Reed

VAT Accountant

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Bristol, UK
£40,000 – £45,000
about 16 hours ago
on-site

Skills & Technologies

CGoSOLIDContinuous ImprovementFinancial AnalysisAuditTaxPayrollSAPGAAPIFRSACAACCACIMAComplianceBalance SheetVATRecruitmentBenefitsCommunication Skills

Job Description

Your new company Bristol based business

Your new role We're looking for a high-calibre General Ledger Accountant with strong UK VAT expertise to join a growing finance function and play a key role in building and shaping VAT and tax processes from the ground up.This is a unique opportunity for a technically strong, hands-on accountant who wants to go beyond traditional GL responsibilities and take real ownership of VAT, payroll taxes, and compliance frameworks within a supportive team environment.This position combines core general ledger ownership with a clear focus on UK VAT and tax compliance, giving you the scope to influence, design, and improve processes.You'll take responsibility for either one larger UK entity or multiple smaller sites, while having dedicated capacity to lead VAT and tax-related activities.Working closely with internal stakeholders, you will act as the go-to expert for VAT matters, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Own and maintain accurate General Ledger accounts across assigned entities

Deliver balance sheet reconciliations, investigate variances, and resolve issues proactively

Provide financial analysis and insight to stakeholders across the business

Prepare and review UK VAT returns (including PIVA, reverse charge, EC transactions, and group returns)

Lead VAT process development, from reconciliation through to HMRC submission

Manage VAT coding and configuration within SAP, ensuring accuracy and compliance

Act as the main point of contact for HMRC queries, audits, and inspections

Support employment tax compliance, including P11D and PSA submissions

Contribute to building robust, scalable tax and compliance processes

What you'll need to succeed

This is not a standard GL Accountant role - we are specifically seeking someone with deep, practical VAT expertise who can bring structure and leadership to this area.

Strong UK VAT experience is essential, including

End-to-end VAT processes (reconciliation submission audit support)

Ability to interpret complex VAT rules and apply them in a commercial environment

Confidence dealing with HMRC and tax audits

Proven General Ledger experience (5+ years) in a corporate or multi-entity environment

Solid understanding of UK GAAP and/or IFRS

Minimum part-qualified (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA)

Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain VAT/tax matters clearly to non-finance stakeholders

What you'll get in return

Flexible working options available.

Health & wellbeing support - private medical cover plus access to wellbeing resources.

On-site convenience - free parking and a subsidised canteen.

Financial benefits - pension scheme, reward/discount platform and relevant allowances.

Workplace community - regular staff social events and engagement activities.

Professional support - structured processes, clear responsibilities and cross-functional exposure.

Stable, global environment - part of a large, international organisation with strong governance and career pathways.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. INDHAF

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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Private MedicalPension25+ Days HolidayStock OptionsLearning BudgetFlexible Hours
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