VAT (Indirect Tax) Senior Manager

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