Job Description

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 advisors in South West England, joining PKF Francis Clark brings opportunities to develop your career in a direction that interests you.
Having celebrated our centenary in 2019, we're a team of nearly 1,000 people, based across our offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.
Our culture is flexible and supportive, enabling you to be the best you can be. We work hard to ensure you can be yourself, develop and be part of a forward-thinking team that makes brilliant things happen. But don't just take our word for it.
PKF Francis Clark is certified as a Great Place to Work. In 2024, we climbed nine places to 24 out of 105 large organisations on the list of the UK's Best Workplaces.
We're also ranked among the UK's Best Workplaces for Women (33 out of 90 large organisations), Best Workplaces for Development (30 out of 100) and Best Workplace for Wellbeing (44 out of 100).
Workplace culture experts Great Place to Work also highlighted PKF Francis Clark as a top achiever among the UK's Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services.
And in recognition of our outstanding training programmes for graduates, school leavers and career changers, we've been ranked among England's Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for two years running.
Whilst we're proudly independent, PKF Francis Clark is a member of the PKF Global family of firms - together we're the 12th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK. Being part of a global community of business advisors in 150 countries provides opportunities to expand your horizons by connecting with PKF colleagues around the world. Your core benefits
Financial benefits:

• Pension
• Group life assurance - up to four times your core salary
• Group income protection
• Health cash plan to help cover the costs of everyday healthcare

Health & Wellbeing benefits:

• Option to buy 5 extra days holiday*
• Counselling and support for you and your immediate family
• Virtual GP for you and your immediate family
• Cycle to work*

Other benefits:

• Medicash Extras providing you with shopping and gym discounts
• Gifts for career and family milestones
• One volunteering day per year to support local organisations
• Emergency funding from the Francis Clark Charitable Foundation
• Electric vehicle lease scheme*

Please note

• These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employee's post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage.