At a Glance
- Tasks: Support VAT return preparation and manage data processing tasks.
- Company: Join BDO, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm.
- Benefits: Full training, agile working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in tax while helping businesses thrive.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and willingness to learn about VAT compliance.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We’re BDO. An accountancy and business advisory firm, providing the advice and solutions entrepreneurial organisations need to navigate today’s changing world. We work with the companies that are Britain’s economic engine – ambitious, entrepreneurially-spirited and high‐growth businesses that fuel the economy - and directly advise the owners and management teams that lead them.
Our Indirect Tax business continues to grow at a rapid pace. Indirect Taxes raise significant revenues for governments globally and gain increasing focus from tax authorities, the media and the public. For you it’s the chance to become part of an expanding team gaining experience in areas such as project management and client service skills whilst working on interesting and complex assignments to help clients of all sizes succeed. The team comprises a mix of ‘home-grown’ (including at partner level) and externally recruited talent. This strength and diversity of knowledge and experience creates an environment where our team can bring fresh thinking and a varied perspective to every project, enabling us to deliver creative, commercial and robust solutions for our clients.
Leading organisations trust us because of the quality of our advice. That quality grows from a thorough understanding of their business, and that understanding comes from working closely with them and building long-lasting relationships.
You’ll be someone who is both comfortable working pro-actively and managing your own tasks, as well as confident collaborating with others and communicating regularly with seniors, colleagues and clients to help businesses effectively.
Key responsibilities- Supporting the preparation of UK and overseas VAT returns using client‐provided data
- Processing and validating transactional data using Excel and internal systems
- Assisting with data collection, reconciliation, and basic sense‐checking
- Uploading information to tax authority portals and internal systems
- Maintaining clear and accurate records in line with internal procedures
- Working to agreed deadlines and escalating issues where appropriate
- Collaborating with senior team members and following established compliance processes
- Supporting communications with tax authorities (including HMRC), such as making and logging telephone calls, submitting information, and tracking responses
You’ll be someone who:
- Is comfortable working with data and repetitive tasks with a high level of accuracy
- Has strong attention to detail and takes pride in producing reliable work
- Is organised and able to manage multiple tasks to deadlines with support
- Is willing to learn and develop an understanding of VAT compliance
- Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues
- Is motivated to build relationships within the Gatwick office and wider team
- An interest in tax, VAT, or accounting
- Basic understanding of Excel (e.g. using formulas, filtering, reconciling data)
- Experience using IT systems or working with structured data
- Previous experience in an office, administrative, or data‐focused role
No prior VAT experience or professional qualification is required for this role. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.
You’ll be able to be yourself; we’ll recognise and value you for who you are and celebrate and reward your contributions to the business. We’re committed to agile working, and we offer every colleague the opportunity to work in ways that suit you, your teams, and the task at hand.
At BDO, we’ll help you achieve your personal goals and career ambitions, and we have programmes, resources, and frameworks that provide clarity and structure around career development.
Mutual support and respect is one of BDO’s core values and we’re proud of our distinctive, people-centred culture. From informal success conversations to formal mentoring and coaching, we’ll support you at every stage in your career, whatever your personal and professional needs.
Our agile working framework helps us stay connected, bringing teams together where and when it counts so they can share ideas and help one another. At BDO, you’ll always have access to the people and resources you need to do your best work.
We know that collaboration is the key to creating value for the companies we work with and satisfying experiences for our colleagues, so we’ve invested in state-of-the-art collaboration spaces in our offices. BDO’s people represent a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and we’ll encourage you to build your network, work alongside others, and share your skills and experiences. With a range of multidisciplinary events and dedicated resources, you’ll never stop learning at BDO.
At BDO, we help entrepreneurial businesses to succeed, fuelling the UK economy. Our success is powered by our people, which is why we’re always finding new ways to invest in you. Across the UK thousands of unique minds continue to come together to help companies we work with to achieve their ambitions. We’ve got a clear purpose, and we’re confident in our future, because we’re adapting and evolving to build on our strengths, ensuring we continue to find the right combination of global reach, integrity and expertise. We shape the future together with openness and clarity, because we believe in empowering people to think creatively about how we can do things better.
Tax Assistant in London employer: BDO LLP
At BDO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values each individual's contributions. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and agile working options, allowing you to thrive in your role as a Tax Assistant in Gatwick. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where collaboration and innovation drive success, and where your career ambitions are nurtured every step of the way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Assistant in London
✨Join Tax Networks
Get involved in tax-focused networks or associations, like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. These communities often host events and workshops which can help you make connections with industry professionals, plus they might even have job boards exclusive to members.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for tax-related conferences and seminars. Events like these are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers face-to-face. Use these opportunities to ask questions and express your interest; it’s all about putting a face to the name!
✨Leverage Social Media
Follow leading tax advisory firms, such as BDO LLP, on social media. Engage with their posts – comment, share insights, or even ask questions. This can help you get noticed and show your enthusiasm for the industry before you even apply!
✨Showcase Your Knowledge
Consider writing articles or blogs on tax trends and issues. Sharing your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn can boost your visibility and establish you as someone who is serious about a career in tax advisory. Plus, it gives you something to discuss when you land that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Tax Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant tax qualifications, certifications, or coursework you've completed. We want to see that you understand tax laws, regulations, and compliance issues—so detail your academic background or any practical experience in tax advisory to catch BDO LLP's eye!
Quantify Your Achievements:In the tax consultancy field, showing measurable outcomes from your previous work can set you apart. Use your CV to include specific examples of how your advice helped clients save money or avoid penalties. Numbers speak volumes in our industry and can really highlight your impact.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you're passionate about tax consultancy and why you're excited about working at BDO LLP. Share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your interest in the tax advisory field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep It Professional but Approachable:While your written application should maintain a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality show. Tax advisory is about building relationships, so if you can convey your approachable nature in your writing, that's a bonus when applying for this full-time role at BDO LLP!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDO LLP
✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals
Brush up on the core principles of tax law, especially recent updates that might affect clients. During the interview, we could face scenario-based questions where we'll need to apply these principles to solve problems, so get comfy with hypothetical situations!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Tax advisory isn't just about knowing the rules; it’s about interpreting them. Make sure to prepare examples from your previous studies or experiences where you successfully analysed complex data. We want to demonstrate how we can bring those analytical skills to the table for BDO LLP.
✨Understand the Consulting Aspect
Since this is a full-time role, the interview might involve discussing how we communicate tax strategies to clients. Think about times we've interacted with clients or presented technical information in a digestible way. This shows we’re not just tax boffins but can also connect with people!
✨Your Long-Term Vision
As we're aiming for a full-time position, it's important to convey our enthusiasm and long-term interest in tax advisory. Be prepared to chat about why we’re passionate about this field and how we see ourselves growing within BDO LLP. It helps to show our commitment!
