Associate VAT Director

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate VAT Director to work closely with our Tax Director and VAT Assistant Manager to identify and deliver advisory projects with a commercial mindset. The candidate is expected to develop junior members of the team and contribute to the strategic growth of the VAT service line, playing an active role in winning new business opportunities from existing clients and through Business Development activities.

You will be highly proficient in taking full ownership and strategic oversight of a portfolio of complex clients, possessing deep expertise in a wide range of VAT compliance services, substantial advisory experience, and a strong understanding of international VAT matters.

Furthermore, you will be responsible for setting and maintaining high standards for client service, engagement, and profitability. You will champion a positive and collaborative work environment, fostering strong team morale and promoting a culture of continuous improvement amongst the managers and wider team.

This role demands strong organisation, project management, and communication skills, coupled with comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of UK VAT and an awareness of international VAT principles. You will be expected to be technically strong, acting as an expert to the rest of the department and wider teams on complex VAT engagements which may have an international or advisory theme.

Key Accountabilities

1. Take ownership of the VAT service line, ensuring robust procedures are in place, managing risk, making effective decisions, and maintaining compliance standards at all times.
2. Drive commercial performance by identifying and implementing new opportunities for additional billing, special projects, and contributing to departmental sales targets, including leading on sales decisions.
3. Build strong relationships with other London office departments and the wider Zedra group, promoting effective cross-departmental client service, collaboration, and problem-solving on complex challenges.
4. Oversee VAT new business proposal processes, collaborating with the VAT team to prepare commercial and accurate proposals and engagement letters for new client opportunities.
5. Review VAT returns for significant and complex clients.
6. Win, assist, and lead on special VAT project work, liaising with seniors as appropriate.
7. Manage WIP and billing for your portfolio of clients.
8. Assist with the appraisal process for the team, including collecting feedback from team members.
9. Ensure ongoing training and development, keep exams and CPD records up to date.
10. Complete accurate timesheets and oversee timesheet reviews and approvals for reporting lines.

Knowledge & Experience

1. Professionally qualified with ICAEW, ACCA, or CTA.
2. 5+ years post-qualification experience with extensive management of a medium-sized team.
3. Ability to grow and develop team members and foster a positive working environment.
4. Excellent UK VAT knowledge and the ability to share that knowledge with the team and colleagues.
5. Strong ability to work with seniors and leaders to deploy strategies and develop the commercial offering.
6. International VAT experience and awareness.
7. Strong commercial skills, including budget setting, time and cost management, and achieving sales targets.
8. Ability to develop a professional network that may present new client opportunities.
9. Ability to work under pressure and handle client service issues effectively.
10. Experience working with a global network of Local Service Providers to deliver timely, quality advice.
11. Team player with the ability to work as part of a management team.
12. Collaborate with the Tax Director to ensure full compliance with risk management procedures.
13. Good communicator and a positive, engaging personality.

For more information or to request a copy of the job description, please email

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