Well what an unusual couple of years it’s been. The Brexit referendum, Trump, economic uncertainties, and often terrifying news here in the UK and abroad – all have been causing havoc with making predictions for the future. Invariably, the first question that we get asked at BLT is ‘What’s been the impact on the Indirect Tax job market?’ – and its not been a simple question to answer.
Certainly, some areas of the market have been affected by the ups and down of the last couple of years: the numbers of junior VAT hires taking place, the regularity of Indirect Tax contracts, in-house roles on mainland Europe/Switzerland all spring to mind as examples.
Conversely however, it’s been a very different story at the more senior end of the spectrum. A large number of professional services firms have been busy positioning themselves for the future, by investing in (and securing) top Indirect Tax talent at often very senior levels. Did you know that we at BLT have effected more Partner and Director Indirect Tax hires in the last two years than ever before?
Some examples of BLT placements since 2015:
- VAT Partner, Top 10 firm, London
- VAT Partner, Compliance/Technology, Big 4 firm, London
- National Customs Partner, Top 10 firm
- VAT Partner, Southern Region, Top 10 firm
- VAT Partner, Dubai, Top 10 firm
- VAT Partner, GCC region, Top 10 firm
- VAT Director, M&A, Big 4 firm London
- VAT Director, Technology, Big 4 firm London
We’d go so far as to say that there haven’t been many Indirect Tax appointments at this level in the professional services firms that have taken place without our involvement.
We’re confident that our clients and those we have helped move have gained great value from the BLT experience, and from a personal perspective, we’ve found working on such hires a hugely enjoyable and professionally rewarding experience – we’d love this trend to continue into 2018 and beyond.
So if you’re an existing Indirect Tax Partner or Director thinking about your future career direction, or just simply want a sounding board, do get in touch so we can show you what we’re made of.
To discuss hiring senior talent, the number to call is + 44 (0) 207 405 3404 and speak to Guy Barrand or Emma Wade (email vat@blt.co.uk)