VAT Manager

Moore Kingston Smith; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Moore Kingston Smith’s VAT team is seeking an experienced VAT Manager to join a well-established practice in London. This key advisory role offers exposure to a diverse range of VAT projects and the opportunity to build strong client relationships across the firm.

You will work closely with the VAT Partner and Directors on advisory projects, manage your own portfolio of clients, and contribute to business development.

Qualifications

• Strong VAT advisory experience within a professional services environment.
• Broad technical VAT knowledge across sectors and transaction types.
• Experience in Not-for-Profit and/or Property sectors would be advantageous.
• ATT, CTA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple service lines and build internal networks.
• Experience liaising with HMRC and managing VAT inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring work is delivered to a high technical standard, within budget and deadlines.
• Work with VAT Partner and Directors on advisory projects from scoping to completion.
• Take ownership of smaller and medium-sized projects, coordinating with clients and colleagues.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, providing practical VAT advice.

Skills

VAT advisory

Not-for-Profit

Property sector

CTA/ATT

International VAT

Client relationships

Job description

VAT Manager

Department: VAT

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: City, London

Compensation: £70,000 - £75,000 / year

Description

Our VAT team is looking for an experienced VAT Manager to join a well-established practice. This is a key role within the team, offering the chance to work on a diverse range of advisory projects while building strong relationships with clients and colleagues across the firm.

The role is primarily advisory-focused, supporting clients with complex VAT matters and delivering practical, commercially focused solutions. You will work closely with the VAT Partner and Directors on a wide variety of consultancy projects, while taking ownership of your own portfolio of clients and assignments.

We are looking for a well-rounded VAT professional with strong technical knowledge and experience across a range of industries. Experience advising clients in sectors such as Not-for-Profit, Property, Financial Services together with exposure to Corporate Finance and International VAT matters, would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative VAT team, working alongside experienced specialists on complex and varied assignments. You will have the autonomy to manage client relationships, take ownership of advisory projects, contribute to business development activities and play an important role in the continued growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring work is delivered to a high technical standard, within budget and in line with agreed deadlines.
• Work closely with the Partner and Directors on VAT advisory and consultancy projects, from initial scoping through to completion.
• Take ownership of smaller and medium-sized projects, managing deliverables and coordinating with clients and colleagues as required.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser and providing practical, commercially focused VAT advice.
• Work closely with the VAT Directors and wider team on complex technical assignments across a variety of sectors.
• Support clients across a diverse portfolio of sectors, including Not-for-Profit, Property, Financial Services, Media and Recruitment, as well as matters arising from Corporate Finance transactions.
• Advise clients on complex VAT matters including international VAT, property transactions, partial exemption methodologies, business/non-business apportionment arrangements and other technical VAT issues.
• Research technical issues, interpret legislation and HMRC guidance, and provide clear, practical recommendations.
• Identify VAT risks, planning opportunities and value-added solutions relevant to client circumstances.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues across the wider firm and respond effectively to internal referrals and technical queries.
• Support business development activities by identifying opportunities to provide additional services to existing and prospective clients.
• Manage WIP, budgets and billing for your portfolio, ensuring assignments are completed efficiently and profitably.
• Review VAT returns and associated workings prepared by compliance specialists where required.
• Manage HMRC enquiries, inspections, disputes and appeals, including supporting clients through reconsiderations and penalty matters where required.
• Support clients with VAT registrations, deregistrations and VAT grouping matters as required.
• Support and mentor junior members of the team, sharing technical knowledge and contributing to their professional development.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters appropriately while demonstrating sound professional judgement and commercial awareness.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong VAT advisory experience gained within a professional services environment.
• Broad technical VAT knowledge across a range of sectors and transaction types.
• Experience within the Not-for-Profit and/or Property sectors would be advantageous.
• ATT, CTA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple service lines and build effective internal networks.
• Experience liaising with HMRC and managing VAT enquiries.
• Broad technical skills are essential, and an ability to understand risk, and to appreciate when to call on the services of more senior members of the team.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering advisory projects independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-specialists.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in identifying opportunities to support clients and develop business relationships.