VAT Manager

Ambition; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clear career progression

Ongoing professional development

Leadership opportunities

Diverse client base

Job summary

Ambition is seeking an experienced VAT adviser to join its growing VAT team in the UK. You will manage a diverse client portfolio, deliver high-quality VAT planning and support cross-border projects, while working closely with partners to drive client satisfaction and practice growth.

You will build strong client relationships, contribute to tender proposals, and provide coaching to junior colleagues as you progress through a merit-based career in a fast-growing professional services environment.

Qualifications

• Strong VAT advisory experience within a professional services environment.
• Excellent technical knowledge of UK VAT and related legislation.
• Experience managing a client portfolio and delivering profitable work.
• Ability to explain complex VAT matters clearly to non-specialists.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of VAT clients across diverse industries.
• Provide practical, commercially-focused VAT advice and build client relationships.
• Lead on complex VAT matters including cross-border transactions and property-related issues.
• Contribute to business development and wider practice growth.
• Review and coach junior team members and deliver technical training.

Skills

VAT advisory

Client relationship management

Technical VAT knowledge

Report writing

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

CTA/ATT or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

This is an opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded professional services firm with a strong UK presence and access to an extensive international network. You'll work as part of a collaborative VAT team, advising a broad portfolio of clients ranging from owner-managed businesses to large corporates across sectors including financial services, insurance, fintech, property, retail and emerging markets.

You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality VAT advisory services, managing client relationships, supporting business development initiatives and contributing to the growth of both the team and the wider practice. There is genuine scope for progression within a fast-growing department where advancement is based on performance and merit.

What you'll be doing

• Managing a portfolio of VAT clients across a range of industries.
• Building strong client relationships through responsive, commercial and practical advice.
• Advising on a variety of VAT matters, including:
  • Cross-border transactions and international expansion
  • VAT treatment of new products, services and income streams
  • HMRC enquiries and dispute resolution
  • Complex technical VAT issues
• Identifying opportunities to convert ad hoc VAT queries into wider advisory projects.
• Managing work-in-progress and billing for your client portfolio, ensuring strong commercial performance.
• Reviewing technical VAT work and written advice to a high standard with minimal senior oversight.
• Preparing and reviewing reports, technical memoranda and due diligence work.
• Providing specialist VAT input to wider projects, including audit-related matters where required.
• Supporting tender proposals and helping to generate new business opportunities.
• Reviewing complex VAT returns, including those involving partial exemption and property-related matters.
• Delivering VAT training and technical guidance to colleagues and junior team members.

Leadership responsibilities

Following a successful probation period, you'll also have responsibility for managing and developing junior team members. You'll be expected to:

• Conduct performance reviews and appraisals.
• Support training and professional development.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture.

What you'll bring

• Strong VAT advisory experience gained within practice.
• Excellent technical knowledge of UK VAT and related legislation.
• Experience managing a client portfolio and delivering profitable client work.
• Ability to explain complex VAT matters clearly to non-specialists.
• Strong report writing and advisory skills, including exposure to due diligence projects.
• High attention to detail when reviewing contracts, technical guidance and legislation.
• Ability to produce clear, concise and commercially focused written advice.
• Strong Microsoft Word skills, with Excel and PowerPoint experience also advantageous.

You’ll likely be:

• Client-focused and solutions-driven.
• Curious, analytical and naturally inclined to solve problems.
• Commercially aware and able to identify opportunities.
• Thoughtful and well-researched in your approach.
• A strong communicator who can quickly identify key issues.
• Organised, efficient and highly responsive.
• Proactive with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Committed to continuous learning and helping others develop.

What's on offer

• Exposure to a diverse and technically interesting client base.
• A broad mix of advisory, technical and client-facing work.
• The opportunity to contribute to a growing VAT practice.
• Clear and merit-based career progression.
• Ongoing professional development, technical training and support.
• Opportunities to develop both your leadership and business development skills.