VAT & Indirect Tax Manager

Location:  Leeds Area / Hybrid

Salary: c£55,000+ ( + Advisory Focus & Leadership Role) 

Lead, Influence and Grow a High-Impact VAT Advisory Function

Are you an experienced VAT specialist ready to step into a more strategic, advisory-led Manager role? This is a compelling opportunity to join a high-growth, nationally respected advisory firm where VAT is a key strategic service line.

Our client is investing heavily in its Indirect Tax offering, providing you with the platform to lead complex advisory projects, shape client solutions and contribute to business development. With strong leadership support and ambitious growth plans, this role offers genuine scope to progress into Senior Manager and beyond.

The Role: VAT & Indirect Tax Manager

This is a senior position within the Tax Consultancy team, offering responsibility for client delivery, advisory leadership and team development. The role can be based in the Leeds area with hybrid working available (flexibility across other regional offices if required).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex VAT and indirect tax advisory projects across multiple sectors
• Manage your own portfolio of advisory clients, handling queries and ongoing engagements
• Support the Senior Manager in driving the growth of the VAT service line
• Identify and develop tax planning and advisory opportunities within existing clients
• Stay up to date with VAT legislation, case law and HMRC guidance, applying this proactively
• Manage project delivery, ensuring timelines, budgets and client expectations are met
• Monitor financial performance of assignments, including fee recovery and cost management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and internal stakeholders
• Contribute to business development activities, enhancing the firm’s market presence
• Support and mentor team members, fostering technical development and collaboration

About You

We are seeking an experienced VAT professional with strong technical expertise and a commercial mindset.

Essential Requirements

• CTA qualified (Indirect Tax) and/or ACA/ACCA qualified with strong VAT specialism
• 5–8+ years’ UK Practice experience in VAT / Indirect Tax advisory
• Proven track record in delivering VAT advisory projects across multiple sectors
• Strong technical knowledge of UK and EU VAT legislation
• Demonstrable ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality advice
• Experience in identifying business development and advisory opportunities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Skills

• Experience leading or mentoring junior tax professionals
• Exposure to cross-border VAT issues and international trade
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive service line growth

Salary & Benefits Package

Our client offers a highly competitive package aligned with senior-level responsibilities and career development.

Core Benefits

• £55,000+ salary (dependent on experience)
• Hybrid working model with flexible office arrangements
• Enhanced pension scheme with life cover (4x salary) and income protection
• 25 days annual leave + option to purchase up to 5 additional days
• Paid professional memberships and comprehensive CPD programme

Additional Benefits

• Health cash plan with medical support and retail discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Client referral incentive scheme
• Structured investment in leadership development and career progression

Career Progression

This is a key hire within a growing team, offering:

• Clear progression to Senior Manager / Director level
• Opportunity to shape and grow the VAT advisory offering
• Exposure to complex, high-value advisory projects
• A role where you can genuinely influence the direction of the service line

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Be part of a firm with clear growth ambitions and strong leadership vision
• Take ownership of meaningful advisory work with real client impact
• Work in a culture defined by professionalism, collaboration and high standards
• Join a business that values technical excellence and long-term career development

Apply Now

If you are an experienced VAT professional ready to take the next step into a leadership and advisory-focused role, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Contact:
David Hawthorne-Finch
d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Business Services Director

Salary: £85,000 + DOE (+ Excellent Benefits Package)
Location: Skipton| Hybrid Working Available

Leadership Opportunity | Strong Career Progression | Partner-Level Exposure

Are you an ambitious ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified accountant looking for a senior leadership role within a highly respected and progressive accountancy practice?

Our client is seeking an experienced Business Services Director to lead a substantial client portfolio, develop high-performing teams, and play a key role in driving strategic growth across the firm. This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially minded practice professional who thrives on client relationships, people leadership, and business development.

Offering significant autonomy, genuine progression prospects, and the opportunity to influence the future direction of the business, this role is ideal for an established Senior Manager, Associate Director, or Director seeking their next career move.

The Opportunity

As Business Services Director, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of clients while providing leadership to a talented team of accounting professionals.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the principal relationship manager for a portfolio of business clients
• Leading client meetings and providing strategic business advice independently
• Managing and developing long-term client relationships
• Raising, reviewing and approving client fees
• Reviewing and authorising accounts, tax returns and related documentation where appropriate
• Leading, mentoring and developing team members across the department
• Setting objectives, monitoring performance, and supporting career development plans
• Driving departmental performance against KPIs and strategic objectives
• Identifying opportunities to introduce additional advisory and specialist services
• Building a professional network to generate new business opportunities
• Supporting recruitment activities and wider people management initiatives
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of the practice

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• ICAS, ICAEW or ACCA fully qualified
• Full UK driving licence
• Relevant practising experience within a UK accountancy practice environment

Essential Experience

• Minimum 10+ years' post-qualified experience (PQE) within accountancy practice
• Extensive UK Practice experience managing owner-managed businesses, partnerships and SMEs
• Significant experience overseeing a client portfolio and leading client relationships
• Proven team leadership and staff development experience
• Demonstrable success in business development and winning new work

