VAT Associate Director

Brewer Morris; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK accountancy and advisory firm is seeking an Associate Director in London. This senior role involves managing complex VAT cases, leading consultancy projects, and driving business development within a dynamic team. Ideal candidates have significant VAT experience and strong leadership skills, alongside being a qualified accountant. This position offers a chance to influence firm strategy and contribute to growth.

Qualifications

• Significant UK VAT experience in professional services or industry setting.
• Proven track record in managing complex client work.
• Experience leading teams and managing senior stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead advisory projects and complex engagements.
• Drive business development initiatives.
• Conduct appraisals and provide coaching to junior staff.

Skills

UK VAT experience

Project management

Business development

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) or tax adviser (CTA)

Job description

Associate Director – London

Role Overview

A leading UK accountancy and advisory firm is seeking an accomplished VAT professional to join its London-based team as an Associate Director. The firm provides comprehensive tax and consulting services to a diverse client base, with particular expertise in the real estate and financial services sectors, both in the UK and internationally.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a highly experienced VAT specialist to take on a strategic role within a growing and dynamic team. As VAT Associate Director, you will manage a portfolio of complex advisory and compliance cases, lead high-impact consultancy projects, and work closely with Partners to shape the direction of the VAT practice. You’ll also play a key role in business development, sector specialisation, and the development of junior talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Leadership – Act as a trusted adviser to clients, engaging on wider commercial and strategic VAT issues while managing a portfolio of complex engagements.
• Advisory Projects – Lead sophisticated consultancy assignments independently or in collaboration with Partners/Directors, delivering high-value solutions.
• Team Development – Conduct appraisals, oversee performance management, and provide one-to-one coaching and technical training to junior staff.
• Practice Development – Drive business development initiatives, leverage your professional network to generate new opportunities, and contribute to cross-referrals across service lines.
• Sector Expertise – Begin to build and apply specialist knowledge in key sectors, enhancing the firm’s market offering.
• Compliance & Governance – Ensure adherence to internal procedures and HMRC guidance, maintaining technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Contribution – Support the leadership team in shaping the VAT strategy, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to firm-wide initiatives.
• Continuous Learning – Stay up to date with tax policy, HMRC developments, and industry trends through seminars, courses, and internal briefings.

Candidate Profile

• Significant UK VAT experience gained in a professional services or industry setting
• Technically strong adviser with a proven track record in managing complex client work
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing senior stakeholder relationships
• Strong commercial acumen and appetite for business development
• Solid project management skills and ability to deliver strategic outcomes
• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) or tax adviser (CTA)

This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a high-performing VAT team. The Associate Director position offers the chance to influence strategy, lead high-profile projects, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the firm.

If this role is of interest, please apply now or reach out to Morgan Schuler at [e-mail] to discuss the role further.

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However, we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

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