VAT Assistant Manager/ Manager, Smith & Williamson Birmingham

Purpose of role:

To be a client VAT specialist with a sound basic knowledge of all aspects of VAT, maintaining the established VAT service provided by the firm’s Birmingham office to its varied client base.

Key responsibilities:

Client Work:

Advising clients in conjunction with the VAT Partner on areas of VAT planning, and disputes with HMRC, including:

Developing and maintaining a sound technical knowledge of all areas of VAT, reflecting the varied business sectors covered by our client base.
An ability to think laterally - essential when dealing with VAT planning and dispute issues.
To understand quickly the relevant issues and give clear, concise and positive verbal opinion and advice.
To be able to write clear, concise reports, letters and emails.
Preparation, submission and monitoring of dispute reviews and VAT tribunal appeals.
Carry out research of VAT implications on proposed transactions
Draft opinions and reports for the VAT Partner

Internal technical support and training:

Contribution of “technical talks” at internal national VAT group meetings
Regularly contributing articles to internal technical bulletins etc.

Working with other departments

Assisting and advising in due diligence, M&A and other corporate finance projects.
Occasional on-site visits and due diligence VAT reviews.
Advising clients on transactions in conjunction with others in Business Tax and Personal Tax

External training

Occasional speaking at third party seminars and conferences.

Business Development

Preparation of articles for external newsletters and technical bulletins.
Regular attendance at other S&W seminars and conferences to effect introductions and develop relationships with clients, contacts and other attendees.
Regular attendance at local “networking” events.
Develop and maintain relationships with other local and national professionals.

Miscellaneous duties

Preparation of billing and cash collections of fees.
Preparation and dissemination of National VAT group marketing activities report.

Decision Making Authority/Mandates/Constraints

The assistant manager will have a large degree of discretion as to frequency, content and delivery of internal and external courses.
All external correspondence, telephone notes will be subject to partner approval and internal “cold” reviews

Key Competencies:

Written & verbal communication: Able to communicate effectively, both written & orally, at all levels.
Client Experience: Focuses on the needs of the client and works to constantly exceed client expectations.
Planning and organising: Ability to successfully juggle more than one task or a series of activities at any one time.
Analytical thinking & problem solving: Ability to adapt to and apply logical thinking to complex situation.
Commercial Awareness:
Overall understanding and knowledge of the role, the company and the financial services industry as a whole
Good technical ability: Ability to discuss complex VAT issues with the VAT Partner and others in the VAT group nationally