The Vacancy

We are looking to recruit a strong VAT professional to join our Tax & Reward practice.

About Macfarlanes

Macfarlanes is a pre-eminent law firm that serves a global client base in private capital, private wealth, M&A and disputes. Personal connection, an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence are at the heart of our firm. These values drive our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

We are big enough to undertake the most complex and demanding mandates yet small enough to know each other well and to be agile, adapting to the needs of our clients. We seek to strengthen the firm by recruiting talented people from all backgrounds who want to build long-lasting and impactful careers with us. Our culture is challenging and supportive, creating an environment where individuals can thrive.

What this means for you

Joining Macfarlanes means being part of a collaborative, Partner-led team where you'll develop and learn from experienced lawyers and business professionals. Our size means you'll be given genuine responsibility early on and often be involved at the heart of client matters, gaining insight into how our high-quality legal advice is developed and delivered to help clients overcome their most pressing issues.

You'll work closely with senior colleagues who are approachable and who want you to succeed. You'll be encouraged to get involved in client and business development activities, and you'll be recognised for your contribution.

The majority of our work has a cross-border focus, so you'll often collaborate with global clients and specialist advisers in overseas jurisdictions. You'll build connections with international law firms, broaden your experience, and be part of a multidisciplinary team that comes together to achieve the best results.

We also place real importance on your development. Our training and mentoring programmes are second to none, and designed to help you strengthen your legal and commercial skills.

Above all, you'll be part of a firm where we all work together as part of a cohesive and supportive team, where you'll be recognised and appreciated, and encouraged to succeed.

Practice overview

Our Tax & Reward practice consists of nine partners, four Senior Counsels, nine Senior Associates, 26 Associates, seven trainee solicitors and two Senior Knowledge Lawyers.

Macfarlanes' VAT practice has a prestigious client base, particularly across financial services; real estate; private client; M&A and restructuring. We advise clients on domestic and cross-border structuring of their investment management arrangements.

Our Tax & Reward group is rated as one of the leading tax advisory practices in the City. As with any tax practice in a City law firm, a proportion of our work is transaction-based, supporting corporate, financing, real estate and investment fund transactions. However, a substantial and increasing part of our practice involves giving free-standing tax advice to clients of the group.

The role

The individual will be required to carry out a broad range of good quality work. Key duties will include:

• supporting and building enduring advisory relationships;
• assisting with complex and high value transactions;
• disputes and litigation support; and
• coaching and developing existing trainees and associates.

This job description encompasses the main duties of the role and is by no means exhaustive. It is anticipated that duties may vary from time to time according to the needs of the practice area.

The candidate

We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial approach who is eager to assist in the development of our VAT practice. The ideal candidate will have:

• a minimum of five years' VAT experience in a leading tax advisory practice;
• completed the ACA, CTA or be a qualified solicitor;
• Manager or recently promoted Senior Manager level in a Big 4 firm (or equivalent grade elsewhere);
• strong academic qualifications from A Levels, with a minimum 2:1 degree;
• self-motivated, adaptable, committed to delivering high quality work, personable, willing to deal with situations that may arise and be a main point of contact for our clients; and
• the capacity to spot potential business opportunities such as to turn existing clients into VAT clients and taking driving this forward.

Application screening

Any offer of employment with us is subject to our pre-employment checks which are conducted by a third-party screening provider. These checks will be initiated with your consent, and your CV will be sent to the provider by us. The screening will include but is not limited to your employment references, professional and academic qualifications including grades and any criminal records. Your offer will be subject to the successful completion of these checks.

Our commitment to inclusion

Inclusion is one of our key priorities and it is a goal we are actively working towards. We believe that an inclusive, forward-thinking culture is intrinsically important and enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and experiences, making Macfarlanes an exciting and stimulating place to work. We seek to recruit the best candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.

As part of this commitment, we will ask you certain diversity data questions. We would really appreciate you and/or your recruiter completing these questions when submitting an application to Macfarlanes as this data enables us to measure our progress and identify any actions needed to continue to support an inclusive culture. This data is anonymised to maintain the privacy of applicants. If you have any questions relating to how this data is used, please contact a member of the recruitment team.

Should you require any adjustments during the application and/or interview process, please do not hesitate to inform your recruiter or a member of the recruitment team. Please note, the job description is available in other accessible formats (for example, large print).

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please email the recruitment team at recruitment@macfarlanes.com.

The Company

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.