Intern - VAT

BDO UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO UAE is seeking a VAT Associate to join our VAT team in Dubai. You will support high-quality VAT compliance tasks for a diverse client base, research UAE VAT rules, and assist with VAT return workings and registrations.

You will work under supervision to ensure accurate VAT treatment and timely deliverables. The role requires a recently completed bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/law and familiarity with Excel; progression toward ACCA/ACA/CPA is advantageous, with a client-service

Qualifications

• Recently completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Law or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support the VAT team in delivering high-quality VAT compliance services across a diverse portfolio of clients.
• Research UAE VAT legislation, FTA clarifications, Cabinet decisions and Ministerial decisions to assist the team on VAT matters.
• Monitor recent VAT developments and assess their potential impact on client matters.
• Assist senior team members in preparing VAT return workings, VAT reconciliations and VAT refund applications.
• Review accounting records and supporting documents to identify VAT treatment and documentation issues.
• Assist with VAT registration, deregistration and amendment applications, and other FTA portal requests.
• Maintain complete VAT working papers and documentation in line with quality standards.
• Support voluntary disclosures, reconsideration-related work and other compliance matters.
• Coordinate with engagement teams and follow up on client information to support timely delivery.
• Assist with engagement administration, deadlines, and time recording.
• Participate in technical training to build knowledge of UAE VAT legislation and advisory practices.
• Adhere to professional ethics and independence in client engagements.
• Support Know Your Customer (KYC) and risk-compliance procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication (ENG)

Arabic language advantage

Team collaboration

Time management

Professional ethics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/law

Progress towards ACCA/ACA/CPA or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 365 (Excel, etc.)

Job description

BDO provides audit and assurance, advisory, tax and business outsourcing services to companies across all sectors of the economy.

As one of the world’s leading audit and accounting organizations, we have clients of all types and sizes, from large corporate organizations to private businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals across various industry sectors.

From a global beginning in 1963 with five firms, today BDO extends across 166 countries and territories, with 115,661 people working out of 1,776 offices.

At BDO, we understand that being the leader in exceptional client service begins – and ends – with exceptional regard for our people. Relationships matter in our work and interactions with clients and how we work and interact with each other. What differentiates BDO as an employer is our focus on relationships.

About the Role:

• Support the VAT team in delivering high-quality VAT compliance services across a diverse portfolio of clients spanning multiple sectors, including Financial Services, Real Estate, FMCG and Hospitality.
• Research UAE VAT legislation, FTA public clarifications, Cabinet decisions and Ministerial decisions to assist the team on VAT matters.
• Monitor recent VAT developments and assist in assessing their potential impact on client matters.
• Assist senior team members in preparing VAT return workings, VAT reconciliations and VAT refund applications.
• Review accounting records and supporting documents, including tax invoices, tax credit notes, import documentation and general ledger data, to identify VAT treatment and documentation issues.
• Assist with VAT registration, deregistration and amendment applications, as well as other FTA portal requests and correspondence.
• Maintain complete and organized VAT working papers, records, trackers, documentation and supporting files in accordance with the firm’s quality standards.
• Support the team on voluntary disclosures, reconsideration-related work and other compliance matters, including preparing supporting documentation and draft responses.
• Coordinate with engagement teams and, under supervision, follow up on client information and clarify data requirements to support timely delivery.
• Assist with engagement administration, including monitoring deadlines, updating internal trackers and recording time accurately.
• Participate in technical training and development sessions conducted by the VAT team to build knowledge of UAE VAT legislation, compliance requirements and advisory practices.
• Adhere to applicable professional ethics standards and uphold the firm's values of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional independence in every client engagement.
• Support the completion of Know Your Client (KYC), conflict checks and other onboarding or risk-compliance procedures in accordance with the firm's policies and applicable requirements
• Handle client and firm information securely and comply with applicable confidentiality, data protection and information security requirements.

Key Attributes:

• Basic knowledge of UAE VAT legislation and Executive Regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work confidently with numerical and financial information.
• Willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.
• Ability to organize work, manage priorities and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and maintain a professional, client-service mindset.
• Sound awareness of professional ethics obligations, including independence, conflicts of interest and confidentiality.

Key Experience Parameters:

• Recently completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Law or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles, financial records and VAT concepts.
• Previous internship, academic project or practical experience in tax, accounting or a related field is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications; familiarity with formulas, lookups, pivot tables and data handling is an advantage.
• Progress towards a relevant professional qualification, such as ACCA, ACA, CPA or an equivalent qualification, is an advantage but not mandatory.

BDO's Story:

The BDO story is truly remarkable one, built on solid foundations laid by our visionary founder. BDO is fundamentally a people-centric business with a proven track record of exceptional client service.

In 2018, we unveiled our leadership ambition: “Our Dream” - emphasizing that it’s time for BDO to lead— for our people to lead, each of us in our own right. Whether in our markets, through innovation, or as future advisors, our purpose, or “WHY,” drives us forward.

Our WHY is “People helping People achieve their Dreams”. Our “WHY” defines our identity – serving as our motivation and guiding principle. This principle is at the heart of BDO because people’s dreams matter to us.

We are driven to help our colleagues, clients, and communities become their fullest. At BDO, a career is distinguished by our unique culture—a fusion of people, passion, and results that defines and shapes everything we do.

What It's Like to Work at BDO:

While many accounting firms offer professional services, few match our rich culture of opportunity, personal fulfillment, and long-term growth.

We are dedicated to the sustainable development of our people, respecting their talents and fostering their growth. Accountability and personal responsibility are encouraged at all levels, supported by structured career planning and training.

Our global culture respects local cultural nuances and strives to be ethical, socially, and environmentally responsible everywhere we operate. At BDO, our diverse team is united by a shared ambition to make a meaningful impact and become the industry’s top choice.