Accountant - VAT

Job Title: VAT Accountant

Salary: Commensurate with role and its responsibilities

Job type: Full Time, Permanent

Start date: ASAP

MLK Search has been assigned by this outstanding Independent School in North East London, to appoint an exceptional VAT Accountant to join a busy finance team and work closely with the Bursar and Chief Accountant to drive the implementation of tax excellence in the school.

The VAT Accountant role is critical to the school and will involve providing assistance with the smooth and successful management of the school’s VAT obligations. The successful applicant will be an experienced and professional accountant, part qualified, or qualified by experience, with an emphasis on VAT.

As a member of a small finance team, you will be involved in the full range of financial activities, including budgeting, management accounts, statutory accounts, purchase and sales ledger work and financial regulation, along with a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations around VAT accounting and reporting.

You will provide specialist advice and support to the Bursar and Chief Accountant, and work efficiently, co-operatively, and effectively with staff individually and as part of a team. You should have strong administrative skills with a good working knowledge of PASS Finance, Microsoft Office, in particular Outlook, Word, and Excel. The post also involves using the school’s central database, iSams and training will be provided.

You should be a good communicator with a confident and approachable attitude, and the ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines. You will need to have a strong attention to detail, be flexible and capable of working independently, whilst always demonstrating a high level of confidentiality.

Key responsibilities:

• Accurate production, and submission to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), of all VAT Returns, reconciled to the General Ledger, within HMRC timeframe rules.
• Ensuring that all VAT reclaimable from HMRC is received and reconciled.
• Ensuring that any VAT due to be paid to HMRC is paid on a timely basis in accordance with HMRC rules, and correctly reconciled.
• Submission of Voluntary Disclosures to HMRC, for errors above the threshold for adjustment within the VAT Return.
• Ensuring Voluntary Disclosure reclaims are received or amounts payable to HMRC are paid on a timely basis.
• Administering pro-forma invoices, ensuring valid VAT invoices are received, and duly included in the VAT Return.
• Assisting with VAT advice to the Chief Accountant, where necessary through liaison with the school’s appointed VAT Consultants.
• Ensuring VAT/Tax knowledge within the school’s finance team is current and up to date.

This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an experienced Accountant with an exceptional knowledge of VAT, who wishes to join and grow within an outstanding school environment. If you feel you are aligned to the skills and cultural expectations of the role, please apply now.

Should you wish to discuss the opportunity in greater detail, or to arrange a tour of the school in advance, please contact me directly on 07793 209 744 or e-mail greg.bookman@mlk-search.co.uk

Please note: The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.