VAT Director

Overview of Firm

PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on‑the‑ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.

We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well‑known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast‑moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not‑for‑profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

The division provides VAT, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, Personal Tax, Global Mobility and Employment Tax compliance and advisory services to a wide range of clients and prides itself on the quality of service, high degree of professionalism and personal approach that is offered to each and every client.

The division has a growing number of Corporate Clients, with the team regularly involved in a number of transactional pieces of advisory work, across a variety of sectors and covering a variety of taxation issues. These can impact both the company and individuals, for example, demergers, restructuring, acquisitions and disposals.

We have an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic, driven, and highly skilled Director VAT specialist to join our expanding Indirect Tax team, led by the Head of VAT. Ambitious and experienced Senior Managers seeking the next step in their career are also encouraged to apply.

After a transformative year that reshaped our client portfolio and team structure, there has never been a better time to become a pivotal member of this progressive, high‑performing team, helping to define the next phase of growth.

• Liaise with HMRC to help them discharge their VAT obligations correctly and on time so that they and their suppliers/customers do not incur unexpected VAT costs (whether absolute or cash‑flow), interest and penalties.
• Speak to clients (in person and/or on video calls) to understand their issues and determine the VAT treatment(s) of their transactions.
• Provide clear and concise written advice that is well‑researched, considered and contains practical/commercial recommendations.
• Resolve differences of view about the VAT treatment of transactions between clients and HMRC/suppliers/customers through insight, deep technical research and a pragmatic/commercial approach.
• Obtain written views from HMRC.
• Participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
• Negotiate with HMRC and, where necessary, their suppliers/customers in respect of the potential VAT treatment of transactions.
• Liaise with specialist VAT barristers to obtain robust opinions regarding VAT treatment. Profitably manage a large client portfolio, working with managers and assistant managers who deliver work/advice to clients.

Use insights gathered from client work and other people’s client work to proactively generate new clients and projects for the VAT team.

• Tender proposals
• Assistance in VAT marketing initiatives
• Due diligence as part of Transaction Services projects
• VAT input as part of external audit services
• VAT input to insolvency/restructuring team
• Training staff/clients on VAT matters
• Investigation and resolution of VAT queries
• Preparation and submission of VAT registration applications and VAT returns.

PKF believes strongly in encouraging the personal development of each member of staff and supports and provides internal and external training courses, as well as professional updates on technical and non‑technical subjects. Individuals are expected to encourage and take an active role in the training and development of less experienced staff, including managing one or more direct reports and conducting their appraisals.