A well-established, independent chartered accountancy firm is seeking a VAT Assistant to join their busy accounts team. The firm has been operating for over 60 years, serving a loyal portfolio of owner-managed businesses across the UK, with a strong reputation for client service, autonomy, and work-life balance. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on VAT experience in a supportive, family-run practice with broad exposure to clients and room for progression. This is an ideal opportunity for a VAT-focused accountant seeking hands-on experience and client responsibility in a highly reputable, family-run practice with excellent progression potential. VAT Assistant - Role Overview Prepare and submit VAT returns for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Maintain and review clients' bookkeeping records to ensure accuracy and compliance. Liaise with clients to gather documentation and resolve queries efficiently. Assist with VAT registration processes and HMRC correspondence. Monitor VAT deadlines and ensure adherence to current HMRC regulations. Support the wider accountancy team with general administrative and ad-hoc financial tasks. Develop strong client relationships while providing high-quality, compliant VAT services. VAT Assistant - Role Requirements Experience in VAT or bookkeeping (practice experience preferred but not essential). Familiarity with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar. Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills. Good communication and interpersonal abilities to liaise effectively with clients and colleagues. Ability to assist the team with general compliance and administrative tasks. VAT Assistant - Salary & Benefits Salary: £25,000-£30,000 per annum (pro rata depending on days worked, 3-5 days per week). Office-based in Central Carlisle with on-site parking (subject to availability). Office-based during probation, with the option for homeworking thereafter if preferred. Early finish on Fridays to support work-life balance. Minimal bureaucracy - no timesheets, high autonomy. Exposure to a wide range of clients, from SMEs to established owner-managed businesses. Flexible package may be considered for the right candidate based on experience and suitability. Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.