VAT MANAGER TOP 10 FIRM LONDON

Our client is a prestigious international accounting firm ranked in the Top 10 in the UK. They are looking for a VAT Manager.

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 London office to its varied client base. 

Key responsibilities:
Client Work:  

Advising clients on areas of VAT planning, compliance and disputes with HMRC, namely: 
Developing and maintaining a sound technical knowledge of all areas of VAT, reflecting the massively 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 reconsiderations and VAT tribunal appeals.
Internal technical support and training:
Organising, preparing and delivering internal VAT training courses.
Speaking as part of a larger team at other internal seminars and conferences.
Contribution of “technical talks” at internal national VAT group meetings
Regularly contributing articles to internal technical bulletins etc.
Working with other departments
Assist and advise in the preparation and review of VAT returns prepared on behalf of clients.
Assisting and advising audit teams on VAT matters material to statutory audits.
Occasional on-site visits as part of the audit process.
Assisting and advising in due diligence, M&A and other corporate finance projects.
Occasional on-site visits and due diligence VAT reviews. 
External training
To organise, prepare and deliver VAT training and update courses to clients and contacts. 
Jointly presenting other external courses as part of a mixed specialist team.
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
You will be responsible for final approval of VAT returns prepared by management accounts teams.
You 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.