VAT Specialist

For a well-loved animal charity, we are looking for a skilled Charity VAT Specialist for a short-term role to manage the VAT calculations and ensure the charity is compliant across all charity activities, with a focus on VAT recovery, submissions, and maximizing available reliefs. This position will suit someone immediately available, with a strong practical knowledge of charity VAT requirements, and able to provide support during a busy period.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

VAT Compliance and Calculations:

• Oversee VAT calculations across various charity-related activities, ensuring VAT treatments are applied correctly.
• Calculate and ensure correct VAT recovery on relevant charity purchases, including those related to exempt and non-business activities.
• Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns, ensuring all charity-related income, expenses, and purchases are properly accounted for in accordance with UK VAT legislation.
• Complete the VAT treatment of specific charitable activities, including complex transactions like grants, donations, and fundraising events.

VAT Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain precise records of VAT transactions and ensure that all VAT documentation is accurate and compliant with audit standards.
• Generate VAT reports for senior management to review, detailing VAT obligations, recoveries, and any potential areas of concern or opportunity for improvement.

VAT Filing:

• Ensure timely submission of VAT returns to HMRC, meeting required deadlines and maintaining full compliance with tax regulations.
• Reconcile VAT control accounts to ensure VAT submissions are accurate and complete.

VAT Audits and HMRC Liaison:

• Assist with any VAT audits or investigations and provide the necessary supporting documentation.
• Respond promptly to any queries or concerns raised by HMRC regarding VAT compliance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven Charity VAT expertise, including reliefs, exemptions, and VAT recovery processes.
• Strong hands-on experience with VAT returns and compliance for charities or not-for-profit organisations.
• Detailed knowledge of VAT rules affecting charitable activities, i.e., fundraising, donations, grants.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage complex VAT transactions accurately.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently within tight deadlines.
• A professional qualification in VAT, accounting, or tax (e.g., ATT, CTA, ACA, ACCA).
• Experience working in a temporary or project-based role, with the ability to hit the ground running.
• Prior experience dealing with VAT audits or HMRC queries.