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.

• 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

• 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

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…