Job Description

Leeds
Tax
Full Time
Permanent
Overview of Firm
PKF is the 12th largest accountancy brand and the 12th largest audit practice in the UK. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on the ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.
We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well-known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast-moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not for profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.
Introduction to the Division
Tax
Our tax service line covers five key areas: Corporate Tax, Human Capital, Indirect Tax, Private Clients and Tax Disputes. The team has grown significantly in recent years and has ambitious plans for the future.
We work across all sectors, with specialisms in insurance, property, technology, international businesses, high net worth individuals and globally mobile individuals.
Responsibilities
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The role requires an ambitious, confident individual, with excellent knowledge of VAT tax to join the growing VAT Team. The team plans to double in size over the next 3-5 years and so promotion opportunities would be available in the future for a successful and ambitious candidate.
Client Responsibilities
The VAT team at PKF Littlejohn LLP deals with a broad range of consultancy and compliance work emanating from a wide variety of clients. Our clients need you to:
Liaise with HMRC to help them to discharge their VAT obligations correctly and on time so that they and their suppliers/customer do not incur unexpected VAT costs (be they absolute or cashflow costs), interest and penalties
Speak to them (in person and/or on video calls) to understand their issues and determine the VAT treatment(s) of their transactions
Provide clear and concise written advice to them that is well-researched, considered and contains practical/commercial recommendations
Resolve differences of view (about the VAT treatment of transactions) between your clients and HMRC/their suppliers/their customers through insight, deep technical research and a pragmatic/commercial approach
Obtain written views from HMRC
Take VAT appeals to the Tax Tribunal
Participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Negotiate with HMRC and (where necessary) their supplier(s)/customer(s) in respect of the potential VAT treatment of their transactions.
Work assignments
Work will include support with the following:
Tender proposals
Assistance in VAT marketing initiatives
Due diligence as part of Transaction Services projects
VAT input as part of external audit services
VAT input to insolvency/restructuring team
Training staff/clients on VAT matters
Investigation and resolution of VAT queries
Preparation and submission of VAT registration applications and VAT returns.
People Management
The post-holder will be jointly responsible for managing junior staff and may have the opportunity to manage some direct reports following successful completion of probation.
PKF Littlejohn LLP believes strongly in encouraging the personal development of each member of staff and the Firm supports and provides internal and external training courses as well as professional updates on technical and non-technical subjects. In addition to managing their own development, individuals are expected to encourage and take an active role in the training and development of junior staff.
Opportunities
Career progression at PKF Littlejohn LLP is meritocratic. The VAT department is growing; there is therefore ample scope for progression. Career progression is reviewed not just at the annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Skills and Experience
Proven skills in VAT advisory/compliance work gained in practice
A good understanding of VAT principles
Able to explain complex issues in a way non-VAT experts will understand
Up-to-date technical skills and experience, across a broad range of client business issues
Ability to manage a small client portfolio profitably
Attributes
Willingness/desire to help colleagues and clients to resolve their issues
Tenacious, creative and enjoys solving puzzles/problems
Interested in trying to understand issues and other people's perspectives on them
Thoughtful, reflective and considered/well-researched before offering views/opinions
Able to quickly identify the main ideas/important points in written text or during verbal interactions
Organised, efficient and responsive
Clear and concise communication (both verbal and written)
Willingness/desire to expand knowledge and improve skills (or self and others)
Responsive/attentive
Proactive
Positive/can do attitude
Calm/unflappable/patient
Qualifications
Not essential, but helpful:
ACA/CA/CTA or equivalent

Benefits

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Life assurance
Permanent health insurance
Private medical
Hybrid / flexible working
Enhanced sick leave
Enhanced annual leave
Salary sacrifice options
Enhanced pension matching contributions
Season ticket loan
Sabbaticals
Secondments
Professional subscriptions
Dress down policy