Private Client Tax Manager/Director

A well established, independent accountancy firm in Brighton is looking to appoint an ambitious Private Client Tax Manager or Director to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced tax professional who is looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive and forward-thinking practice.

The role would suit someone with strong personal tax experience, ideally ATT and/or CTA qualified, although we would also consider ACA/ACCA qualified individuals with relevant tax exposure and a genuine desire to specialise further in private client work.

This is more than a compliance-focused position. Alongside managing a varied portfolio of private clients, trusts and estates, you will play an active role in delivering advisory work, developing long-term client relationships, identifying opportunities to add value, and supporting the continued growth of the firm. It is an ideal opportunity for someone who is motivated by a clear route towards Director/Partner level.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of private clients, trusts and estates, ensuring a high standard of client service at all times

• Reviewing and preparing:

  • Self-assessment tax returns

  • Partnership tax returns

  • Capital gains tax returns

  • Trust and estate tax returns

  • Annual trust accounts

• Overseeing the day-to-day administration of trusts, including cashbooks, tax payments, beneficiary distributions and trustee correspondence

• Registering new trusts and estates via the Trust Registration Service

• Managing and submitting quarterly MTD for ITSA returns

• Supporting clients with HMRC disclosures, correspondence and enquiries

• Preparing holdover elections and inheritance tax forms for trusts

• Working closely with the Directors on technical research and the preparation of bespoke tax advice for clients

• Advising clients on a range of private client tax matters, identifying planning opportunities and delivering practical, commercially aware solutions

• Taking a proactive approach to client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser and identifying opportunities to broaden service lines

• Supporting the development of junior team members through review, coaching and day-to-day guidance

• Managing WIP, billing and recovery in a timely and commercial manner

Advisory, Business Development & Growth Focus

As part of this role, you will also be encouraged to contribute beyond the core compliance work by:

• Building strong, long-term relationships with clients and becoming a key point of contact

• Identifying advisory opportunities across the portfolio, including tax planning, succession planning and wider private client matters

• Supporting the Directors with new business activity and helping convert opportunities into ongoing client relationships

• Networking with local professional contacts, intermediaries and referrers to raise your profile and that of the firm

• Contributing to the firm’s growth strategy through business development, cross-selling and spotting opportunities to add value to existing clients

• Playing an active role in shaping your own progression, with the opportunity to develop towards a Director/Partner position

About You

We are looking for someone who is technically capable, commercially minded and keen to build a long-term career in private client tax.

You will ideally have:

• ATT and/or CTA qualification, or ACA/ACCA with relevant private client tax experience

• Experience managing a portfolio of personal tax and/or trust clients within practice

• Strong technical knowledge across private client tax compliance, with exposure to advisory work an advantage

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• A proactive and client-focused approach

• The ability to build credibility with clients and colleagues alike

• Commercial awareness and an interest in developing business relationships

• Ambition to progress your career and take on increasing responsibility over time

What We Offer

• Extremely competitive salary 

• Hybrid working, with up to 2 days per week from home following probation

• A genuine opportunity to broaden your advisory exposure

• Clear progression potential within a growing firm for someone aspiring to Director/Partner level