Your new company

Our client is a well-established independent firm of chartered accountants based in Lancashire, serving clients across the North West. With a strong reputation for partner-led service and technical excellence, the firm supports a wide range of large owner-managed businesses, including a large volume of M&A, transactional and cross-border work through their relationships with multiple renowned private equity firms. Boasting one of the largest tax teams in the region, the firm promotes a healthy and relaxed environment with a large proportion of the team joining from the Big 4, the quality of the work is at an extremely high level. As part of the strategic growth of the firm, they are now looking to build a dedicated VAT function to enhance their tax advisory offering.

• Design and implement the firm’s VAT service offering from the ground up.
• Develop internal processes, systems, and documentation to support VAT compliance and advisory work.
• Build and lead a VAT team, including recruitment, training, and mentoring.
• Provide expert VAT advice to clients across sectors including property, manufacturing, retail, and professional services.
• Manage VAT compliance services including returns, registrations, and HMRC interactions.
• Identify and deliver VAT planning opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate VAT into wider tax and accounting services.
• Lead business development efforts to grow the VAT client base.
• Stay abreast of VAT legislation and ensure the firm’s services remain compliant and competitive.

• Extensive experience in VAT advisory and compliance.
• Proven ability to build or significantly grow a VAT function within a practice or corporate environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation and its practical application.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach to service development and client engagement.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Strategic leadership role with autonomy to shape the VAT function.
• Supportive, partner-led environment with long-term career potential.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development and training support.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this Head of VAT role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Justin Hopkins on 0161 237 3388 to discuss in more detail.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.