VAT Assistant Manager

AMS Group

Manchester

On-site

GBP 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual Holiday

Additional day off for birthday

WPA Health cashplan

1 x paid membership / subscription

Company sick pay

Enhanced parental pay policies

EAP

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm based in Manchester is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Manager for their Independent Tax Team. The successful candidate will engage with clients, manage VAT queries, and provide technical advice while collaborating across departments to ensure exceptional service. Required qualifications include being fully ACCA qualified and having an accountancy practice background. This full-time role offers competitive benefits including 23 days of annual holiday and a Health cashplan.

Qualifications

Must have accountancy practice background.
A proven record of engaging directly with clients.

Responsibilities

Manage VAT queries and provide technical advice.
Ensure accurate record keeping and provide support to VAT Manager.
Liaise with tax authorities and provide VAT advice.
Escalate complex technical work to the VAT Manager
Support business development with inbound clients and cross‑group referrals
Represent the VAT Team within the wider AMS Group and deliver ad‑hoc training to junior staff
Keep up to date with VAT legislation and publish updates on the VAT pages on the website
Liaise with tax authorities and external advisors as needed
Record review and update all queries in shared spreadsheets for consistency
Provide VAT guidance to internal colleagues and clients
Assist the VAT Manager with ECNs, Pre-Creds and Non-Stat clearances
Communicate regularly with Senior Managers and Directors
Attend networking events and seminars to stay abreast of VAT changes
Act as a contact for DIY Housebuilder Claims and perform general admin for Manager/ Senior Manager/ Partner

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Client facing experience

Education

Fully ACCA Qualified / equivalent

Job description

AMS Group is a leading UK Top 70 accountancy firm with a differentiated advisory‑led proposition, headquartered in Manchester. We have been a trusted name in professional services for over 40 years. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned us as a premier provider in the market.

Evolving from a family run accountancy practice in Blackburn (established 1982) to a nationwide advisory business with over 200 employees, across 12 offices, our trading divisions comprise Audit, Accounts, Tax & Advisory with multiple service lines within each division. We leverage our relationship‑driven client approach to generate significant cross‑sell opportunities. Complementary to our organic growth is an impressive M&A strategy, with eight acquisitions completed since 2021 and further strategic acquisitions planned in 2025.

At AMS we never offer a one size fits all approach. We know, in today’s economic environment, businesses require bespoke support, and we provide end‑to‑end services from start‑up to exit strategies. Our mantra is “Good advisers help your business. Great ones transform it”. This is the foundation upon which we have built our business.

We know great people make a great business. Our award‑winning culture drives our success. In 2024, we were named the 7th Best Accountancy Firm to Work for in the UK and featured in the Top 100 Companies to Work For. We’re proud to be recognised as Best Employer in Tax (Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2025) and Employer of the Year (GM Chamber of Commerce Awards 2024), reflecting our commitment to people, culture, and a workplace where talent thrives.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated and detail‑driven Assistant Manager to become an integral part of our Independent Tax Team in a full‑time capacity reporting to the VAT Partner. This dynamic role involves engaging directly with clients, handling casework, and collaborating with various departments across AMS Group to ensure seamless operations and exceptional service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

To be the first point of call in Managing and updating all VAT Queries coming into the VAT inbox
To provide technical advice and draw on VAT notices and legislation when needed during calls and emails with clients and wider colleagues
Prioritise accurate record keeping and flag any issues to the VAT Manager
Identifying the more complex technical work and passing it on to the VAT Manager
Business development responsibilities with inbound clients and to make referrals across the group
To represent the VAT Team within the Wider Group and deliver ad‑hoc training to junior staff
Keeping up to date with tax legislation and be actively involved in publishing this on the VAT pages on website
Liaise with tax authorities and external advisors as needed
Record review and update all queries in central spreadsheet logs to ensure consistency within the VAT team
Provide VAT advice to internal colleagues and clients alike
Provide assistance to the VAT Manager with regards to ECN’s, Pre-Creds and Non-Stat clearances
Communicating with Senior Managers & Directors on a regular basis
Attending networking events and seminars and keep up to date on recent VAT changes
Act as a point of contact for DIY Housebuilder Claims and to undertake general admin for the Manager, Senior Manager and Partner

Requirements