Vat Associate Director

As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions - we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.
**About 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 clientsThat 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.

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 opportunity**

Together with Partners you'll manage the interface between a group of clients and the firm to ensure that the agreed expectations of the clients in terms of service, quality, and cost are met. As a fast-growing faculty, there are significant opportunities for client development and a strong emphasis on delivering and / or overseeing the junior member's delivery of a strong pipeline of varied advisory work. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities, primarily from within the existing RSM contact base and working with the broader RSM team to bring these opportunities to fruition.

As a VAT Associate Director in the Central Region, you may be based near any one of our Central offices, such as Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Milton Keynes or Bristol.
- Identifying and advising on VAT planning opportunities, and undertaking specialist technical assignments as required.
- Responding to clients’ correspondence as a matter of priority, and to keep the client and partner fully informed of the current status of the VAT work.
- Acting as the principal point of contact to clients on VAT queries and to maintain excellent client service at all times.
- Undertaking work delegated by the Partner or Director
- Ensuring appropriate liaison takes place with other departments.
- Closely monitoring work in progress reports, to ensure the profitable recover-ability of work done and to bill clients on a timely basis.
- Developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and courses, and an awareness of the firm's services, brochures and publications.
- Identifying, interviewing and converting prospective clients as well as assisting other departments in the research and preparation of formal proposals for new work.
- Taking an active involvement in prospective client seminars, effectively following up with contacts made.
- Assisting in review and quality control procedures and the administration of the department where required.
- Attending staff meetings and training as required.
- Maintaining an awareness and observation of Health and Safety issues within the firm, and report any concerns to the Health and Safety Representative.
- 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 or Head of Department.
- Ability to build and develop a team.
- Strong commerciality and the ability to implement and meet targets.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to work independently.

**About the Service Line Head**

Ian Carpenter, VAT Partner:
“What is VAT? I didn't know it at the time but my