VAT Manager / Associate Director

About the department

When you become part of our team, you'll discover a culture celebrating individuality, fresh thinking, flexibility and collaboration, whilst not only embracing change but impacting it. We're simply not a one-size-fits-all firm and work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of RSM and our clients. As Ali Sapsford (our Head of Tax) states, "personality and fun are as big a part of our culture as is our passion for delivering a premium service to our clients... That sense of team is what attracts clients and staff alike to RSM, and it's one of the things I love about RSM!"

Our VAT specialists work closely with colleagues across the firm to provide a joined-up service to a diverse range of clients, from middle market businesses to large corporations, combining expertise in accounting, audit and all relevant taxes. As a national VAT practice, we provide the freedom to find the right balance between sector specialism and general advisory, as well as an opportunity to initiate and develop new areas of focus for the team. As a fast-growing faculty, there are significant opportunities for client development and a strong emphasis on delivering and / or overseeing the junior member's delivery of a strong pipeline of varied advisory work. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities, primarily from within the existing RSM contact base and working with the broader RSM team to bring these opportunities to fruition.

VAT Manager:

"I started at RSM in 2018 on the school leaver apprenticeship programme in VAT. I have had an unreal amount of support during my time which has enabled me to pass my CTA exams and progress to manager. RSM is very flexible in allowing people to do pursue the career path that suits them, I started out in the Reading office initially, and then was able to transfer to London to focus on a more national role within the team. I have had a great range of experience at RSM, working with all different types and sizes of clients, including the opportunity to go on multiple client secondments."

About the role

Together with Partners and Directors, you'll manage the interface between a group of clients and the firm to ensure that the agreed expectations of the clients in terms of service, quality, and cost are met. As a fast-growing faculty, there are significant opportunities for client development and a strong emphasis on delivering and / or overseeing the junior member's delivery of a strong pipeline of varied advisory work. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities, primarily from within the existing RSM contact base and working with the broader RSM team to bring these opportunities to fruition.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team at an exciting part of the journey, working on a hybrid basis and reaping the rewards of being at home and in the office on a weekly basis. The variety of projects will challenge you every day, helping you expand your capabilities and grow professionally. You'll have plenty of opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover a culture that nurtures individuality and celebrates fresh thinking!

Responsibilities:

• Identifying and advising on a wide range of VAT matters, and undertaking specialist technical assignments as required.
• Responding to clients' correspondence as a matter of priority, and to keep the client and partner fully informed of the current status of the VAT work.
• Leading due diligence projects, reviewing the VAT affairs of a business and reporting in a succinct and timely manner.
• Maintaining an active awareness of topical VAT issues and opportunities and proactively seeking to generate new business via existing and prospective clients of the Firm.
• Acting as the principal point of contact to clients on VAT queries and to maintain excellent client service at all times.
• Undertaking work delegated by the Partner or Director.
• Ensuring appropriate liaison takes place with other departments.
• Closely monitoring work in progress reports, to ensure the profitable recover-ability of work done and to bill clients on a timely basis.
• Developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and courses, and an awareness of the firm's services, brochures and publications.
• Identifying, meeting and converting prospective clients as well as assisting other departments in the research and preparation of formal proposals for new work.
• Taking an active involvement in prospective client seminars, effectively following up with contacts made.
• Assisting in review and quality control procedures and the administration of the department where required.
• Attending staff meetings and training as required.
• Carrying out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, the title of the role and its grading, as requested by the line manager or Head of Department.

About the ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of working at Manager or Associate Director level within VAT, as well as previous experience of winning work and / or the ability to unlock fees from the existing client base. You will be confident in helping to develop junior members of staff and driving forward a good team environment. In particular you will demonstrate:

• Ability to build and develop a team of VAT practitioners.
• Strong commerciality with the ability to implement and meet targets.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with demonstrated experience of client management.

Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the role. As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment in consultation with the individual.

About the Service Line Head

Ian Carpenter, Head of VAT : "What is VAT? I didn't know it at the time but my life in tax started when I passed the civil service entrance exam. I merrily thought I would have a choice of the Foreign Office, the MOD or the Home Office only to be told I was joining HMRC and my options were VAT or Excise neither of which I had heard of at the time. I chose VAT but I to this day I can't really say why. From that uncertain start came a love of this tax; the balance between inputs and outputs, how it directly relates to business transactions and its myriad of case law. I found that I loved talking to the tax people that shared my passion and the business leaders that didn't but needed someone to help them understand the impact on their commercial transactions. After 10 enjoyable years at HMRC I joined the profession and 12 years ago I joined what is now RSM. Those 12 years (and counting) is the longest time I have spent anywhere in my career. From the day I joined, RSM has felt different. It's much easier to feel the difference than it is to describe it. It's the willingness of the people across the firm to share and collaborate to get the best answer for our clients and our teams. Elsewhere I had felt these values were spoken about but sometimes the actions hadn't always reflected the words. It is a true privilege to lead and help grow my service line and to nurture people who joined us at the start of their careers, helping them grow and find their own path both professionally and personally. Some of my best moments have been conversations with team members telling them they have been successful in achieving the next step in their career progression journey. I also have a passion (but limited aptitude) for technology. In the next few years, the administration of tax and our tax business will change significantly due to the increased use of technology and automation by us, our clients and by tax authorities around the world. This creates exciting opportunities to alleviate mundane tasks from our people and the ability to create new offerings and insights for our clients. I love working with our brilliant people (who have both the passion and aptitude for technology) to make this the reality. The answer to what is VAT therefore is a gateway to a rewarding career!"
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Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client's needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That's why we're working together to ensure our firm's principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.]]>