VAT Senior Manager – Director

Role Overview

• Leading complex VAT projects and influencing the growth strategy of the VAT practice.
• Working directly with Partners across the firm on multidisciplinary projects and developing new client relationships.
• Supporting clients through complex VAT challenges, business restructures, transactions, property projects, international expansion and HMRC disputes.
• Managing and developing the team and shaping the future direction of the service line.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, delivering commercially focused VAT advice across a broad range of sectors and industries.
• Managing and reviewing VAT due diligence and VAT health check assignments, identifying risks and opportunities for clients.
• Leading negotiations and correspondence with HMRC on technical disputes, enquiries, assessments and disclosures.
• Providing technical leadership to the VAT team, reviewing complex advisory work and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence.
• Identifying and developing opportunities for cross-selling and introducing wider service offerings across the firm.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and professional contacts to generate new business opportunities.
• Leading and contributing to business development activities, including networking, proposal preparation, presentations, webinars and thought leadership content.
• Mentoring, developing and managing junior team members, fostering technical development and career progression.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across tax, audit, corporate finance and other service lines to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Contributing to the overall leadership and success of the wider tax team and firm.

Requirements

• Significant experience advising on complex VAT matters and managing client relationships, preferably within an accountancy practice.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of VAT specialisms, with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Experience leading HMRC negotiations, enquiries, disputes and technical consultations.
• People leadership skills, including experience managing, mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at senior client and internal stakeholder levels.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across multiple service lines.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• The successful candidate should also be CTA/ACA qualified or equivalent.

Benefits

• At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work.
• If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.
• Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:
• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count
• We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.