across our North of England offices, nationally, focusing on our corporate, not-for-profit, real estate and landed estates clients. There is also an opportunity to develop a VAT-led offering in other markets. Work with the VAT senior team to ensure that the firm’s northern regional offices are kept updated on technical VAT developments and opportunities for discussions with clients. Involvement across sector groups to develop our VAT business and be involved in wider business development initiatives.
- Technical: Lead on complex VAT advisory projects across corporate, not-for-profit, and landed estate clients. Review advice prepared by the national team. Lead on understanding client issues and proposing solutions for VAT technical matters and process-related issues, working with our Tax Technology and Transformation team.
- People: Line management responsibility as part of the senior VAT team for the manager group. Support the existing VAT partner and director group with developing the team with VAT technical skills, thought leadership, business development and client handling skills.
The Team
The VAT team consists of two Partners, two Directors, two Senior Managers, five Managers and Assistant Managers, and five assistants and trainees. The aim is to grow the team to 20 in the coming 12 months. The team operates as one team across five offices (Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and London).
You
The role would suit a CTA qualified person, or someone qualified by experience. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Strong UK VAT technical skills and familiarity with international VAT issues.
- Ability to analyse tax technical queries and provide robust advice and solutions.
- Knowledge of VAT processes, procedures and controls within mid to large businesses and the potential use cases for tax technology in supporting clients with management of risk.
- Project management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise work and meet deadlines.
- Experience of managing a team and helping to deliver a very high standard of professional work to a challenging and varied portfolio of clients.
- Responsibility for the delivery and quality of work.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A clear client focus with a commitment to building strong client relationships.
- Ability to work collaboratively in different teams.
- Coaching and mentoring skills to develop other team members.
- Ability to build closer relationships with other service lines to increase VAT involvement in their clients.
- Ability to increase visibility of VAT within relevant sector groups.
Reward and benefits
A 35-hour working week with a hybrid working policy with the flexibility to work from home for up to three days per week (our core hours are 10-4). Excellent benefits including contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, Life Assurance cover and great flexible benefits and family-friendly policies. Eligibility for the firm’s Profit-Sharing Plan. Paid in December. Eligibility for the discretionary bonus scheme.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us. With our ED&I strategy, Everyone Belongs, we are building on our positive work culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and strengthen our equitable culture of inclusion, led from the top.
VAT Director/ Senior Manager in Manchester employer: Saffery Champness
Join a forward-thinking firm that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a clear pathway to partnership for the right candidate. With a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, our Manchester and Leeds offices foster a collaborative work culture, complemented by flexible working arrangements and an attractive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme and profit-sharing opportunities. Be part of a dynamic VAT team that is set to expand significantly, providing you with the chance to make a meaningful impact in a diverse client portfolio.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VAT Director/ Senior Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the VAT field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your strong UK VAT technical skills and any international experience. Share examples of how you've tackled complex VAT issues in the past – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that fits your skills, apply through our website. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the initiative to express your interest. Tailor your approach to show how you can help grow the VAT practice across our North of England offices.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from your conversation that excites you about the position. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace VAT Director/ Senior Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the VAT Director/Senior Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing diverse client portfolios and delivering tax advisory services. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your strong UK VAT technical skills and any experience with international VAT issues. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves line management responsibilities, be sure to highlight your experience in leading teams. Share examples of how you've developed others' skills and delivered high-quality work. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and mentor!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Know Your VAT Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your UK VAT technical skills and international VAT issues. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've provided robust advice or solutions, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex VAT matters.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves line management responsibilities, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as well as how you've helped others develop their skills in a professional setting.
✨Demonstrate Client Focus
Prepare to talk about how you've built strong client relationships in the past. Share specific examples of how you've understood client issues and proposed effective VAT solutions, showcasing your commitment to delivering high-quality work.
✨Be Ready for Business Development Talk
This role has a strong business development aspect, so think about how you've contributed to growing a practice or service line. Be ready to discuss your ideas for developing the VAT practice across different sectors and how you can help increase visibility within relevant groups.