VAT Consultant - Council

Spinwell Global; Bromsgrove; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Spinwell Ltd is recruiting a VAT Consultant for a 6-month contract in Bromsgrove. The role focuses on providing VAT advice to public-sector departments, ensuring HMRC compliance, and supporting audits. Strong VAT knowledge, ACCA/CIPFA/ACA or VAT qualification, and experience with partial exemption calculations are required.

The position offers a daily rate of £500 and requires practical expertise in local government VAT, reporting, and policy updates.

Qualifications

• Significant VAT advisory experience, preferably in public sector or local government.
• Strong knowledge of VAT legislation as it applies to local authorities.
• Experience preparing and reviewing VAT returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Familiarity with local authority accounting frameworks and financial systems.
• Professional qualification in accountancy or VAT-specific qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist VAT advice across departments, incl. capital projects and grant funding.
• Monitor VAT changes and assess impacts on operations and compliance with HMRC.
• Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns and assist audits.
• Identify VAT savings opportunities and recovery strategies.
• Deliver training on VAT matters to finance and non-finance staff.
• Maintain VAT policies and internal controls; liaise with HMRC and advisors.
• Contribute to budgeting and financial planning from a VAT perspective.

Skills

VAT advisory

Public sector experience

VAT legislation

VAT returns

Partial exemption calculations

Audit support

Communication skills

Excel and reporting tools

Analytical/problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

ACCA/CIPFA/ACA or VAT qualification

Job description

Role: VAT Consultant REF 1776379

Contract Length: 6 months

Location: Bromsgrove

IR35: Inside

Pay Rate to Intermediary: £500 per day

Security Clearance: BPSS

Spinwell is recruiting for a VAT Consultant for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VAT CONSULTANT

• Provide specialist VAT advice to departments across the authority, including capital projects, property transactions, and grant funding.
• Monitor and interpret changes in VAT legislation and assess their impact on the authority’s operations.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including preparation and submission of accurate VAT returns.
• Identify opportunities for VAT savings and efficiencies, including partial exemption calculations and VAT recovery strategies.
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and explanations as required.
• Deliver training and guidance to finance and non-finance staff on VAT matters.
• Maintain and update VAT policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Liaise with HMRC and external advisors on complex VAT issues and disputes.
• Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and project appraisals from a VAT perspective.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE VAT CONSULTANT

• Significant experience in VAT advisory work, preferably within a public sector or local government context.
• Strong knowledge of VAT legislation, particularly as it applies to local authorities.
• Experience in preparing and reviewing VAT returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Familiarity with local authority accounting frameworks and financial systems
• Professional qualification in accountancy (e.g., ACCA, CIPFA, ACA) or equivalent VAT-specific qualification.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex VAT issues to non-specialists.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Professional and ethical approach to work.
• Proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• Collaborative and supportive team player.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable of which You will make you aware by means of either email, text or phone. In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us