Senior Manager, VAT

Opportunity in a Big 4 firm.

This firm seeks a VAT Senior Manager to join them.  For the right candidate, this position will serve as a strong foundation for a successful career in Financial Services.

This firm places a strong emphasis on internal promotions, with personal development being a central element of our people strategy. The team is dynamic and supportive, and are enthusiastic about the continued expansion of the group. In this role, you will collaborate closely with senior managers and directors who will provide the necessary guidance and opportunities to help you reach your full potential.

The team is engaged in pioneering projects that support the UK's 'open for business' strategy, making it an exciting environment to work in tax. This is also an opportunity to enhance your understanding of a broad range of Indirect Tax concepts, which will aid in developing your career as a highly skilled and trusted tax professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain robust client relationships with a focus on market engagement.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality work while managing the day-to-day operations of the delivery team.
• Foster the development of team members through effective supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
• Contribute to initiatives focused on retaining and training international tax professionals.
• Play a significant role in both the strategic and operational management of the team, including the development and assignment of junior staff.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Develop and sustain strong client relationships while providing exceptional client service.
• Possess negotiation skills to gain buy-in and manage challenges effectively.
• Exhibit business development skills with the ability to identify and convert opportunities by proactively managing existing client relationships and securing new clients.
• Oversee the successful delivery of technically complex consulting projects, ensuring technical excellence and a business-driven approach.
• Take overall responsibility for the quality of client service.
• Manage potential leads from other practice areas.
• Build and maintain internal and external networks to enhance the team's capabilities.
• Contribute to maximising value for both this firm and its clients through tax services, while appropriately managing risk for all parties involved.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to build strong client relationships and commercial awareness.
• Proficiency in negotiation, with the capacity to sustain opinions and manage challenges.
• Expertise in business development, identifying and converting opportunities into actionable work.
• Extensive practical and commercial experience, whether advising clients or working in-house.
• Effective time management, with the ability to remain composed under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across a variety of contexts.
• A collaborative team player with the ability to create, maintain, and lead effective, inclusive teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Financial Services, particularly in wealth and asset management, including real estate.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, prioritising work, meeting deadlines, and budget monitoring.
• Professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent; or a Tax Inspectors qualification with full Technical Training; or a Law qualification. CTA qualification or equivalent breadth of knowledge and experience is also desirable.

Desired Characteristics

• A positive and flexible attitude towards work.
• Extensive experience as a tax practitioner with both advisory and reviewing skills.
• Proficient communicator in both written and oral contexts.
• Experience in VAT compliance, whether in-house or on secondment.