Step Up, Stand Out & Shape the Future of VAT in Dubai Ready to take the reins and lead from the front in a high-growth advisory environment, in one of the most exciting cities in the world? This VAT Manager opportunity in Dubai isnt your typical tax job. Its your chance to level up, lead a growing team, and become a strategic voice in one of the fastest-evolving tax markets globally. This isnt a backfill. Its a key strategic hire, created because the business is booming. Youll join a thriving advisory division, where collaboration is the norm and leadership are deeply invested in your success. Why This Role? Why Now? Because this team is scaling, and they need a game-changer. With no current VAT Manager in place, this role gives you a clear runway to:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a capable junior team
• Take ownership of complex VAT advisory and compliance projects
• Contribute to business development, pitch exciting new work, and shape client strategy
• Become the go-to VAT lead on cross-border engagements, real estate, hospitality, and more

Youll report to senior leaders whove climbed the ranks themselves, one even started here as an associate and is now a Director. Thats the kind of career growth youll be stepping into. What Youll Be Doing You wont be stuck doing VAT returns all day-we promise. Expect a dynamic split:

• 60% Advisory VAT structuring, cross-border consulting, transaction advisory, industry-specific planning
• 40% Compliance Reviews, risk management, quality assurance, compliance oversight

Plus, youll:

• Lead VAT projects end-to-end
• Engage directly with clients from the UAE and globally
• Be involved in business development from day one
• Guide and coach your team like a pro
• Represent the firm as a point of contact for VAT referrals across their global network

The Culture Youll Join This firm is all in on people. Their tax and advisory teams are some of the largest and most diverse in the business, and they live and breathe professional growth, internal promotion, and genuine mentorship. Perks include:

• Monthly firm-wide breakfasts, wellness events (Desert Safari, anyone?)
• Dedicated fitness and CSR programmes (Zumba, badminton, labour camp outreach)
• A hybrid working model: 3 days in-office, 2 from home
• An inclusive DEI culture with women in leadership and a global talent footprint
• Team members from India are flown in regularly for Dubai-based team retreats

Who Were Looking For Youre confident, consultative, and ready to lead. Youre not just technically sharp-youre commercially curious and a natural communicator. Must-haves:

• ACA, ACCA, CPA, CTA, ADIT or legal equivalent (LLB/LLM)
• 5-8 years post-qualification experience with 3-4+ years in UAE VAT
• Strong consulting firm experience (Big 4, Top 10, or high-performing boutiques)
• Proven people management skills mentoring, reviewing, delegating
• Frontline client-facing experience on VAT advisory projects

Bonus points if you have:

• Real estate, hospitality or cross-border exposure
• Knowledge of BEPS 2.0, ESR, TP, or CbCR
• Experience working across jurisdictions, especially in the GCC