VAT Associate Director

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

We're seeking a talented individual to join our VAT Tax Team in Manchester, which is responsible for provide tax VAT compliance and advisory services for a wide range of business clients.

Would you like to join a supportive high performing team with quality experience to learn and develop from?.

Our exciting team has already seen plenty of growth over the past 5 years and continues to see further growth. The team are at the next stage of their journey and looking to develop the regional VAT offering.

If you are ambitious and looking for a role where you can build and grow the business offering, with strong Business Development skills please read on.

In the short term you will have the support from the wider team in Newcastle but we will build a team around you. We will also consider candidates from Manchester, Newcastle or Leeds.

As Associate Director in VAT your responsibilities will include among others

• Client Management will include acting as a trusted adviser, engaging with clients on wider commercial and strategic issues. You would take the lead in managing and developing client relationships and identifying opportunities to grow the client portfolio.
• Staff Management and development to include providing appraisals and monitoring staff performance, On the job training for junior staff on a one-to-one basis
• Practice Development including business development activities; using your network of established relationships to drive new business opportunities and cross referral of services
• Compliance, ensuring procedures are followed taking account of institute and HMRC guidance.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you should

• Significant VAT experience gained within a professional services setting or industry 
• Ability to manage complex client work and have the technical capability to do this
• Demonstrable experience of managing people and clients
• Proven business development skills and appetite to grow business
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders both internally and externally

Qualifications

• Chartered tax advisor (CTA) or international equivalent.

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.