Senior Manager (VAT)

Company Description

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest‑growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

Job Description

What will I be doing? We’re seeking a talented individual at Senior Manager level to join our VAT Tax Team in London, which is responsible for providing VAT compliance and advisory services for a wide range of business clients. To manage your own portfolio of clients, working with Directors or alone on complicated consultancy and advisory projects. A significant part of the role will be managing client relationships and identifying opportunities on existing clients, as well as potentially developing a specialist field of technical and/or sector knowledge and expertise.

Responsibilities

• Client work – Act as trusted adviser and engage with clients to identify wider commercial and strategic issues while managing a portfolio of complex advisory and compliance cases. Provide exceptional client service, taking the lead in managing and developing certain client relationships and identifying opportunities in the client portfolio.
• Staff Management and development – Monitor staff performance, conduct appraisals, and provide on‑the‑job training for junior staff one‑to‑one. Work collaboratively with peers in the team and across the firm to ensure a joined‑up approach.
• Practice Development – Be involved in business development activities and profile raising locally. Actively develop relationships to drive new business opportunities and cross referral of services.
• Compliance – Ensure procedures are followed taking account of institute and HMRC guidance, where relevant.

Qualifications

• Significant VAT experience gained within the profession and/or industry at managerial level.
• Technically capable VAT adviser who is able to manage complex client work.
• Demonstrable experience of managing people and clients.
• Existing business development skills and appetite to grow business.
• Project management experience.
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.

Professional Qualifications and Education

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) or tax advisor (CTA).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and are delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and can achieve their full potential in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs throughout the application process. Please let your recruiter know.