Technical Expertise

Strong technical knowledge across:

• Statutory accounts preparation under UK GAAP
• Non-statutory accounts
• Sole trader and partnership accounts
• Corporation Tax
• Personal Tax
• VAT
• Capital Taxes
• Financial reporting and compliance requirements
• Practice management systems and cloud accounting technologies

Personal Attributes

You will be:

• A confident and credible client adviser
• Commercially aware and growth-focused
• An excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Capable of leading, motivating and developing teams
• Proactive, organised and solutions-focused
• Passionate about delivering exceptional client service

Career Development & Progression

This role offers excellent long-term prospects, including:

• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• Opportunity to influence departmental growth
• Ongoing investment in professional and leadership development
• Access to extensive CPD programmes and technical training
• Clear progression pathways within a growing and ambitious practice

Benefits Package

In addition to a highly competitive salary, our client offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced employer pension scheme
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Income protection cover
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' holiday
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support)
• Paid flu vaccinations
• Paid eye tests
• Professional membership fees paid
• Comprehensive CPD and training support
• Client referral incentive scheme
• Employee referral bonuses of up to £2,500
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Access to a collaborative, supportive and high-performing culture

Apply Today

If you are an experienced practice professional seeking a leadership position where you can make a genuine impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Applications will be reviewed on a strictly confidential basis.

H-FTS is acting as a recruitment consultancy in relation to this vacancy.

Audit Senior 

Salary: £38,000–£48,000 DOE

Location: Bolton (Hybrid Working) | Clear Route to Assistant Manager

Looking for more than just another audit role?

Our client is a highly respected and established independent accountancy and advisory firm with a strong reputation for supporting owner-managed businesses across the North West and beyond.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking an ambitious Audit Senior to join their Bolton office. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified or part-qualified audit professional looking to take ownership of client engagements, develop leadership skills, and progress towards Assistant Manager and Manager level within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

You'll gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients, work closely with senior leadership, and play a key role in mentoring junior team members while developing your own career.

The Role: Audit Senior

As an Audit Senior, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality audit assignments from planning through to completion while maintaining strong client relationships and supporting the wider audit team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead audits from planning through to completion on smaller and medium-sized engagements
• Manage and complete complex audit areas including:
  • Stock
  • Related party transactions
  • Deferred tax
  • Going concern assessments
• Prepare detailed audit documentation and analytical reviews
• Act as a key point of contact for clients during engagements
• Review work completed by junior team members
• Coach, mentor and support less experienced colleagues
• Assist with audit planning and risk assessment procedures
• Support Managers and Directors in achieving operational and financial objectives
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies
• Participate in networking and business development activities where appropriate

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• 3+ years' UK accountancy practice experience within audit
• ACA or ACCA qualified, finalist, or qualified by experience
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
• Experience leading audits from planning through to completion
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Experience reviewing and supervising junior staff
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively

Desirable Experience

• Experience auditing owner-managed businesses and SME clients
• Exposure to group audits and more complex assignments
• Involvement in business development or networking initiatives
• Knowledge of modern audit software and cloud-based systems

Career Progression Opportunities

Our client is committed to investing in its people and offers genuine long-term career development opportunities, including:

• Clear pathway to Assistant Manager, Manager and Senior Manager
• Ongoing technical and professional development
• Leadership and mentoring opportunities
• Exposure to a broad range of industries and client sectors
• Opportunities to expand into wider advisory work

Benefits Package

Alongside a competitive salary, you will receive:

• £38,000–£48,000 salary depending on experience and qualifications
• Hybrid working arrangements
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Pension scheme with salary sacrifice option
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Electric vehicle scheme and onsite charging facilities
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Professional development and study support where applicable
• Employee referral bonus programme
• Regular social and team events
• Access to independent mortgage and financial advice
• Modern, collaborative working environment

Apply Now

If you are an Audit Senior looking for a role that offers genuine progression, varied client exposure and the opportunity to develop within a highly regarded independent practice, we would like to hear from you.

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Submit your application today for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The Role: What you’ll be doing

Client portfolio ownership (compliance + delivery)

• Preparation and filing of year-end accounts and corporation tax computations/returns for limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and sole traders
• Preparation and filing of Self Assessment and personal tax computations/returns
• Preparation and filing of Capital Gains Tax computations
• Support with R&D tax claims within accounts and tax returns (where applicable)
• Completing compliance work within 8–10 weeks after the period end, in line with internal target dates
• Providing practical tax planning to reduce the burden of taxation for businesses and owners
• Completing the initial review of year-end assignments and tax work prior to manager/Director review

Outsourcing & advisory (value-add work)

