Assistant Accountant – VAT (Full‑time)

About the role

Join Torbay Council's Finance team as an Assistant Accountant specialising in VAT. This full‑time position offers exposure to a wide range of VAT responsibilities within a local authority environment, supporting your development in public sector finance.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and submit monthly VAT returns.
• Assist with reconciliations between VAT ledger accounts and HMRC reclaim totals.
• Respond to routine VAT coding and treatment queries from finance colleagues and service areas.
• Support the preparation of schedules and evidence for internal and external audits, including HMRC information requests.
• Maintain and update VAT policy documents and procedure notes.
• Contribute to the effective management of daily cash‑flow activities.

Required profile

• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, meet deadlines and handle conflicting priorities.
• Flexible communication style suitable for a wide range of audiences.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• High level of numeracy, literacy and IT proficiency.
• Basic knowledge of accounting standards, annual account closing and bookkeeping.

Required skills

• VAT return preparation.
• VAT ledger reconciliation.
• VAT policy maintenance.

What we offer

• Salary range £31,537 – £34,434 per year.
• Structured training, on‑the‑job learning and professional study opportunities.
• Clear progression pathway towards senior VAT roles.
• Supportive and experienced team environment.