VAT Manager – 1 day per week in London office

• Primarily advisory-focused, with occasional support required for the compliance function.
• May be asked to review VAT returns and related assumptions prepared by compliance specialists before submission to HMRC.
• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines are met, work is completed within budget, and jobs are finalised efficiently to minimise senior review time.
• Advisory work spans a broad range of sectors, with property and NFP being particularly prominent.
• A broad understanding of VAT issues is preferred over deep specialism in one area-emphasis is on problem-solving rather than immediate answers.
• Experience in NFP or property sectors is especially desirable.
• Collaborate closely with VAT Managers and Directors across various advisory and consultancy projects.
• Take ownership of smaller projects and liaise directly with clients and colleagues, requiring confidence and the ability to work independently.
• Handle internal queries and referrals, necessitating strong internal relationship management.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage deadlines and internal stakeholders are crucial.
• Research technical points in legislation and propose practical tax planning ideas where relevant.
• Experience dealing with HMRC and understanding departmental procedures is beneficial.
• Strong technical skills and awareness of risk are essential, including knowing when to escalate to senior team members.
• Basic understanding of budgets and billing is helpful.
• Experience in business development or “selling” services is advantageous.
• Ability to manage internal client relationships is key.

• Manage client VAT relationships across diverse industries.
• Advise on international services, especially where cross-border establishments are involved.
• Handle property-related VAT issues for both commercial and NFP clients.
• Review contracts and advise on appropriate VAT wording.
• Liaise with HMRC on a range of matters, from registrations to disputes and penalties.
• Support senior team members on complex advisory projects.
• Develop partial exemption special methods and business/non-business apportionments.
• Provide follow-up advice after assurance visits.
• Conduct VAT reviews and health checks.
• Support clients during VAT inspections.
• Handle reconsiderations of HMRC decisions.

• Occasionally prepare and submit VAT returns for businesses of varying complexity.
• Review VAT returns prepared by compliance staff.
• Manage VAT registrations, de-registrations, and groupings/de-groupings.

• Build strong internal relationships to encourage direct work referrals.
• Prepare marketing materials on VAT initiatives and relevant case law.
• Attend biweekly meetings and contribute to weekly VAT updates.

• Attend client gatherings and seminars to strengthen relationships and encourage attendance.
• Participate in seminars and events to promote the firm and build client rapport.
• Assist in preparing and presenting new client pitches.
• Engage in social activities regularly to foster team relationships.

Brewer Morris