VAT Manager

About the role

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. You will join a growing indirect tax team working with owner‑managed businesses, larger corporate groups and international organisations, acting as a trusted adviser on complex VAT matters.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a varied portfolio of VAT advisory and compliance assignments.
• Advise clients on complex VAT matters such as 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 opportunity.
• Oversee projects from initial scoping through to delivery, ensuring accuracy, commercial focus and timely completion.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and become a key point of contact for VAT advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across tax, audit, accounts and corporate finance to provide joined‑up advice.
• Identify opportunities to support existing clients and contribute to the 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.

Required profile

• Strong UK VAT experience gained within an accountancy practice, specialist consultancy, HMRC or a relevant in‑house environment.
• Comfortable managing client relationships and translating complex legislation into clear, practical advice.
• ATT, CTA or another relevant professional qualification is advantageous.
• 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.
• Confidence to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
• An interest in developing others and contributing to team growth.

Required skills

• VAT advisory
• VAT compliance

What we offer

• Salary of £57,000–£60,500 per year.
• 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.