VAT Manager, Dubai

Think Global Recruitment; United Arab Emirates; Hybrid; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic VAT advisory team in Dubai, where you can lead a growing team and shape client strategies in a fast-evolving market. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with clients globally while focusing on VAT structuring and compliance oversight. You'll be part of a culture that values mentorship and professional growth, with a hybrid working model and exciting team events. If you're a confident leader with strong consulting experience and a passion for VAT, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a thriving advisory environment.

Benefits

Monthly firm-wide breakfasts

Wellness events

Hybrid working model

Inclusive DEI culture

Team retreats

Qualifications

• 5-8 years post-qualification experience with 3-4+ years in UAE VAT.
• Strong consulting firm experience, preferably from Big 4 or Top 10.

Responsibilities

• Lead VAT projects end-to-end and engage directly with clients.
• Guide and coach your team while contributing to business development.

Skills

VAT Advisory

Client Engagement

Team Leadership

Business Development

Cross-border Consulting

Education

ACA, ACCA, CPA, CTA, ADIT or legal equivalent

LLB/LLM

Job description

Step Up, Stand Out & Shape the Future of VAT in Dubai

Ready to take the reins and lead from the front in a high-growth advisory environment, in one of the most exciting cities in the world? This VAT Manager opportunity in Dubai isn't your typical tax job. It's your chance to level up, lead a growing team, and become a strategic voice in one of the fastest-evolving tax markets globally.

This isn't a backfill. It's a key strategic hire, created because the business is booming. You'll join a thriving advisory division, where collaboration is the norm and leadership are deeply invested in your success.

Why This Role? Why Now?

Because this team is scaling, and they need a game-changer. With no current VAT Manager in place, this role gives you a clear runway to:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a capable junior team
• Take ownership of complex VAT advisory and compliance projects
• Contribute to business development, pitch exciting new work, and shape client strategy
• Become the go-to VAT lead on cross-border engagements, real estate, hospitality, and more

You'll report to senior leaders who've climbed the ranks themselves, one even started here as an associate and is now a Director. That's the kind of career growth you'll be stepping into.

What You'll Be Doing

You won't be stuck doing VAT returns all day-we promise.

Expect a dynamic split:

• 60% Advisory - VAT structuring, cross-border consulting, transaction advisory, industry-specific planning
• 40% Compliance - Reviews, risk management, quality assurance, compliance oversight

Plus, you'll:

• Lead VAT projects end-to-end
• Engage directly with clients from the UAE and globally
• Be involved in business development from day one
• Guide and coach your team like a pro
• Represent the firm as a point of contact for VAT referrals across their global network

The Culture You'll Join

This firm is all in on people. Their tax and advisory teams are some of the largest and most diverse in the business, and they live and breathe professional growth, internal promotion, and genuine mentorship.

Perks include:

• Monthly firm-wide breakfasts, wellness events (Desert Safari, anyone?)
• Dedicated fitness and CSR programmes (Zumba, badminton, labour camp outreach)
• A hybrid working model: 3 days in-office, 2 from home
• An inclusive DEI culture with women in leadership and a global talent footprint
• Team members from India are flown in regularly for Dubai-based team retreats

Who We're Looking For

You're confident, consultative, and ready to lead. You're not just technically sharp-you're commercially curious and a natural communicator.

Must-haves:

• ACA, ACCA, CPA, CTA, ADIT or legal equivalent (LLB/LLM)
• 5-8 years' post-qualification experience with 3-4+ years in UAE VAT
• Strong consulting firm experience (Big 4, Top 10, or high-performing boutiques)
• Proven people management skills - mentoring, reviewing, delegating
• Frontline client-facing experience on VAT advisory projects

Bonus points if you have:

• Real estate, hospitality or cross-border exposure
• Knowledge of BEPS 2.0, ESR, TP, or CbCR
• Experience working across jurisdictions, especially in the GCC