In a nutshell
Looking to step into a more strategic VAT leadership role? Join our dynamic and inclusive team as a Senior VAT Manager, where you will lead high-impact advisory projects, shape client strategy and drive business development. You will oversee complex portfolios, mentor future leaders and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. With access to advanced leadership development pathways and the opportunity to influence firm-wide initiatives including ESG and innovation, this role offers the perfect blend of challenge, autonomy and impact in a collaborative and values-driven environment.
Please note - we are not accepting CVs from recruitment agencies for this role.
What you'll be doing day to day
Oversee a portfolio of high-value and technically complex clients across VAT, indirect tax, and/or customs, ensuring strategic delivery of advisory and compliance services
Lead multi-disciplinary teams on complex assignments, integrating input from legal, finance, and international tax specialists
Provide technical oversight and quality assurance on all client deliverables, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with regulatory standards
Act as a senior escalation point for client issues, offering expert guidance and liaising with Directors/Partners on resolution strategies
Identify and lead on VAT and/or customs planning initiatives, presenting recommendations to senior leadership and clients
Drive adherence to risk management protocols and internal compliance frameworks
Develop and manage budgets, pricing strategies, and profitability targets across client engagements
Build and maintain senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner
Lead business development efforts, including proposal development, networking, and thought leadership
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, feedback, and structured development plans
Champion ESG and CSR initiatives, embedding sustainability and community engagement into team practices
Promote a culture of inclusion, fairness, and ethical conduct across all stakeholder interactions
About you
CTA and/or ACA/ACCA qualified, with significant post-qualification experience in a senior VAT advisory role
Proven track record in managing complex portfolios and delivering strategic tax solutions
Deep technical expertise in VAT and/or customs, with strong commercial acumen
Advanced proficiency in tax technology platforms and data analytics tools
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in managing and developing high-performing teams
Committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development
Why work at PKF Francis Clark
As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.
Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.
We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.
For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.
We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services. These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people. In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance. We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.
We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms. Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.
Your core benefits
Financial wellbeing
Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions
Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary
Group income protection available after six months’ service
Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse
Mental wellbeing
Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family
Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support
Physical wellbeing
Group private medical insurance, providing access to diagnosis and treatment
Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000*
Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK
Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan
Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support
Additional benefits
Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network
The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) *
One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations
Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) *
Gifts to mark key career and family milestones
Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing
Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship
- These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee’s post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage
Additional information
Job title used internally may not align exactly with the title displayed in this advert
