VAT Director – Southwest in Exeter

We’re Westcotts – a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer, with over 290 team members based across offices in Devon and Somerset. Due to continued growth and increasing demand for specialist VAT support, we’re looking for a VAT Director to join one of our offices based across Devon and Somerset on a permanent basis, with hybrid and flexible working available. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced VAT professional to play a leading role in the continued development of our tax advisory offering.

You’ll work closely with a broad range of clients and colleagues across the firm, providing high‑quality VAT advice, supporting complex projects, and helping shape the future growth of our VAT services. The role would suit an existing VAT Director or an experienced Senior VAT Manager / VAT Manager looking to step into a senior leadership position within a collaborative and ambitious firm.

Why Westcotts?

• The opportunity to shape and grow a developing VAT advisory offering within a respected regional practice
• Exposure to a varied and technically interesting client portfolio
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team
• Hybrid and flexible working to support work/life balance
• A genuine focus on wellbeing, professional development, and long‑term career progression
• The opportunity to play a key role in the future growth and strategic direction of the firm

Main Duties Responsibilities

This is a varied and strategic role, combining technical VAT expertise, client advisory work, business development, and leadership responsibilities. Your duties will include:

• Providing specialist VAT advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients across a range of sectors
• Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, building strong long‑term relationships and delivering commercially focused VAT solutions
• Managing complex VAT matters including partial exemption, property transactions, international VAT, VAT investigations, and HMRC enquiries
• Supporting Partners and Directors with technical VAT advice across the wider firm and assisting with specialist assignments
• Identifying VAT planning opportunities and helping clients manage VAT risks effectively
• Reviewing VAT compliance work and ensuring services are delivered in line with current legislation and best practice
• Supporting the continued development and growth of the firm’s VAT offering and wider tax services
• Assisting with networking, business development activity, tenders, and proposals to support the firm’s growth plans
• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting the development of colleagues across the tax and accounts teams
• Working collaboratively with teams across multiple offices to deliver exceptional client service

This list summarises the main duties of the role but is not exhaustive — you may be asked to support with additional projects and responsibilities as required.

Attributes, Skills, Experience And Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware, and passionate about delivering excellent client service. Ideally, you’ll have:

• Significant experience working in VAT within an accountancy practice or professional services environment
• Experience operating at Senior Manager, Director, or equivalent level
• CTA qualification and/or relevant VAT specialism qualifications
• Strong technical VAT knowledge across a broad range of advisory and compliance matters
• Experience managing complex VAT projects and supporting clients across multiple sectors
• Strong client relationship and business development skills
• The ability to identify opportunities to provide additional services and support to clients
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical matters clearly and confidently
• A professional, collaborative, and commercially focused approach

Terms / Benefits

• 36.25 hours / 5 days per week (flexible and hybrid working is available).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the ability to buy or sell one week’s holiday.
• Annual salary review.
• Death in service 3 × annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24‑hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one year’s service.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations and available start date.