VAT Manager – Compliance & Advisory

Location: Scotland (flexible / hybrid working)
Salary: £40 000 - £48 000

About the Firm

A leading independent accountancy and advisory practice in Scotland is seeking a VAT Manager to join its growing tax department. The firm is known for its strong focus on people, progressive values, and a flexible working culture. With one of the largest tax teams outside the Big Four, the firm offers a wide range of advisory and compliance services to clients across various sectors and sizes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a firm that encourages development, champions collaboration, and offers clear progression pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex VAT advisory projects, including land, property, international transactions, partial exemption, and due diligence
• Provide technical VAT guidance on compliance, planning, and structuring matters
• Support complex compliance work, including review of internal team outputs
• Identify business development opportunities to support growth
• Manage day-to-day client relationships, delivering proactive communication and value-added advice
• Deliver VAT advisory work as part of multidisciplinary project teams
• Coach and support junior team members on VAT compliance and advisory topics
• Contribute to process improvement and operational efficiency across the tax team
• Promote a positive and collaborative team culture

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong technical knowledge in VAT compliance and advisory, ideally within a practice environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and client relationships
• Skilled at coaching and developing junior team members
• Comfortable operating in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
• Professional qualification (CTA, ATT, or CA/ACCA) preferred – strong relevant experience also considered
• Committed to delivering high-quality client outcomes and aligned with the firm’s values

Benefits & Culture

• Fully flexible/hybrid working model – work from home or in the office as suits you
• Opportunity to work with a leading tax team and high-calibre client base
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Strong emphasis on career progression and learning
• Supportive, people-first working culture

Haines Watts Scotland

Accounts senior job spec – March 2025

• Job title – Accounts senior

• Salary – expect a range from £40k - £45k depending on experience

• Role –

o Preparing accounts for a range of companies from small up to medium and

large sized companies under FRS 102 including groups and consolidations

o Review work of junior members of the team

o Support junior team members with the development of their technical skills

o Manage a portfolio of clients to deliver work to high standards and in timescales

required by clients and other departments of the firm

o Be the client’s first point of contact on day-to-day queries

o Meet with clients to discuss their accounts and any ad hoc project work

o Travel to client sites occasionally

o Work with other departments in the firm to assist in the delivery of other

compliance and advisory services to clients

o Reporting to client manager

• Location – Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Stirling

• Type of employment – full-time

• Education – CA / ACA / ACCA or QBE

• Experience – minimum of 5 years relevant experience in practice with OMBs preparing

accounts under FRS 102. IRIS and Xero experience beneficial but not essential.

• Person – comfortable client-facing / good communicator. Looking for an opportunity to

enhance their technical skills and progress their career. Good time management and

commercial awareness.