Senior VAT Manager

CKB Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous holiday

Pension

Life assurance

Health cashback

Discounts and perks

Social events

Career progression

Job summary

CKB Recruitment is assisting a growing firm with a Senior VAT Manager position in Bristol or Birmingham, offering hybrid working and a clear path to Director. You will advise UK and international clients on VAT, cross-border issues, property transactions, and partial exemption while developing your specialisms and helping grow the VAT service line.

Salary £51,000–£78,000, plus pension, life assurance, health cashback, and 4,000+ discounts and perks, with strong career progression and

Qualifications

• Extensive VAT experience in practice or HMRC.
• Proven ability to manage diverse VAT client portfolios and grow fees.
• CTA qualification ideal but not essential.
• Exposure to Customs Duty considerations is beneficial.
• Evidence of leading successful business development activities.
• People management experience.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative approach with business leadership.

Responsibilities

• Advise UK and international clients on VAT and indirect tax implications.
• Advise education and public sector clients on VAT liability and partial exemption.
• Analyse VAT aspects of property transactions.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of client relationships and expectations.
• Scope proposals, monitor budgets and oversee billing.
• Communicate VAT developments internally and externally.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills

VAT experience

Portfolio management

People management

Strong communication

Business development

Education

CTA qualification (ideal but not essential)

Job description

Senior VAT Manager Growing Firm Bristol or Birmingham £51,000 to £78,000 Hybrid Working

Are you ready to take the next step in your Tax Accounting career? If you're an experienced VAT professional who wants to shape, influence, and expand a highly regarded VAT service line, this role offers you genuine career progression, flexibility, and the chance to work with a variety of ambitious clients.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary ranging from £51,000 to £78,000 per year (depending on role level and experience)
• 25+ days holiday plus bank holidays and additional office closure time over Christmas
• Contributory pension scheme and life assurance
• Health cashback plan providing practical support
• Access to over 4,000 discounts and perks
• Active social committees and regular events
• Inclusive, collaborative culture supporting both career progression and work-life balance
• A clear pathway to Director, with mentoring and real business development opportunities

The Role

Working exclusively in VAT advisory, you'll partner with corporates, international businesses, educational institutions, charities, and public sector organisations. You will tackle technically complex projects such as property VAT, partial exemption, cross-border VAT, M&A transactions, and HMRC negotiations. As a Senior VAT Manager, you'll also develop your specialisms, contribute to key sector groups, and help shape the growth of the VAT service line alongside the VAT Partner and tax leadership team.

• Advise UK and international clients on VAT and indirect tax implications of international trade
• Provide specialist advice to education and public sector clients on VAT liability and partial exemption
• Analyse VAT aspects of residential and commercial property transactionsManage a diverse portfolio of client relationships and expectations
• Scope project proposals, monitor budgets and oversee billing
• Communicate VAT developments internally and externally, including via articles, webinars, and social media
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, becoming actively involved in key sector groups such as Manufacturing, Education, and Real Estate
• Mentor and support junior team members

What we're looking for:

• Extensive VAT experience gained in either accountancy practice or HMRC
• Strong track record in managing diverse VAT client portfolios and growing fee revenues
• CTA qualification is ideal but not essential
• Exposure to Customs Duty considerations is beneficial
• Evidence of leading successful business development activities
• People management experience
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to business success

What's on Offer?

• Based in Bristol with opportunities for hybrid and flexible working
• 25+ days holiday plus bank holidays
• Extra time off at Christmas (office closure between Christmas and New Year)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health cashback plan
• 4,000+ discounts and perks
• Active social committees and regular events
• A culture of supporting personal and professional development

If you're looking to advance your Tax career with real influence and long-term prospects, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. We welcome applications from both experienced Senior VAT Managers and ambitious VAT Managers ready for their next challenge.