At Simmons Gainsford, we are a forward-thinking accountancy firm providing high-quality audit, tax and consulting services to a diverse portfolio of small and medium-sized businesses. Our clients range from entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses to complex groups with international operations, giving our teams exposure to a broad range of industries, structures and commercial challenges. We pride ourselves on a genuinely client-centric approach, providing practical, tailored advice and building long-term, trusted relationships.
Due to continued growth and recent acquisitions, we are looking for a VAT Manager to join our growing tax team. This is a great opportunity to work closely with the VAT Partner to develop and grow our VAT offering, while taking ownership of interesting and technically challenging client work. You’ll have the opportunity to work across a broad range of sectors and client structures, including international groups, and play an active role in developing client relationships and identifying new opportunities.
The role offers excellent exposure to generalist VAT advisory and compliance, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to broaden their technical experience and develop their career within practice. You’ll work on a wide range of VAT matters and client scenarios, with the support of an experienced Partner and wider tax team, while having genuine scope to shape the growth of the VAT offering within the firm.
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Provide high quality, practical and commercially focussed VAT and indirect tax advice to diverse clients, from owner-managed businesses to multinational groups
- Manage VAT projects and advisory assignments from inception through to completion, ensuring work is delivered efficiently, to deadline and within budget
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, managing engagements from client take-on and AML through to completion, billing and follow up
- Handle all aspects of HMRC enquiries, including managing client expectations and leading verbal and written communication with HMRC
- Identify opportunities to provide additional VAT services and support business development across existing and prospective clients
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the VAT and wider Tax teams, both within Simmons Gainsford and across Sumer
- Provide technical support, training and updates to colleagues across areas including Audit, Accounts and Bookkeeping, promoting best practice in VAT accounting and compliance
- Keep up to date with changes in VAT legislation and guidance, sharing relevant technical developments with clients and colleagues
- Contribute to the firm's VAT profile and marketing activity through articles, technical updates and other content
- Support the wider management and development of the VAT team, including business development, billing and process improvement
The successful candidate will ideally have…
- AAT/ATT/ACA/ACCA or CTA Qualification or be Qualified by Experience
- A strong technical knowledge of UK VAT and Indirect Taxes, with experience advising a broad range of clients
- Previous experience working in VAT within an accountancy, professional services or similar environment
- Be confident working independently, taking ownership of client work and projects from start to finish, while knowing when to seek support or escalate technical matters to the Partner
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with a genuine interest in keeping up to date with developments in VAT and sharing knowledge with others
- Experience supporting or developing junior team members through coaching, technical guidance and training
- A commercially minded approach, with the confidence to identify and develop VAT opportunities with both existing and prospective clients
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.
Our size and ethos means that we have a natural empathy with entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses. Our client base is diverse and includes media, entertainment, retail, property, hospitality, manufacturing, recruitment, lawyers and charities. Our remit is to solve problems and create solutions so the compliance work – such as audits and tax returns – is complemented by creative business and strategic planning.
We have grown steadily over the years but not to an extent that we don’t know one another. We’re fortunate in that we have the following teams: Audit & Accounts, Corporate, Personal and Indirect Tax, Bookkeeping, Payroll, IT, HR and Internal Accounts so we can all work together to help businesses as we offer a wide range of advice and solutions.
We enjoy what we do, we love being challenged and we are always striving to improve. We’re not going to deny that it can be a demanding environment at times – but that’s a great one in which to learn and grow stronger in our knowledge – and we don’t have a late hours’ culture.
Our Partners and Managers are approachable, incredibly supportive and dedicated to providing an individual career and personal development path for all our staff. Many of them began as trainees themselves so they understand the journey ahead for our new trainees as they mentor them.
We offer CPD training throughout the year as it’s important that our clients receive the most up to date and relevant advice, and our staff are continuously learning so they are empowered by their knowledge. There is always the opportunity for individuals to suggest any ad hoc courses.
We are a sociable bunch too! As well as our annual firm-wide seasonal events, we have a social club who think of even more innovative ways to have fun throughout the year.
We also like to keep everyone updated – and share ideas – by having regular team briefings, employee focus groups and staff meetings.
