VAT Director

Based in our London VAT team, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing a diverse client portfolio, encompassing the delivery of tax advisory services as well as overseeing some VAT compliance. This is a challenging and interesting client facing role, which will include exposure to a range of both UK and international clients.

The responsibilities

Business development

• Opportunity to lead the development VAT work across the London office, focussing on our business advisory and not for profit clients.
• Working with the VAT senior team to ensure that the wider firm/London office is kept updated on technical VAT developments and opportunities for discussions with clients.
• Involvement in National Practice Groups for relevant sectors to develop specific VAT input and involvement in wider business development initiatives.

Technical

• Leading on complex VAT advice projects across corporate and not for profit clients
• Review advisory work prepared by the London and wider national team.
• Oversee the London VAT team’s return compliance process, with potential for future improvements using technology.

People

• Serve as the line manager for the London VAT Manager group.
• Provide pastoral care for the wider London VAT team, coordinating with the London tax staff partner.
• Support the development of VAT team members across the national team including technical and non-technical training.
• Active involvement in management and development of VAT team nationally, reporting directly to the head of VAT.

The team

The London VAT team consists of two Directors, two Managers, one Assistant Manager, and three Assistants and is part of a national VAT team which also includes a VAT partner, two directors and two senior managers based in our Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol offices.

You

The role would suit an ACA/CTA qualified and have experience in a Senior Management/ Director level position.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong UK VAT technical skills and familiarity with international VAT issues.
• Ability to analyse tax technical queries and provide robust advice and solutions.
• Project management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Experience of managing a team, and helping to deliver a very high standard of professional work to a challenging and varied portfolio of clients.
• Responsibility for the delivery and quality of work.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A clear client focus with a commitment to building strong client relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively in different teams.
• Coaching and mentoring skills to develop other team members.
• Ability to build closer relationships with other London service lines to increase VAT involvement in their clients.
• Experience working with partners/teams across London to ensure VAT is part of all BD initiatives/targeting etc.
• Ability to increase visibility of VAT within relevant practice groups.

Reward and benefits

• A 35 hour working week with a hybrid working policy with the flexibility to work from home for up to three days per week (our core hours are 10-4).
• Excellent benefits including; contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, Life Assurance cover and great flexible benefits and family friendly policies.
• Eligibility for the firm’s Profit-Sharing Plan. Paid in December.
• Eligibility for the discretionary bonus scheme.

About us
Saffery LLP is an adviser to individuals and businesses across a range of sectors, providing market-leading accountancy, audit, business advisory, tax and VAT services. Founded in 1855, we are the UK’s 15th largest accountancy firm.

When you work with us at Saffery, you work with people who know your name, not just a job title. We’re a place shaped by friendly, intelligent people who are individually excellent and collectively exceptional. We’re committed to our clients, but also to our greatest asset – our people.

As a proud member of Nexia, a leading, international network of independent accounting and consulting firms, we’ve got access to local insight on a global scale.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us. With our ED&I strategy, Everyone Belongs, we are building on our positive work culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and strengthen our equitable culture of inclusion, led from the top.

We hope you will apply to us, whatever your background, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability or neurodivergence, because individual differences equal collective strength. Built on values of excellence, integrity, enthusiasm and collegiality, Saffery is where Potential meets Personal.

At Saffery, we’re more than just chartered accountants and tax and business advisers. We’re a partner-led and people-focused firm, committed to our clients and honouring our heritage.

Since 1855, we’ve evolved in size and scope, but our unwavering dedication to exceptional client service remains the same.

As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, we’ve got access to local insight on a global scale.

In the UK, Saffery LLP is the 15th largest accountancy firm by fee income, with 90+ partners and 1,200+ staff across nine offices. Overseas, Saffery is represented in Cayman, Guernsey, Geneva, Zurich, Dublin and Dubai.