HW Fisher, part of the Sumer Group
VAT Director
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Department: Corporate Tax
Location: London Acre House
Description
Our VAT Department is a growing and ambitious specialist department that works closely with clients across a broad range of sectors, delivering commercially focused VAT advice on both UK and international matters. The team currently consists of a VAT Supervisor and a VAT Trainee, headed up by a Partner.
We are looking for a Director who is looking for more than a traditional compliance and advisory role. Alongside leading complex VAT projects, you will have the opportunity to influence the growth strategy of the VAT practice and work directly with Partners across the firm on multidisciplinary projects and play a key role in developing new client relationships.
The role will have a strong focus on project-based advisory work, supporting clients through complex VAT challenges, business restructures, transactions, property projects, international expansion, and HMRC disputes. This is also a leadership opportunity to take a pivotal role in helping to manage and develop the team and helping to shape the future direction of the service line.
Key Responsibilities
As a senior member of the VAT team, you will be responsible for leading client relationships, providing strategic VAT advice, and supporting the development of both the team and the wider business. Responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, delivering commercially focused VAT advice across a broad range of sectors and industries.
- Leading complex advisory projects covering areas such as land and property, charities, financial services, international trade, place of supply, e-commerce, digital services, and supply chain structuring.
- 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.
- Supporting Partners with the management and growth of the VAT service line, including strategic planning and service development initiatives.
- 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.
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Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
The successful candidate will be an experienced VAT professional with a strong technical background and a proven track record of delivering high-quality client service within an accountancy practice or professional services environment.
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They will demonstrate:
- 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 organizational 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.
Belong @ Sumer
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