VAT ACCOUNTANT

Posted 25 August 2025
Salary 31.48
LocationHuyton L36 United Kingdom
Job type Full time
Sector Financial / Banking / Accounting
ReferenceRQ1590566

Job description

3 months contract with local authority 

Job Description

You will be a key member of a team providing financial management support to Council service managers delivering services to Knowsley residents. Your primary focus will be on providing specialist VAT advice to Council clients. You will be required to work at the Council Offices in Huyton each Tuesday.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is not an exhaustive list of all the tasks, which may be required of the post holder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken.

Grade L / M

1) Accounting
  • Identify, advise on, and manage the VAT aspects of projects and major developments undertaken by the Council and its partners.
  • Manage all aspects of VAT and other non-payroll related taxation and tax planning with the objective of minimizing both the Council’s tax liability and the financial risks associated with potential liabilities.
  • Monitor the Council's VAT partial exemption position to ensure the Council does not become partially exempt and ensure completion of necessary year-end calculations.
  • Manage and monitor the “Option to Tax” process.
  • Provide support and solutions to queries relating to VAT and non-payroll taxation as and when they arise.
  • Provide strategic support to the Executive Director (Resources) in ensuring sound financial management, budget strategies, and reporting arrangements are in place to assist the delivery of strategic corporate plans.
  • Interpret and monitor the VAT implications of client projects, service plans, policies, and strategies.
2) Managing Client Relations
  • Lead the provision of financial management advice to clients on a day-to-day basis.
  • Lead the reporting process to clients on relevant financial management issues.
  • Effectively represent the team at working groups/meetings including external partnerships and special projects.
  • Work with clients (including third parties/external service providers) to ensure the effective financial management of services and projects.
  • Advise on relationships to the wider roles of the Financial Management Service when undertaking tasks and providing advice to clients.
3) Supporting Team Performance
  • Ensure that relevant information is available to clients in accordance with agreed timetables.
  • Produce appropriate written reports and financial statements to a high quality requiring minimal amendment by managers.


Requirements


  • Proven experience in providing specialist VAT advice
  • Strong knowledge of VAT and non-payroll related taxation
  • Excellent communication and client management skills
  • Ability to work effectively within a team and with external partners
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities