VAT Consultant

Location: Remote
Rate: £400-£450 per day (Outside IR35)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Start: ASAP
Duration: Initial 3-month contract (potential for extension)

Purpose of the Service

To ensure the local authority maintains full compliance with VAT regulations and maximises VAT recovery opportunities in line with HMRC legislation. The Finance Service Manager will lead on all VAT matters, offering strategic and operational support across departments.

Purpose of the Role

To provide expert VAT advice and technical support across the local authority, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements and enabling accurate, efficient VAT reporting. The role will focus on correcting previous VAT returns, managing compliance, and embedding good practices for future reporting.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the subject matter expert for all VAT-related matters within the authority
• Review and correct historical VAT returns and associated documentation
• Provide strategic and technical VAT advice on capital projects, grant funding, and property transactions
• Ensure full compliance with VAT legislation, including Section 33 of the VAT Act 1994
• Apply VAT Notice 749 guidance to distinguish between business and non-business activities
• Maximise VAT recovery, including managing partial exemption calculations and apportionments
• Submit timely and accurate VAT returns and liaise with HMRC where required
• Identify VAT risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Deliver staff training and awareness sessions on VAT obligations and changes
• Support financial planning and project appraisals from a VAT compliance perspective
• Maintain robust VAT records and documentation for audit readiness
• Engage with external advisors and stakeholders on complex VAT queries

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience managing VAT in a public sector or local authority context
• Strong knowledge of VAT legislation, particularly public body exemptions
• Ability to lead short-term projects with minimal supervision
• Effective communicator and collaborator with both finance and non-finance teams
• Immediately available or available at short notice

To apply or learn more, please contact us. Early applications are encouraged due to the urgent nature of the project