Tax Accountant

We are the UK's leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation infrastructure. Every day, we support over 35,000 students on their journey through higher education, working with our university partners to create an amazing student experience. We have a great opportunity for a Tax Accountant to join the Tax and Treasury team. The Tax Accountant’s primary focus will be to manage the Group's VAT compliance obligations. The role will also support VAT forecasting, budgeting and analysis, working closely with Finance to ensure VAT impacts are appropriately reflected in business planning and decision‑making. In addition, the candidate will support PSA and corporation tax compliance obligations. This hybrid role is based in our award‑winning offices near London Bridge, Cannon Street and Monument stations. On‑the‑job training will be provided to build knowledge and familiarity with treasury operations and processes, and we are looking for a candidate who is willing to learn and support this area.

Responsibilities

• Review transactions for all SPVs and operating entities monthly to ensure correct VAT treatments are applied before the month close.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Ensure the timely payment of all relevant VAT liabilities.
• Oversee and review VAT balance sheet reconciliations by set deadline, ensuring appropriate backup and timely issue resolution.
• Carry out partial exemption calculations and annual adjustments.
• Prepare and deliver VAT training to Finance, AP teams and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Maintain clear and concise working papers suitable for audit purposes.
• Support VAT forecasting, budgeting and analysis, working closely with Finance.
• Analyse transactions monthly to identify PSA items for a smooth PSA return completion at year‑end.
• Provide support on corporation tax compliance work.
• Provide treasury cover with day‑to‑day support including cash management, payments, banking activities and reporting.

Qualifications

We are looking for an experienced professional with 3+ years of VAT compliance experience gained in a medium/large practice or corporate environment with complex property structures. Requirements include:

• Solid understanding of VAT legislation related to land, property, construction, and partial exemption, and practical experience in partial exemption annual adjustment calculations.
• Experience managing the monthly/quartely VAT compliance of 20+ VAT registered entities and taking full ownership of the end‑to‑end VAT compliance process.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Power Query, Power Pivot, xlookup, xmatch, sumifs, iferror, date functions, offset, sum‑product, nested formulas, pivot tables, and macros.
• History of applying advanced Excel knowledge for process improvements.
• ACCAs or CIMA part‑qualified, or willingness to study toward a professional qualification.

Benefits

Competitive salary of c.£60k plus a benefits package including a discretionary performance bonus, private healthcare, pension, life assurance, training, two paid volunteering or personal development days, cycle‑to‑work scheme and 29 days holiday plus bank holidays. We also offer discounts from a variety of retailers, restaurants, gyms and more.

Equal Opportunities and Support

UPP welcomes all applications and recognises the value of a diverse and inclusive culture, which reflects the communities we serve. We understand that disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please advise us of any adjustments that would support you through our recruitment process and help you thrive at work.

Core Values

Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.