VAT Associate Director

As one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions -- we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.

About the department

When you become part of our team, you’ll discover a culture celebrating individuality, fresh thinking, flexibility and collaboration, whilst not only embracing change but impacting it. We’re simply not a one-size-fits-all firm and work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of RSM and our clients.

Our VAT specialists work closely with colleagues across the firm to provide a joined-up service to a diverse range of clients, from middle market businesses to large corporations, combining expertise in accounting, audit and all relevant taxes. As a national VAT practice, we provide the freedom to find the right balance between sector specialism and general advisory, as well as an opportunity to initiate and develop new areas of focus for the team. As a fast-growing faculty, there are significant opportunities for client development and a strong emphasis on delivering and / or overseeing the junior member's delivery of a strong pipeline of varied advisory work. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities, primarily from within the existing RSM contact base and working with the broader RSM team to bring these opportunities to fruition.

About the role

Together with Partners and Directors, you'll manage the interface between a group of clients and the firm to ensure that the agreed expectations of the clients in terms of service, quality, and cost are met. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team at an exciting part of the journey, working on a hybrid basis and reaping the rewards of being at home and in the office on a weekly basis. The variety of projects will challenge you every day, helping you expand your capabilities and grow professionally. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover a culture that nurtures individuality and celebrates fresh thinking!

Responsibilities:

• Identifying and advising on a wide range of VAT matters, and undertaking specialist technical assignments as required.
• Responding to clients’ correspondence as a matter of priority, and to keep the client and partner fully informed of the current status of the VAT work.
• Leading due diligence projects, reviewing the VAT affairs of a business and reporting in a succinct and timely manner.
• Maintaining an active awareness of topical VAT issues and opportunities and proactively seeking to generate new business via existing and prospective clients of the Firm.
• Acting as the principal point of contact to clients on VAT queries and to maintain excellent client service at all times.
• Undertaking work delegated by the Partner or Director.
• Ensuring appropriate liaison takes place with other departments.
• Closely monitoring work in progress reports, to ensure the profitable recoverability of work done and to bill clients on a timely basis.
• Developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and courses, and an awareness of the firm's services, brochures and publications.
• Identifying, meeting and converting prospective clients as well as assisting other departments in the research and preparation of formal proposals for new work.
• Taking an active involvement in prospective client seminars, effectively following up with contacts made.
• Assisting in review and quality control procedures and the administration of the department where required.
• Attending staff meetings and training as required.
• Carrying out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, the title of the role and its grading, as requested by the line manager or Head of Department.

About the ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of working at Manager or Associate Director level within VAT, as well as previous experience of winning work and / or the ability to unlock fees from the existing client base. You will be confident in helping to develop junior members of staff and driving forward a good team environment. In particular you will demonstrate:

• Ability to build and develop a team of VAT practitioners.
• Strong commerciality with the ability to implement and meet targets.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with demonstrated experience of client management.

Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client's needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That's why we're working together to ensure our firm's principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.

About the company

RSM UK is a provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market businesses.