VAT jobs

Devon is a trainee Chartered Tax Adviser and is here with an insider guide to VAT jobs (also known as Value Added Tax). 

Whether you’re considering a career in tax or simply curious about VAT jobs – Devon offers insightful perspectives and practical advice that you won’t want to miss.

From the challenges to the rewards, Devon gives the low-down on his typical day and explores the unique aspects of working in the specialised field of VAT.

How did you get into a VAT job?

I came to work in the tax team, in a VAT job. My degree is in economics so I had a basic understanding of finance and how it impacts a business.

During my degree I enjoyed researching problem and finding the economic solution. This is similar to working in tax where we are often trying to understand our clients’ issues and find solutions. For example we’ll be identifying and interpreting the legislation, checking the published guidance or interpreting case law.

What do you like about your VAT job?

VAT is an exciting area of tax which follows different rules to the other taxes. It is very much a specialist area where you will gain a deep knowledge and understanding.

As transactional tax, a VAT job is fast paced with decisions required quickly to support the VAT treatment applied to a sale or purchase. VAT is exciting as you always know that the work you are producing for the client is impactful and valued by them.

What were your first thoughts about working in VAT?

My initial concern, given the specialised nature of VAT jobs, was that my knowledge gaps would hinder my effectiveness. I wondered if the support structure would be sufficient to assist my learning if I had any questions.

I was also concerned that it would take time for me to be trusted to do meaningful work. Would I spend a lot of time doing admin tasks before getting into the real work of a VAT job? How long until I’d be working with clients to develop my understanding of the role?

But I needn’t have been concerned. On my first day I enrolled for the ATT Foundation in VAT Compliance Diploma and this qualification is extremely helpful. It gave me an understanding of the basics needed in VAT jobs and provided a strong foundation to launch me into doing client work.

I was soon working with clients, with the support from everybody within the VAT team. I rapidly learnt that because VAT is a specialist area it is a close-knit team. We all support each other to resolve queries; you can ask anyone for support and they are more than happy to help. The only stupid question is the one you did not ask!

What skills do you need?

I started my VAT job with no real prior knowledge in VAT – other than knowing when you buy something that if it wasn’t for VAT it would 20% cheaper!

But really, no prior technical knowledge is required to be successful in a VAT job if you are motivated and keen to learn. The ATT Foundation in VAT Compliance was a great start and brought me up to speed with the knowledge which is required.

Listening is a key skill because I work alongside mangers and colleagues who are experienced specialists, and I learn nuggets of information from them. It’s particularly helpful to learn how they communicate with clients, and how the build relationships and trust.

It’s most important to be a team player. We work as a team and everyone so supportive of each other with everyone doing their bit to help our clients and contribute to the overall success of the firm.

Would you advise others to go into a VAT job?

Anyone considering a career in tax should look into specializing in VAT. A VAT job means challenging complexity and technological advancements, having a deep knowledge and knowing how to apply it practically in various business circumstances. Tax services will always be in demand – as they say, tax is one of the two certainties in life!

The opportunities that tax and VAT jobs bring, along with the professional qualification I’m studying for, are extremely rewarding – even though it’s hard work!

A deep understanding of VAT is invaluable because it is often seen as one of the most complex and nuanced taxes, not following other tax rules. Once you gain specialist VAT knowledge, your professional standing quickly rises and you become more confident, not just in the workplace but also in navigating everyday challenges.

Where can a VAT job take you?

My aspiration for my future is increase my VAT knowledge and achieve my professional qualifications. I hope to qualify as a Chartered Tax Advisor.

I enjoy what I am doing now. I’m working with a range of clients in the consultancy space – so I get to solve lots of different problems instead of working in only one industry.

My dream job? I am a keen sports fan so would love specialise in the sports industry, working with sport clients to help with their VAT and Customs position. Luckily for me we have a wide client base that already includes many such organisations so I can already see the opportunities opening up. More so as my knowledge and understanding increases.

That may be in the future, but for now I am fully focused on my earning my qualifications and taking one exam at a time. I am excited about my future in VAT and at PKF Francis Clark.