Job Description
Technical, Tax and VAT Accountant
Full-time 41 hours per week based in Bloomsbury, London
Hybrid role (number of days on-site negotiable)
Permanent contract
£49,829 to £54,992 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) 25 th March
About the role
The British Museum is seeking a Technical, Tax and VAT Accountant to join the Finance department, who will prepare returns for our key stakeholders (such as HMRC) and provide technical guidance on issues such as VAT, PAYE, gift aid and foreign tax to the finance team and other departments. The post holder will also manage the investments and act as systems administrator for the Museum's accounting system.
About you
We're looking for a qualified accountant with strong technical expertise in VAT, tax and financial regulation. You'll be confident interpreting legislation, analysing risk, and explaining complex requirements clearly to non-specialists. You combine meticulous attention to detail with the ability to juggle competing deadlines, stay up to date with changing regulations, and support colleagues across Finance, People & Culture and other departments. You thrive in a varied role where accuracy, problem-solving and communication are essential.
Key areas of responsibility
- Review procedures and undertake analysis to ensure that the Museum and all group entities are compliant with HMRC guidance and legislation.
- Advise other departments on the tax implications of projects and new initiatives.
- Prepare UK (and international) tax returns, e.g. VAT, corporation tax, customs clearance compliance and payroll-related returns.
- Compile the year end audit file for the pension scheme accounts and liaise with auditors.
- Provide schedules to allow the preparation of the consolidated British Museum annual accounts.
- Support the administration and development of the Museum's financial systems.
- Provide information, analysis and returns to other bodies such as the Office for National Statistics, and for internal purposes.
Benefits
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit.
- Interest-free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these .
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
