Job Overview

Robertson Bell is exclusively partnering with the British Medical Association (BMA) in their search for a Group VAT Accountant to join their team on a permanent basis. 

If you would like to apply please send your CV and cover note to kathrynmoss@robertsonbell.co.uk. 

About the role

Reporting into the Group Financial Controller, the Group VAT Accountant will be responsible for ensuring that the BMA Group (BMA and BMJPG) properly accounts for VAT and meets their statutory return, including overseas equivalents. You will proactively ensure that the finance systems and internal processes across the group are compliant and will manage relationships with external advisors and HMRC, as the organisation’s VAT Subject Matter Expert.

The organisation:

Founded in 1832 as a member-run and led organisation, the BMA champions the rights and interests of the medical profession, negotiates doctors' contracts, and advocates for public health improvements. As of August 2024, the BMA boasted a record-breaking membership of over 195,000.

Beyond national representation, the BMA Group (through the BMJ) is expanding its international reach by supporting global health initiatives, such as the Health Information for All (HIFA) campaign, which aims to provide accessible healthcare information worldwide. Through these efforts, the BMA continues to influence healthcare policy both within the UK and globally, and this Group VAT Accountant will be critical to supporting the continued development of their international reach.

The key duties of the role are as follows:

• Responsible for submission of accurate and timely statutory VAT returns (and international equivalents) for the Group.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations on a regular basis that supports the VAT return submission.
• Undertake annual reviews of the VAT position, including any exemptions applied during the year.
• Proactively ensure that the finance systems and internal processes across the Group are compliant with the required tax legislation and remain alert to any future changes.
• Proactively manage the relationship with external advisors and HMRC.
• Liaise with Group Auditors, providing support and information for financial audits, preparation of financial statements and other requests.
• Compile and communicate appropriate tax guidance and training wherever needed within the group, liaising with external advisors as necessary.
• Provide non-finance managers with insight, creativity and support whilst new business proposals are developed for proposed new income streams

To be successful as a Group VAT Accountant you'll ideally have:

• Accounting Qualification (CCAB) (essential)
• Significant experience in VAT within a commercial organisation (essential)
• Previous experience of working in a VAT compliance role (essential)
• Knowledge of applying VAT law and how it affects corporations.
• Knowledge and understanding of UK, EU and global VAT compliance issues
• Good relationship building and management skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail, accuracy and data analysis skills

The deadline for applications is on Sunday 22^nd June, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 7^th July. Applications will be under continuous review before this closing date so please do not delay in applying.

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession!

If you would like to apply to this role please send your CV and cover note to kathrynmoss@robertsonbell.co.uk

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• Onsite gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications.  Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

Whether the role needs you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we`ll provide all the support you need.  

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. However,  if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: 

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody with the right skills and experience and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system, as we do not hold a sponsorship licence.