Accountant

Tate; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Tate is seeking an experienced VAT Accountant to join our finance team in Brighton on a hybrid basis, supporting two public sector bodies with specialist VAT advice and compliance. This temporary 6-month role requires strong UK VAT knowledge, ability to interpret complex legislation and to work collaboratively with non-finance stakeholders while delivering practical VAT solutions.

Responsibilities include VAT returns, guidance, training, and handling partial exemption calculations along with

Qualifications

• Significant experience in VAT accounting and compliance.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation.
• Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.
• Understanding Partial Exemption calculations and forecasting.
• Ability to interpret VAT guidance for non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience advising on property VAT and agency arrangements.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and submit VAT returns.
• Provide specialist VAT advice to departments across the organisation.
• Determine the correct VAT treatment of transactions and activities.
• Develop, maintain and update VAT guidance documentation and policies.
• Deliver VAT training and awareness sessions to colleagues across the business.
• Interpret and implement advice from external VAT specialists.
• Lead the completion of the annual Partial Exemption calculation.
• Forecast future Partial Exemption positions and assess impact of capital projects.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with VAT legislation and best practice.
• Advise on complex VAT matters, including property transactions and agency arrangements.

Skills

VAT accounting

Partial Exemption

Tax advisory

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIPFA/ATT/CTA)

Job description

VAT Accountant

Location: Brighton - BN3 3BR - Hybrid working/remote a possibility

Contract: Temporary for 6 months

Salary: 400 - 500 Per day through limited company

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, full time and part time options available (minimum 25 hours.)

We are seeking an experienced VAT Accountant to join a dynamic finance team, providing specialist VAT advice and ensuring compliance across two prominent public sector bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong VAT professional who enjoys working collaboratively across a diverse organisation, interpreting complex legislation, and influencing financial decision making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, review and submit VAT returns
• Provide specialist VAT advice and guidance to departments across the organisation.
• Support service areas in determining the correct VAT treatment of transactions and activities.
• Develop, maintain and update VAT guidance documentation and policies.
• Deliver VAT training and awareness sessions to colleagues across the business.
• Interpret and implement advice from external VAT specialists relating to complex and emerging transactions.
• Lead the completion of the annual Partial Exemption calculation.
• Work with service areas to forecast future Partial Exemption positions and assess the impact of capital projects and transactions.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with VAT legislation and best practice across all areas of the organisation.
• Support and advise on complex VAT matters, including property transactions, agency arrangements and other specialist areas.

About You:

• Significant experience in VAT accounting and compliance.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation and its application within complex organisations.
• Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.
• Detailed understanding of Partial Exemption calculations and associated forecasting.
• Ability to interpret complex VAT guidance and communicate practical solutions to non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience providing VAT advice on property transactions, agency arrangements and other complex VAT issues.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a Local Authority, Public Sector, or Government organisation.
• Knowledge of VAT regulations specifically applicable to Local Authorities.
• Relevant professional accounting or tax qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, ATT, CTA or equivalent).

What You'll Bring:

This role would suit a confident VAT professional who enjoys acting as a trusted advisor, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and delivering practical solutions to complex VAT challenges. You'll be comfortable working independently while collaborating with a wide range of services across the organisation.

Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application.