VAT Director

PKF Littlejohn; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

PKF Littlejohn in Greater London is looking for an ambitious individual to join their growing VAT Team. This role involves liaising with HMRC, providing VAT advice, and helping clients manage their tax obligations effectively.

With the team planning to expand, there are significant opportunities for career progression. Ideal candidates will have strong VAT knowledge and proven client advisory skills.

Qualifications

• Proven skills in VAT advisory/compliance work gained in practice.
• Ability to explain complex issues in an understandable way.
• Ability to manage a large client portfolio profitably.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with HMRC for VAT obligations.
• Provide clear and concise written advice.
• Participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Skills

VAT advisory

Client management

Communication skills

Technical research

Education

ACA/CA/CTA or equivalent

Finance or Accounting degree

Job description

Introduction to the Division

The division provides VAT, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, Personal Tax, Global Mobility and Employment Tax compliance and advisory services to a wide range of clients and prides itself on the quality of service, high degree of professionalism and personal approach that is offered to each and every client. The division has a growing number of Corporate Clients, with the team regularly involved in a number of transactional pieces of advisory work, across a variety of sectors and covering a variety of taxation issues. These can impact both the company and individuals, for example, demergers, restructuring, acquisitions and disposals.

Role Overview

The role requires an ambitious, confident individual, with excellent knowledge of VAT tax to join the growing VAT Team. The team plans to double in size over the next 3–5 years and so promotion opportunities would be available in the future for a successful and ambitious candidate.

Client Responsibilities

• Liaise with HMRC to help them discharge their VAT obligations correctly and on time so that they and their suppliers/customers do not incur unexpected VAT costs, interest and penalties.
• Speak to them (in person and/or on video calls) to understand their issues and determine the VAT treatment(s) of their transactions.
• Provide clear and concise written advice that is well‑researched, considered and contains practical/commercial recommendations.
• Resolve differences of view (about the VAT treatment of transactions) between your clients and HMRC/their suppliers/their customers through insight, deep technical research and a pragmatic/commercial approach.
• Obtain written views from HMRC.
• Participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
• Negotiate with HMRC and (where necessary) their supplier(s)/customer(s) in respect of the potential VAT treatment of their transactions.
• Liaise with specialist VAT barristers to obtain robust opinions in respect of the VAT treatment of their transactions. Profitably manage a large client portfolio, working with managers and assistant managers who deliver work/advice to your clients.

Use insights gathered from your client work, and other peoples’ client work, to proactively generate new clients and projects for the VAT team.

Work Assignments

• Tender proposals
• Assistance in VAT marketing initiatives
• Due diligence as part of Transaction Services projects
• VAT input as part of external audit services
• VAT input to insolvency/restructuring team
• Training staff/clients on VAT matters
• Investigation and resolution of VAT queries
• Preparation and submission of VAT registration applications and VAT returns.

People Management

PKF encourages the personal development of each member of staff and supports internal and external training courses as well as professional updates on technical and non‑technical subjects. In addition to managing their own development, individuals are expected to encourage and take an active role in the training and development of less experienced staff, including managing one or more direct reports and conducting their appraisals.

Opportunities

Career progression at PKF Littlejohn LLP is meritocratic. The VAT department is growing; there is therefore ample scope for progression. Career progression is reviewed not just at the annual appraisal.

Person Specification

• Proven skills in VAT advisory/compliance work gained in practice
• A good understanding of VAT principles
• Able to explain complex issues in a way non‑VAT experts will understand
• Up‑to‑date technical skills and experience, across a broad range of client business issues
• Potentially one (or more) specialist areas, e.g., insurance sector
• Ability to manage a large client portfolio profitably
• Ability to convert queries from existing clients/contacts into significant projects
• Ability to win new VAT work from existing clients/contacts that would not have arrived with the firm anyway

Attributes

• Willingness/desire to help colleagues and clients to resolve their issues
• Tenacious, creative and enjoys solving puzzles/problems
• Interested in trying to understand issues and other people’s perspectives on them
• Thoughtful, reflective and considered/well‑researched before offering views/opinions
• Able to quickly identify the main ideas/important points in written text or during verbal interactions
• Organised, efficient and responsive
• Clear and concise communication (both verbal and written)
• Willingness/desire to expand knowledge and improve skills (of self and others)
• Responsive/attentive
• Proactive
• Positive/can do attitude
• Calm

Qualifications

Not essential, but helpful:

• ACA/CA/CTA or equivalent
• Law
• Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies or similar
• English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classical Studies, International Studies