Hays
VAT Manager

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Our client is one of the leading accountancy firms in the UK, part of a global accounting network, with a presence in over 150 countries and access to more than 20,000 professionals worldwide, offering expert audit, tax, and advisory services across sectors including insurance, capital markets, fintech, property, and not-for-profit.
The Tax Division is known for its technical excellence and personal approach, delivering VAT, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Employment Tax services to a diverse and growingly complex client base on high-impact projects.
Your new role
As a VAT Manager, you'll be a key member of our growing VAT team based in Leeds or Manchester. You'll manage a portfolio of clients across a variety of sectors, including insurance, finance, crypto, and property, delivering high-quality VAT advisory services and supporting Directors and Partners on strategic projects.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on VAT issues such as jurisdictional expansion, new income streams, and HMRC disputes
- Managing client relationships and converting queries into profitable advisory projects
- Reviewing complex VAT returns and written deliverables with minimal oversight
- Supporting tender proposals, due diligence, and specialist VAT input into audit work
- Training junior staff and managing direct reports
- Contributing to business development and identifying new opportunities
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This is a hands-on, client-facing role with scope for progression and involvement in high-value consultancy work.
What you'll need to succeed
To thrive in this role, you'll bring:
- Proven experience in VAT advisory work within practice
- Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT principles and case law
- Ability to explain complex VAT issues clearly to non-specialists
- Experience managing a client portfolio and delivering written advice
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
- Strong communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset
- Desire to mentor and develop junior team members
- ACA/CA/CTA or equivalent qualification (preferred but not essential)
You'll be tenacious, thoughtful, and calm under pressure, with a genuine interest in helping clients resolve complex tax issues.
What you'll get in return
Join a firm that believes in meritocratic career progression and personal development, valuing expertise, innovation, and a unique perspective. You'll benefit from:


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- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for promotion within a growing VAT department
- Access to internal and external training and technical updates
- A collaborative and inclusive team culture
- Exposure to high-profile clients and complex advisory work
- Flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this VAT Manager role in either Leeds or Manchester, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Yasmin Vart on 0161 237 3388 to discuss it in more detail. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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