Senior Technical Analyst (VAT, Grants and Transactions) in London

London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Senior Technical Analyst (VAT, Grants and Transactions) to play a leading role in safeguarding the Council’s financial integrity and ensuring compliance with a complex regulatory environment. Working within the Finance Division and reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will provide specialist expertise across VAT, grant accounting, statutory returns and general ledger transactions, supporting the delivery of a robust and effective technical finance function.

This is a critical role with responsibility for the Council’s annual VAT claims of approximately £42 million and oversight of revenue income totalling £510 million. You will lead on complex VAT and taxation matters, grant governance, control account management and statutory reporting, ensuring that the Council meets its legal obligations while maximising financial opportunities and minimising risk. The role will involve interpreting complex accounting and taxation regulations, developing financial controls, improving processes and providing authoritative advice to stakeholders across the organisation.

You will act as the Council’s lead technical specialist for VAT and grants, working closely with HMRC, external VAT advisors, auditors, senior finance colleagues and service managers to ensure compliance, strengthen governance and support informed decision-making. You will also play a significant role in supporting the preparation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts, leading technical improvement projects, developing guidance and training, and helping to drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement across the finance function.

At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a technically skilled finance professional with expertise in financial accounting, VAT, grant accounting and statutory reporting, ideally gained within local government or a complex public sector organisation. You will be confident interpreting legislation and accounting standards, providing expert advice, resolving complex issues and communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach, together with a commitment to governance, continuous improvement and excellent customer service, is essential.

Key Requirements

• AAT qualified, part-qualified CCAB (or equivalent experience) with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, including IFRS, SeRCOP, VAT regulations, grant accounting and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience managing VAT compliance, grant governance, Statements of Accounts and statutory returns such as RO, QRO and Whole of Government Accounts.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and accounting standards, provide technical advice and resolve challenging financial issues.
• Knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, general ledger management and financial governance requirements.
• Experience implementing process improvements, strengthening controls and enhancing financial systems and reporting.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with advanced Excel and financial systems experience.
• Experience producing technical guidance, procedures and training materials, and building effective relationships with auditors, HMRC and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and customer service skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.