Accountant - VAT Specialist

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. Well known for its friendly, welcoming ethos, and full of 1450 bright pupils aged 4-18, the school attracts pupils from a diverse range of social and ethnic backgrounds who share in being academically ambitious, whilst being grounded, engaging and very loyal to the School. Described by the Good Schools Guide as a ‘powerhouse with a heart’ and enjoying a reputation for strong expert teaching and learning, pupils are encouraged to find success on all fronts through the breadth of the opportunities on offer to them. 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 and be able to communicate professionally at all levels. This is a new role for the school and the ideal candidate will 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. Key benefits include: A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based learning and development. A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings. The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting. Opportunities to benefit from regular and comprehensive Professional Development Review, including access to StepLab, LinkedIn Learning and the National College to support further professional development. A leadership mentoring programme The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of the school’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks). Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via the extensive Outreach Programme. An assigned staff laptop. Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day. 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending the school. Subsidised membership to the Leisure Centre, the school’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility. A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee Membership of the School’s Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme. Contribution towards private medical insurance fees. Membership of a generous pension scheme. 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 We look forward to working with you. 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.