Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with figures? Are you AAT qualified or nearing completion of your AAT qualification? Have you completed the first levels of ACCA? Are you looking for support in obtaining your AAT/ACCA qualifications? If you are interested in taxation and VAT and looking to start or develop your career in taxation and VAT, this could be the role you have been looking for.
The Role
The post of Tax Assistant is a great opportunity for candidates who have a passion for finance and looking to further their financial career specialising in Direct (Corporation Tax), Indirect (VAT, Excise Duties) and Overseas Tax.
The successful candidate will assist the Tax Manager with all direct and indirect tax related tasks for the University and its subsidiaries. This will include reviewing and monitoring financial transactions to ensure they are compliant with current tax legislation and guidelines, and responding to queries from colleagues around the University regarding tax and VAT. You will assist in the preparation, reconciliation and submission of the VAT and Corporation Tax returns, and research ways to optimise the University’s tax affairs by investigating and promoting efficient schemes to minimise tax costs in ways that are legitimate, low risk and where the costs are in proportion to the benefits.
About you
To be successful in the Tax Assistant role, you will need at least 5 GCSE passes (grades A-C) or equivalent including Mathematics and English Language, and be AAT qualified (or working towards the qualification).
In addition to having a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and be comfortable working with technology and data, you will have attention to detail and be able to work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy. You will be able to identify key relevant information within large data sources and relay this information in a clear a concise manner to a range of customers across the University.
What we can offer
We currently offer a generous package including: Hybrid working with a mix of on-site and remote working (see job pack for details) and onsite parking when attending our Colchester campus. Generous holiday entitlement of 28 days, pro rata for part time staff (plus a further 8 bank holidays and an extra 3 days when closed during the Christmas period).
The University will support the Professional Development in this role by funding study towards AAT (or equivalent) or CCAB qualifications through the use of the apprenticeship levy.
Finance, Planning and Data Insight Section
The University is committed to attracting the best and the brightest students, academics and staff and this exciting role is based within the Finance Planning and Data Insight Section of the University. You will be part a 60+ strong team that supports the University in Financial and Management Accounting, Payments, Income, Taxation, Insurance, Financial Compliance, Planning and Data Insight.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: