VAT Accountant – EK

Organisation: Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) Reporting to: Chief Accountant & Head of Finance Contract: Interim Assignment – 3 Months / 13 Weeks

Hours: 3 days per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid – ideally 2 days per week in the office, minimum 1 day per week
Start Date: 30 September

Job Purpose

Amber Valley Borough Council is seeking an experienced Interim VAT Accountant to provide specialist VAT expertise, training and knowledge transfer to a new permanent member of the Accountancy team.

The successful candidate will work closely with the new team member throughout the assignment, providing practical training and guidance across all aspects of VAT within a district council environment and ensuring the individual develops a strong understanding of the Council’s VAT processes, procedures and requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive VAT training and knowledge transfer to a new member of the Accountancy team.
• Work closely with the new member of staff on a day-to-day basis to transfer practical VAT knowledge and experience.
• Develop a detailed understanding of AVBC-specific VAT matters, working alongside other members of the Accountancy team where required.
• Prepare and support the submission of VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Provide advice on the VAT treatment of fees and charges across the Council.
• Manage and provide guidance on VAT recovery and VAT compliance.
• Support and explain the Council’s Partial Exemption (PE) calculations.
• Provide advice and guidance on VAT coding and the appropriate application of VAT codes.
• Advise on Option to Tax / Opting to Tax considerations.
• Deal with and provide guidance on VAT queries raised by colleagues across the Council.
• Train the new team member on how and when to utilise external VAT advisers and specialist tax helplines, including PS Tax.
• Provide guidance on wider and emerging VAT issues, including implications arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Demonstrate best practice in identifying, researching and resolving complex local authority VAT issues.
• Quickly learn and operate the Council’s financial management system and associated processes.
• Use Microsoft Access and databases effectively to support VAT and financial processes.
• Ensure relevant VAT policies, procedures and controls are understood and followed.

Essential Experience & Skills

The successful candidate will have:

• Extensive experience managing VAT matters within a district council or local authority.
• Strong knowledge of Local Government VAT and public-sector VAT requirements.
• Proven experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.