VAT Assistant Manager

Carpenter Box Limited; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Crawley is seeking a VAT Assistant Manager to manage a diverse client portfolio and advise on complex VAT challenges. The ideal candidate will hold an ATT or AAT qualification, with a strong understanding of VAT and excellent client service skills. IT proficiency is necessary, and candidates must enjoy technical challenges and client interactions. This position offers a friendly hybrid working environment and opportunities for career growth within a supportive team.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus purchase option

Relaxed, friendly working environment

Agile working hours

Paid overtime or time off in lieu

Cash Plan scheme

Discounts via Carpenter Box Lifestyle Hub

Relaxed dress code

Qualifications

• Minimum of ATT or AAT qualification; CTA preferred.
• Strong technical skills and knowledge of VAT.
• Proven experience with a broad range of UK taxes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex VAT returns for clients.
• Advise clients on VAT liability queries and issues.
• Manage client relationships and business development opportunities.

Skills

ATT or AAT qualified

Strong technical skills in VAT

Proficient IT skills

Comfortable advising on complex VAT issues

Excellent client service delivery

Education

ATT or AAT qualified

CTA qualified or working towards it

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

VAT Assistant Manager

Department: Corporate Tax

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Crawley

Description

Carpenter Box is proud to be part of the Sumer Group. We are chartered accountants, tax, and business advisers based in the South East. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence, where every team member is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a real difference.

We’re looking for a VAT Assistant Manager who looks beyond compliance. In this role, you’ll work closely with ambitious clients to solve complex VAT challenges and add genuine value to their businesses. If you’re passionate about growing your career within VAT, having client conversations that matter, and the opportunity to grow your advisory skill set in a supportive, forward-thinking firm, this could be the role that takes your VAT career to the next level.

The Role

In this role, you’ll take ownership of a diverse client portfolio, preparing and reviewing complex VAT returns and annual adjustments, including partial exemption and business/non-business apportionments. You’ll also support clients with voluntary disclosures and represent them during VAT visits and inspections.

Advisory work is at the heart of the role. You’ll advise on VAT liability queries such as place of supply services, reviewing contracts, and support clients with property-related VAT matters such as new builds, capital goods scheme, option to tax, and property transactions. You’ll help design effective VAT recovery methods, advise on structuring and intercompany arrangements, and act as a trusted point of contact for ad hoc VAT queries. You’ll also liaise directly with HMRC during routine inspections and audits.

Alongside client work, you’ll contribute to the technical strength of the VAT team by keeping up to date with legislative developments, sharing knowledge through publications, seminars and client training, and supporting the wider firm with VAT insight.

You’ll also play an active role in business development, identifying new advisory opportunities, managing VAT-only clients, collaborating with colleagues across the firm, spotting cross-selling opportunities, preparing project quotes, and building strong relationships with clients and their professional advisors.

This is a great opportunity for a VAT professional who enjoys technical challenge, client interaction, and the chance to grow within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

About You

You’ll be ATT or AAT qualified as a minimum and ideally be CTA qualified or working towards this. You may have existing knowledge of VAT which has been gained in a generalist environment and are seeking your next step to grow a career and specialise within VAT. This role would also suit an individual looking to further enhance their existing VAT career.

Skills & Experience:

• ATT or AAT qualified as a minimum or qualified by experience. Being CTA qualified or working towards this qualification is desirable.
• Comfortable providing advice on complex issues to people who do not have the same level of knowledge or understanding of VAT.
• Strong technical skills within VAT and compliance, with high attention to detail demonstrated.
• Proven experience to a broad range of UK taxes including VAT.
• Proficient IT skills including use of software and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in dealing directly with client queries, being able to provide resolutions in a concise and timely manner, always ensuring an excellent client service is delivered.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all.

Job Benefits

• 25 days holiday, with the option to purchase additional days
• Working in a relaxed, friendly, modern environment
• Agile working hours in a hybrid environment
• Paid overtime or take time off in lieu if you work over your contracted hours
• Opportunity to join our Cash Plan scheme
• Carpenter Box Lifestyle Hub which offers discounts for online and high street shops
• Relaxed dress code policy