Professional services company KPMG has appointed a new head of VAT.

Former senior tax manager Paul Cawley has taken over the role at the Athol Street, Douglas firm after Sandra Skuszka left to become the island’s collector of customs and excise.

It is one of a number of internal promotions announced by KPMG Isle of Man.

The steps up the career ladder are across its business, responding to continued growth in demand for the firm’s specialist services and highlighting a number of areas where the firm is investing in the future.

Paul Cawley joined KPMG in 2010. He is already well known and respected among the diverse client base and offers particular specialisms in the VAT aspects of aircraft importation, property and gaming, as well as customs and international trade.

Mr Cawley has also been instrumental in the launch and development of KPMG’s very popular annual charity promenade relay event, which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities since its inception in 2013.

Talking about Sandra Skuszka’s departure, tax director David Parsons said: ’While it is always sad to see a highly respected colleague leave, I am very proud of Sandie’s appointment as the island’s collector and I have no doubt that Paul will thrive in his new role as our head of VAT.’

Meanwhile Katie Kneale has become a tax senior manager.

Katie re-joined KPMG in 2017 after time in a private tax practice and her promotion is a reflection of the local expertise and seniority within the KPMG private client tax team in the island.

In the audit team, Nikolay Smirnov and Joshua Thomas have both been promoted to audit manager and will continue to play a vital role in the growing audit business.

David Hathaway is promoted to assistant audit manager, reflecting his strong performance throughout his time at KPMG to date.

Meanwhile in the advisory team, David Gardner has been promoted to assistant manager with a continued focus on deal advisory engagements as more clients seek to expand through raising finance or mergers and acquisitions [M&A].

In recognition that running a large business is ever more complex, Cathy Partington will take on the additional role of chief operating officer to support the directors and the business in all areas.

Following this, Graham Moore is promoted to finance manager, taking on primary responsibility for the finance function.

Lastly, KPMG, like many businesses, is undergoing a digital and technological transformation.

In recognition of the importance of IT to the business, and following 18 years of service to date, Simon Wood is promoted to chief technology officer.

KPMG’s managing director in the Isle of Man, Russell Kelly, said: ’It is always a pleasure to announce promotions within our team and to recognise the hard work and diligence of colleagues who are committed to providing an excellent service to our clients.

’These appointments, in particular, underline the exceptional level of expertise and depth of knowledge in our specialist areas as well as in our traditional accounting and audit roles.

’I congratulate all of them on their achievements and together we look forward to using our enhanced experience and capabilities to support clients across all the markets in which we operate.’