Senior Director, VAT Consulting

Why Ryan?

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits

• Home Office Stipend

• Business Connectivity Reimbursement (Phone/Internet)

• Gym Membership or Equipment Reimbursement

• LinkedIn Learning Subscription

• Flexible Work Environment

• Tuition Reimbursement After One Year of Service

• Accelerated Career Path

• Award-Winning Culture & Community Outreach

The Senior Director, VAT Consulting is responsible for leading Ryan’s International VAT Consulting Team within the wider CCR (Compliance, Consulting, and Reclaim) practice. Reporting to the Managing Director/Vice President, CCR, the Senior Director is responsible for ensuring that the team’s agreed annual revenue target is met. The role involves all aspects of the leadership and day-to-day management of a stand-alone VAT practice, specializing in the provision of international VAT advice, including people management/development, training, business development, marketing, and thought leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Vision:

• Leads the firm's International VAT Consulting Practice, managing a team of experienced VAT professionals and setting strategic goals and objectives in conjunction with senior management;
• Is responsible for the provision of international VAT/GST consultancy services within the global firm;
• Is responsible for growing the international consulting team by formulating a recruitment strategy and executing that strategy in conjunction with the People Group;
• Collaborates with senior management to develop new product offerings and to execute long-term growth strategies for the team.

Commercial/Financial:

• Sets annual revenue targets, in conjunction with senior management, and ensures that those targets are met;
• Ensures revenue growth, year-on-year;
• Provides monthly revenue forecasts to the finance team;
• Manages costs with a view to ensuring maximum profitability;
• Manages the cost associated with the use of local partners;
• Maintains and regularly reviews key performance metrics with the team;
• Produces/reviews/signs off on commercial proposals for consulting services;
• Signs off on invoices received from local partners for consulting services;
• Ensures that work is delivered and that clients are billed by the team on a timely basis.

Business Development:

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with both existing and prospective clients globally with a view to winning new business;
• Supports the firm’s business development teams globally by attending calls and meetings with clients and prospects;
• Sells compliance and reclaim services in the course of providing consulting advice;
• Identifies opportunities to introduce the firm’s other services to clients and prospects;
• Produces/reviews/signs off on contractual documents (MSAs, SOWs, etc) for consulting services.

Tax Technical:

• Acts as the senior technical resource on VAT/GST within the global firm;
• Acts as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering high-quality VAT consulting services and ensuring their compliance with international VAT regulations;
• Provides expert advice and guidance on the VAT implications of cross-border transactions and international supply chains;
• Stays up to date on the latest international VAT legislation, regulations and industry trends, ensuring compliance for the firm's clients;
• Assists clients with optimizing their VAT operations, minimizing their VAT risks, and maximizing their cash flow efficiency within the legal framework;
• Reviews and signs off on all advice provided by the team;
• Is responsible for ensuring the quality of advice and service provided by the team;
• Is responsible for managing risk through the appropriate selection and use of local partners and by ensuring that any work undertaken is within the competency and skill set of the team.

People Management and Development

• Mentors and develops a team of VAT professionals, from interns to experienced Directors, by providing guidance, training and ongoing support;
• Develops future leaders by providing targeted coaching and feedback and identifying opportunities for growth and visibility;
• Fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous learning, by promoting knowledge sharing and professional growth;
• Shares knowledge by providing training to other parts of the business;
• Creates a safe environment in which feedback is encouraged and in which people can learn from their mistakes;
• Is responsible for all aspects of people management within the team, including approving timesheets, managing leave and absences, performance reviews, awarding pay rises and bonuses etc.  

Practice Management:

• Participates in regular CCR management meetings;
• Represents the Consulting Team on quarterly CCR “All Hands” calls;
• Represents the team during the annual CCR ISO audit;
• Is responsible for identifying any regulatory/compliance issues that may potentially impact the team, such as Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, OPQCM in France, countries in which the provision of tax advice is regulated etc, and for bringing these to the attention of senior management and the firm’s legal/compliance teams.  

Marketing/Thought Leadership:

• Represents the firm as a subject matter expert in international VAT at conferences, seminars, and industry forums;
• Helps raise the profile of the firm by authoring/contributing to publications, whitepapers, thought leadership initiatives etc;
• Establishes and maintains a strong network of contacts within the international VAT community to stay abreast of industry developments and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Proactive

Education and Experience:

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. law, accounting, finance, tax etc)/Qualified by experience.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written. Other languages are a bonus.
• 20 years+ working in VAT in a professional services environment.
• 10 years+ working in international VAT.
• Strong working knowledge of international VAT legislation, case law, and practice, including VAT compliance and VAT reclaim.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Experience of remotely managing a multi-cultural team of professionals located in different countries.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact confidently and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic mindset, able to identify and seize business opportunities while managing risks.
• Ability to work under pressure, priorities tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Flexibility to travel internationally as required.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc) and Internet navigation and research.

Certificates and Licenses:

No specific certificate or license.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role involves leading/managing a team of VAT professionals located in different countries.

Work Environment:

• Standard indoor office environment.
• Long periods of sitting while working at computer.
• Occasional long periods of standing.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Position requires regular interaction with employees and vendors both in person and via email and telephone.
• Independent travel requirement: 5 – 10%