Address
Form of workAbout 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 pipeline of varied advisory work.
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
Working directly with the VAT Partners, Directors and Managers as an integral member of wider team, you will contribute to providing high quality VAT technical advice and solutions to both external and internal clients. This will include identifying and advising on VAT advisory projects, and undertaking specialist technical assignments as required.
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:
- Acting as the day-to-day point of contact for the client, and practicing the principles of excellent client service at all times.
- Researching, considering and drafting technical advice having appropriately established the fact pattern with the client and other stakeholders.
- Supporting due diligence projects, reviewing the VAT affairs of a business and reporting in a succinct and timely manner.
- Ensuring VAT quality at all times as directed by the senior team, and assisting with internal and external quality assurance, ensuring any actions are completed in line with the firm’s professional standards.
- Responding to clients’ correspondence as a matter of priority, and keeping the client and senior team fully informed of the current status of the VAT work.
- Providing VAT consultancy services to all clients in relation to indirect taxes to ensure clients are always given the best advice.
- Responding to client requests in accordance with the firm’s internal client charter and providing a consistently helpful and proactive service to clients.
- Maintaining an awareness of the firm’s specialist services and publications to ensure effective client service.
- Developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and courses and an awareness of the firm’s services, brochures and publications.
- 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, Head of Department or any Partner.
About the ideal candidate
- Good standard of communication, both written and oral.
- Demonstrated experience of VAT advisory services and handling VAT enquiries within an Indirect Tax specialist position.
- Proven experience in client handling and managing a busy portfolio.
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 ye