• Managing a portfolio for bookkeeping, VAT and management accounts
• Reviewing bookkeeping, VAT returns and management accounts for accuracy prior to manager review
• Ensuring client records are received on time and returned promptly once work is completed
• Supporting payroll services across the wider client base (as needed)
• Preparation, review and filing of P11D returns
• Producing management information and performance analysis within 10–20 working days after period end
• Supporting clients to improve profitability and efficiency through better controls and systems
• Assisting with cashflow management and use of appropriate cloud software/apps
• Preparing budgets, forecasts and integrated projections (P&L, balance sheet, cashflow)
• Preparing break-even analysis, business plans, and supporting finance-raising discussions
• Conducting business valuations (where required)

People, process and practice development

• Supporting Directors/Associate Directors/Senior Client Managers with portfolio delivery
• Coaching and developing junior team members (Client Accountants/Senior Client Accountants/trainees)
• Training colleagues and clients on cloud accounting systems and apps
• Helping drive the practice’s adoption and development of cloud accounting and supporting applications
• Supporting billing processes and keeping portfolio admin accurate and up to date

What we’re looking for (requirements)

Essential

• 5+ years’ UK accountancy practice experience (this role is not suited to industry-only backgrounds)
• Strong hands-on experience preparing year-end accounts and UK tax returns across a mixed client base
• Confident managing deadlines and client communication across your own portfolio
• Working knowledge of Xero and cloud accounting workflows
• Experience using UK compliance software such as TaxCalc (or similar)

Ideal

• AAT and/or ACCA qualified, part-qualified, or QBE
• Experience reviewing work prepared by others and supporting junior staff development
• Comfortable producing and explaining management accounts and performance insights to clients

Salary, benefits and working arrangements

• Salary: £38,000–£48,000 (dependent on experience and portfolio responsibility)
• Rewards incentive scheme: % bonus linked to your involvement in sourcing/signing new business (based on a percentage of first-year fees)
• Hybrid working
• Flexi-time working
• 25 days’ holiday (includes 3 days at Christmas/New Year when the office is closed)
• Extra day’s leave for your birthday
• Additional annual leave after 3 years’ service (up to 30 days maximum)
• Dress Down Friday + smart business casual dress code
• Regular team socials
• Private medical insurance after 2 years’ service
• Clear scope to grow into broader advisory, portfolio leadership and mentoring responsibility as the client base expands

Interested? Apply confidentially

Audit Manager

Location: Lancaster
Salary: £55,000+ dependent on experience, plus performance-based bonus
Hours: 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (part-time also considered)
Experience: ACA/ACCA qualified, with proven experience at Audit Manager or Assistant Manager level

A well-established Chartered Accountancy practice with almost 50 years of history is entering an exciting phase of strategic expansion. With a robust and growing audit portfolio, they are now looking for an ambitious Audit Manager to step into a key leadership position and help shape the next stage of the firm’s growth.

This is a high-visibility role. You will work directly alongside the partners, taking ownership of a high-quality client portfolio and playing a central part in developing audit methodologies and team capability. The firm has a specialist and varied audit portfolio, including group consolidations, client money audits, academy schools, solicitors’ accounts rules, and grant claims, across a broad range of sectors.

As with the wider team, there is flexibility to tailor the role to your strengths: this can be a pure audit position, or a mixed portfolio incorporating statutory accounts and tax preparation.

This is a practice with a clear and genuine culture: to be the kind of firm that both clients and colleagues love being part of. That means proactive service, real investment in people, fair reward, and a team environment that retains good people.

• Leading the planning and execution of complex audit assignments, including group consolidations and owner-managed businesses
• Taking full ownership of audits from initial planning and risk assessment through to completion
• Acting as the primary on-site contact for clients, resolving queries independently where possible
• Producing high-quality, review-ready audit files to reduce director-level involvement
• Managing resource allocation and team capacity to ensure smooth delivery across the audit portfolio
• Acting as a key technical point of contact, working alongside the Responsible Individual to ensure compliance with UK GAAP
• Supporting the development and day-to-day management of the wider audit team

• ACA/ACCA qualified
• Proven experience at Audit Manager or Assistant Manager level
• Strong background auditing owner-managed businesses
• Comfortable with the hands-on nature of a small or medium-sized practice
• Growth-minded, with a genuine interest in shaping how a department is structured and run
• Confident working directly with clients and partners at a senior level
• Able to travel to client premises, including occasional overnight stays where required
• Full UK driving licence

• Salary £55,000 – £65,000 dependent on experience
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Direct visibility with, and regular access to, the partners
• Private health insurance
• Hybrid working available
• One professional membership covered per year
• Ongoing CPD and training support
• Parking provided nearby
• Fully paid additional Christmas leave — time off between Christmas and New Year, on top of your standard holiday entitlement

This is a genuine leadership opportunity, not a lateral move. The audit function is actively growing, and this hire is central to how the firm structures and scales that department. You will have real influence over how work is delivered, how the team develops, and where the department goes next — with the backing of experienced, qualified partners who are invested in making it work. For the right person, this is a platform with meaningful upside.

To apply or to have a confidential conversation first, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com