VAT Tax Associate ATT/CTA (Graduate Scheme) - Kent- September 2027

Cooper & Hall Limited; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working

30days holiday

Study support package

Recognition awards

Assistance programme

Disability confident

Job summary

MHA is seeking a proactive Indirect Tax Associate to join its graduate programme. You’ll learn the fundamentals, carry out technical research, help prepare VAT returns, and support client compliance obligations while training on-the-job.

You'll work with diverse teams, attend client meetings, and progress towards ATT Level 5 and CTA Level 7, with mentorship and a flexible hybrid working policy including some homeworking.

Qualifications

• Achieved or predicted 2:1 degree or above with at least 112 UCAS points from top three subjects (or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience, mentorship, and recognition of professional qualification throughout the graduate programme.
• End of programme, you’ll be a commercially minded professional ready to drive your own career forward.

Responsibilities

• Prepare VAT returns and research tax legislation.
• Assist with compliance obligations for client entities and support advisory work.
• Attend client meetings and coordinate with HMRC as needed.
• Study towards ATT Level 5 and CTA level 7 while gaining practical, on-the-job training.

Skills

Initiative

Creativity

Curiosity

Commercial awareness

Education

2:1 degree or above

112 UCAS points

ATT Level 5 and CTA Level 7 ambition

Job description

Entry requirements:Achievedor predicted2:1 degreeor aboveand at least 112 UCAS points fromyour topthree subjects (or equivalent)

We'relooking for talented individuals who bring initiative, creativity, and curiosity to the table. In return,you'llgain valuable hands-on experience, receive mentorship from some of the industry's best and earn recognised professional qualification.

By the endofyourGraduateProgramme,you'llbe a well-rounded, commercially minded professional, ready to take on interesting and challenging responsibilities. Youwon'tjust be fully qualified -you'llbe fully prepared to drive your own career forward.

What Sets Us Apart

At MHA, people come first, our colleagues, our clients, and the communities we support.In 2026, we ranked as number 11 in the UK's top accountancy firms and a proud member of Baker Tilly International, the world's 8th largest network, we combine global insight with a strong local commitment.

We are proud to hold the Investors in People Gold award, recognising our commitment to supporting, developing, and valuing every individual.

Here,You’llGo Beyond Numbers

We are looking for aTax Associateto join us who is comfortable in an evolving environment and enjoys solving a variety of challenges that contribute to meaningful outcomes.

At MHA, you will be surrounded by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference. Your work inTax will go beyond the numbers,we believe in hands-on learning.You'llbe doing real work on real projects, not just shadowing. Whileyou'llreceive mentorship and guidance, we prefer you to learn through extensive and practical on-the-job training.

What does a career in Indirect Tax actually involve?

Indirect Tax is about helping businesses understand and manage the taxes that apply to the goods and services they provide, while navigating an increasingly complex and changing tax environment. You’ll work with a variety of organisations, from growing owner-managed businesses to larger companies and international groups, building relationships with clients and developing an understanding of how their businesses operate. From an early stage, you’ll support work such as preparing VAT returns, researching tax legislation and helping clients meet their compliance obligations, while as your experience develops, you’ll gain exposure to more advisory work around areas such as business transactions, supply chains, international trade and changes to how businesses operate. It’s a career that combines technical knowledge with commercial awareness, problem solving and working with people. If you’re interested in how businesses operate, how goods and services move through the economy and how tax influences commercial decisions, Indirect Tax could be a great fit for you.

As an Indirect Tax Associate, you'll experience the power of collaboration as you work with diverse teams on real projects. Start by learning the fundamentals, including:

• Carrying out technical research, analysis, and reports

• Coming up with solutions with your team

• Identifying areas of risk by conducting compliance health checks

• Attending client meetings and advising on the best course of action

• Assist with any inspections, address reporting requirements and registrations

• Negotiating with HM Revenue & Customs

• Studying towards your professional qualification (ATT Level 5 and CTA level 7)

Rewards That Resonate

You’remore than a number to us;you'resomeonewithuniqueskillsand aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support yourwellbeing, foster your professional growth, and recognise the contribution you make.

• Agile working:Our flexible working policy gives you greater choice over how you structure your day. With core hours of 10am-2pm, you can start earlier or finish later to suit your needs, alongside theoptionto work from home up to two days a week. For trainees, we ask for full office attendance during the first six months to ensure you receive the training, support and experience needed for a strong start, with greater flexibility available after that.

• 30days' holiday, including bank holidays, plus the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days (28 days on a training contract, with the opportunity to buy 5 days).

• Full study support package:including exams, tuition, study leave days and materials.

• Employee recognition awards:Performance Award bonusand other recognition initiatives.

• Employee Assistance Programme:A free, confidential 24-hour support service, including unlimited counselling sessions and access to virtual doctors for you and your family.

• And lots more!

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Career?

At MHA, we know that diversity, inclusion, and belonging lead to better decisions, stronger performance, and a workplace where everyone can feel included and thrive.That'swhy we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we willprogress you to the next stage of the process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please let us know and we will be happy to help.

Our application form takes just a few minutes to complete and includes some diversity questions. MHA is a committed member of Access Accountancy and as such, we track our diversity stats and actively work to improve on these, year on year, looking at new ways to promote our roles to the widest audience. Any data collected is fully anonymised before sharing with any external parties, as per our Data Protection Policy and is not visible to hiring managers, or used in any way during the selection process.